If you’re among the many people struggling with weight issues, it probably feels like an impossible goal to drop to a pound less. Even more discouraging, the most effective weight loss medications don’t necessarily shed the pounds faster than traditional diet and exercise programs. But for those patients who are open to alternative treatments, there are options that may help them shed the pounds without risking their health.
One such treatment is semaglutide, a medication that was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for weight loss in adults. Like other GLP-1 medications, such as exenatide and liraglutide, semaglutide works by amplifying the body’s own insulin response, resulting in more efficient glucose use and a drop in blood sugar. But in addition to helping with diabetes, studies have also shown that semaglutide may be helpful for those seeking to lose weight.
In this article, we’ll discuss how much weight you may lose with the help of semaglutide. We’ll review the results of two clinical trials, examine the side effects of the medication, and discover how it compares to popular dietary supplements for weight loss.
How Much Weight Can You Lose With Semaglutide?
Researchers conducted two large-scale clinical trials to assess the efficacy and safety of semaglutide for weight loss. The primary trial, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, had 42 sites across the country and involved 1,447 participants with Type 2 diabetes who were taking part in a weight loss program. These participants were randomly assigned to receive one of three different doses of semaglutide or placebo in addition to their routine diabetes treatment. The other trial, which was published in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, had 11 sites in Sweden and involved 664 participants with Type 2 diabetes who were undergoing treatment for cardiovascular diseases. These participants were also randomly assigned to receive either placebo or one of two different doses of semaglutide in addition to their standard diabetes treatment.
After just 26 weeks of treatment, the low-dose group in both studies had lost a average of about 4.5 pounds, while those taking the highest dose had lost more than 7 pounds. The higher doses were also associated with a smaller waistline in this trial. No significant adverse effects were reported in either trial, but there was a slight increased risk of thyroid cancer in those who took part in the New England Journal of Medicine trial. To reduce this risk, the experts advise patients to undergo thyroid monitoring during and after treatment with semaglutide.
Based on these promising results, the FDA recently approved semaglutide for use in people with Type 2 diabetes. In clinical trials, those taking the medication had a significant reduction in their body mass index (BMI) and achieved similar results to those who were taking the prescription weight loss medication Orlistat (a synthetic derivative of natural Orangi fruit). However, semaglutide is considered a medication of last resort, as it is associated with increased risk of adverse effects, including thyroid cancer. Nonetheless, for those who are unable to lose weight with traditional means, it may be an option worth considering.
Side Effects Associated With Semaglutide Use
The most common side effects associated with semaglutide treatment include mild to moderate diarrhea (occurring in around 15% of participants), nausea (in 11.5% of participants), and vomiting (in 12% of participants). Other serious side effects include pneumonia (in 3.2% of participants), heart failure (in 1.6%), and urinary tract infections (in 3.4%).
In a clinical trial, those taking the highest dose of semaglutide (300 mcg/day) were nearly four times as likely to experience diarrhea as those taking the lowest dose (75 mcg/day). Similarly, in both trials, participants who were taking the higher dose experienced a significantly greater reduction in their waistlines than those who were taking the lower doses. Diarrhea was more likely to occur in men and in those who had previously taken GLP-1 medications. In those taking the highest dose, headaches, muscle spasms, and dizziness occurred significantly more often than in those who were taking a lower dose. But these side effects were generally mild to moderate and transient. The experts advise patients to speak with their doctors about possible adjustments to their medication dosage as needed.
How Does Semaglutide Compare To Popular Dietary Supplements For Weight Loss?
As mentioned above, semaglutide may be an option for those who are seeking to lose weight and don’t want to risk adverse effects from prescription medications. But for those who are interested in dietary supplements, a number of options exist that may help them shed the pounds. One of the most popular is the thermogenic product Capsule, which helps to increase body heat and energy expenditure while dieting. It’s important to determine how each supplement compares to one another when choosing a weight loss plan. For example, Capsule can sometimes be harmful, as it contains caffeine and aspirin as well as vitamin E, which may increase the risk of stomach irritation in some people. Moreover, cinnamon has been shown in some studies to increase the risk of heart disease.
In contrast, the primary ingredient in some dietary supplements for weight loss, such as Chromium, has been shown in studies to increase insulin sensitivity and help to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. These results mean that Chromium supplementation may prove helpful for those who are seeking to shed the pounds as well. Patients interested in dietary supplements should discuss their options with their doctors or other healthcare providers before making any decisions. They may also choose to try different products and then see which one is most effective for them.
Ultimately, each individual may choose different approaches to weight loss, and this should be respected. But for those who are seeking a safe and effective weight loss alternative, semaglutide may be an option worth considering. It’s a medication that has been shown to be effective for those with Type 2 diabetes, which is more prevalent than obesity in today’s world. Moreover, it’s typically a well-tolerated medication with few side effects. This makes it a good choice for people who are seeking an alternative to risky surgeries and dangerous prescription drugs. Nonetheless, due to the limited research available, patients must understand the risks associated with this treatment. Some patients may still choose to avoid these risks and instead seek out risky and invasive procedures, so it’s a balancing act between effectiveness and safety for everyone.