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Semaglutide for Weight Loss

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medication available as an injection or tablets, used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Semaglutide helps type-2 diabetics control blood sugar levels by enhancing the release of insulin, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.

This process also slows digestion and reduces appetite therefore making Semaglutide an effective weight-loss treatment.

Types of Semaglutide for Weight Loss

In the U.K the most widely available brands of Semaglutide are Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus.

WeGovy is licensed for weight loss, whilst Ozempic and Rybelsus are primarily used to treat type-2 diabetes.

However on occasion doctors may prescribe Ozempic ‘off-label’ for weight-loss or Rybelsus as an oral Semaglutide weight loss product.

Brand	Licensed to Treat	Formulation
Ozempic	Type 2 Diabetes	Injection
Rybelsus	Type 2 Diabetes	Tablet
WeGovy	Weight loss	Injection

How effective is Semaglutide for weight loss?

Weight loss injection Semaglutide is considered one of the most effective weight loss treatments available.

A 2021 phase 3 clinical trial found a dosage of 2.4mg weekly Semaglutide injection produced a mean weight loss of 14.9%. Far greater than the 2.4% weight loss seen with the placebo.

[1] Chronic Weight Results | Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg (novomedlink.com)

Are There Any Side Effects of Semaglutide?

Common of very common side effects include:

Appetite decreased; burping; cholelithiasis (gallstones); constipation; diarrhea; fatigue; gastrointestinal discomfort; gastrointestinal disorders; hypoglycaemia (in combination with other antidiabetic drugs, in patients with type 2 diabetes); nausea; vomiting; weight decrease (in type 2 diabetes patients.)

Uncommon:

Pancreatitis acute; tastes altered

Who Should (and Should Not) Take Semaglutide For Weight Loss?

Semaglutide for Weight Loss is recommended for patients with a BMI of 30kg/m2 (or 27kg/m2 where there is at least one weight-related co-morbidity.) You can calculate your BMI using the calculator on the NHS website.

Those with a BMI of 30kg/m2 BMI or greater would be consider clinically obese and likely to be considered with Semaglutide weight loss UK treatment.

Who Shouldn’t Take Semaglutide:

Semaglutide is a prescription-only medications. Ultimately prescribing decisions are made by doctors on a case-by-case basis. However there are specific groups where Semaglutide for weight management is not recommend. These include (but are not limited to):

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: There is limited data on the effects of Semaglutide on pregnant and breastfeeding women, however, animal studies indicate potential risks to the fetus. The manufacturer recommends avoiding Semaglutide for weight loss or type 2 diabetes in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Patients with Renal Impairment: The manufacturer advises caution when dealing with certain subsections of patients experiencing renal issues, particularly those patients undergoing dialysis sessions.

How effective is Semaglutide for weight loss compared to other treatments

An alternative weight management medication is Orlistat (Xenical.) Studies on Orlistat do show clinically significant weight loss results. However Semaglutide is shown to be more effective than Orlistat (Xenical)

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is another popular weight loss treatment. Mounjaro activates two hormones that help control appetite and blood sugar. WeGovy works similarly but only targets one of those hormones, making Mounjaro potentially more effective.

Who is an ideal candidate for Semaglutide weight loss therapy?

Semaglutide for Weight Loss is recommended for patients with a BMI of 30kg/m2 (or 27kg/m2 where there is at least one weight-related co-morbidity.)

Those with a BMI of 30kg/m2 BMI or greater would be consider clinically obese and likely to be considered with Semaglutide weight loss UK treatment.

How long does it take to see results with Semaglutide for weight loss?

Clinical studies shows a reduction of 4% in body weight after 3 months and 9% after 6 months amongst those taking subcutaneous Semaglutide injections for weight loss.

Whilst weight loss varies person to person, patients can expect to start ‘seeing’ noticeable reductions in key measurements such as BMI and weight after 3-6 months

Is a prescription required to purchase Semaglutide for weight loss?

In the UK Semaglutide is a prescription-only medication. You can buy Semaglutide for weight loss at Meds for Less after completing a short text based consultation with a doctor.

What is the recommended dosage and administration method for Semaglutide for weight loss?

Semaglutide is a prescription only medications, so dosing is at the prescribing doctors discretion however, a typical WeGovy treatment plan may look something like:

Start with 0.25mg once a week for the first 4 weeks.
If well-tolerated, increase to 0.5mg for the next 4 weeks.
If well-tolerated, increase to 1mg for the next 4 weeks.
If well-tolerated, increase to 1.7mg for the next 4 weeks.
If well-tolerated, maintain dosage at 2.4mg once a week.

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