What is Semaglutide?
Does Semaglutide (Ozempic) work? What is it? and should I take it?
by Andy Williams - last updated 26th March 2024
Why would someone want to use Semaglutide (Ozempic)?
So you're overweight, you struggle with motivation and your obesity is starting to pose health risks, you've scoured the internet for ways to bring your condition under control when you start hearing about Semaglutide (Ozempic), and then you think you've discovered the answer to weight loss, I wonder if this is the answer?
What is Semaglutide (Ozempic)?
Ozempic is a brand name for the medication semaglutide. Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. OK I know this sounds a bit technical! It is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it has also been approved for use in managing weight in individuals who have obesity or overweight and have other associated conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
What does Semaglutide (Ozempic) do?
Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of a natural hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion, slowing down glucose absorption in the gut, and reducing the production of glucose by the liver. Additionally, GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide can help reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness, which can lead to weight loss.
Again this sounds a bit techincal. Semaglutide regulates our blood sugar levels to slow down the absorption of glucose in the gut, and it should make you feel fuller.
How is Semaglutide (Ozempic) given?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is typically administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection. It has been shown to be effective in improving blood sugar control, reducing body weight, and lowering the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
So if you're not a fan of needles this could be a huge hurdle to this claimed miracle drug!
What are the negtives of taking Semaglutide (Ozempic)?
As with any medication, semaglutide may cause side effects, and its use should be supervised by a healthcare professional. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. It's important for individuals considering the use of Ozempic or semaglutide to discuss the potential benefits and risks with their doctor.
Hopefully there isn't anyone stupid enough to be taking this medication without the consultation of a doctor, because the side effects can be serious and if you feel this can answer your problems more so than a natural weight loss program of course there will be risks.
What are the positives of taking Semaglutide (Ozempic)?
Improved Blood Sugar Control: Semaglutide helps lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion, slowing down glucose absorption, and reducing liver glucose production.
Weight Loss: It promotes weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness.
Cardiovascular Benefits: Studies suggest it may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke in people with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
My Personal Opinion on Semaglutide (Ozempic)
So, it isn't easy to sound unbiased here, but I will try my best! Of course, I will always promote natural weight loss - no surgery, no drugs, just good old-fashioned sensible eating and movement. Any end results of taking the drug Semaglutide can be achieved through safer measures. That will require other factors, however: the right mindset and mental health, the motivation! Let's face it, these two factors aren't always readily available to us.
So, if there are people out there whose lives are at risk and they aren't able to lose weight on their own, who am I to judge? I preach that we are all different and one size does not fit all, so it would be hypocritical of me to be against the drug. I would just ask myself, do we know enough? Are we exhausting all options before turning to prescribing Semaglutide? And once someone has addressed weight through this so-called miracle drug, are we looking at the root causes of why the person got how they did, and how can we prevent it happening?
About me
Hi and welcome to Uncomfortable Stretch!
My name is Andy Williams and I am passionate about helping people who want to change their lives without hating the journey!
READ MORE
Let's connect
Head over to the Uncomfortable Stretch CATEGORY INDEX to browse by category...
Head over to the Uncomfortable Stretch POST INDEX to browse by post...
It may be the first time you've ever decided it's time to lose weight, or you may have tried multiple times to shed those extra pounds only to find yourself stuck in a never-ending loop of yo-yo dieting. Most of us, at some point in our lives, will embark on a journey to improve our overall health and fitness or decide it's time to lose weight...
If there's one thing I've learnt over the past year after losing 7 stone in weight (44 kg) (100lbs), it's that mental health and physical health go hand in hand. I now understand that every failed diet over the last 20 years was never really about the diet, but more about my mental health and mindset.