A Happy Discovery

Posted on: 24 February 2023

There are multiple potential complications for people with obesity, such as the progression of diabetes, high blood pressure/cholesterol, sleep apnea, etc. Patients who've struggled to lose weight on their own may look into bariatric surgeries, like gastric bypass, to dramatically improve their weight. However, you may want to consider more conservative treatments first, as surgery can carry potential complications and some patients may simply not be good candidates. One treatment you may want to look into is Semaglutide injections. Read on to learn more about this medication.

What is it, and How Does it Work?

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide, which means that it acts similarly to glucagon, a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. A review from Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine found that Semaglutide demonstrated the largest change in obesity medication to date, and it could reduce cardiovascular risk factors and improve physical functioning.

Semaglutide affects the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that coordinates the autonomic nervous system. Semaglutide appears to reduce feelings of hunger and thirst. Semaglutide also can promote fat oxidation. The body typically utilizes carbohydrates for energy since they are easier to metabolize, but Semaglutide can help the body use stored fat for energy, thus reducing excess weight.

Are the Injections Safe?

The Frontiers in Endocrinology Journal featured an article that outlined the safety and efficacy of Semaglutide injections. The article concluded that while there were mild, temporary gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, there have been no major safety concerns regarding Semaglutide injections. In fact, since the medications can improve body weight, metabolism, blood pressure, etc., the benefits could potentially outweigh the risks. With that said, it's still important to discuss your candidacy with your doctor, as some people may have allergies or a health history that isn't suitable for these injections.

Are You a Good Candidate for Semaglutide?

Semaglutide injections are typically reserved for people with body mass indexes (BMI) in the obese range. Semaglutide may not be suitable for people taking multiple oral medications, as the injections can slow down digestion, thus slowing the absorption rate of those drugs. Semaglutide is also not recommended for people with a family history of thyroid tumors or certain endocrine disorders. However, Semaglutide can be incredibly helpful for people who've already developed at least one weight-related condition, such as diabetes. People taking Semaglutide can also experience better outcomes if they follow their doctor's dietary and exercise recommendations.

For more details, reach out to a health provider or spa in your area such as Bella Cara Aesthetics to learn more about these injections and how they can help you in your weight loss journey.