How Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?

How Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?

Table of Contents

---

I. Semaglutide for Weight Loss: How Does It Work?

II. Who Should Consider Semaglutide for Weight Loss?

III. How to Access Semaglutide for Weight Loss

IV. Other FAQs

V. Accessing Semaglutide from ScriptsMD

---

Semaglutide: How does it work? Does it really help people achieve their weight loss goals when other methods have fallen short? Is it safe? Who can take it?

These are all pressing questions for individuals who struggle with excess weight and obesity—especially those for whom diet and exercise haven’t yielded results. Since its FDA approval for weight loss in 2021, semaglutide has gained significant traction as a way to help patients reach weight loss goals successfully, and in many cases, avoid other health complications that come with being overweight. ¹

In this guide, we’ll outline exactly how semaglutide works for weight loss so you can understand if it may be the right option for you, plus provide advice for how to access it from a trusted source.

Quick Takeaways:

• Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that aids weight loss by regulating appetite and slowing gastric emptying, leading to reduced calorie intake and prolonged fullness.
• It has proven especially effective for those who have struggled to lose weight through traditional methods, with clinical trials showing an average weight loss of around 15% of body weight.
• Semaglutide is suitable for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with weight-related comorbidities, but requires careful consideration for those with certain health conditions.
• Semaglutide for weight loss requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Many are choosing online pharmacies to access semaglutide with additional privacy and convenience.
• Semaglutide does cause some GI-related side effects, but these generally subside over time.

Semaglutide for Weight Loss: How Does It Work?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a class of drugs originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes by mimicking the action of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is naturally produced in the gut and plays a key role in regulating appetite, insulin secretion, and blood sugar levels.

When used for weight loss, semaglutide works by enhancing these natural processes to help patients achieve significant and sustained weight reduction. It slows gastric emptying, which means food stays in the stomach longer and helps prolong feelings of fullness. This reduces overall calorie intake without making a patient feel deprived.

In addition, semaglutide acts on the brain’s appetite control centers to decrease hunger and food cravings, making it easier for individuals to adhere to reduced-calorie diets.

Semaglutide's effectiveness for weight loss is particularly noteworthy for people who have struggled with traditional methods like diet and exercise alone. Clinical studies like the STEP trials found that semaglutide can lead to an average weight loss of around 15% of body weight—significantly higher than averages seen with traditional weight loss efforts and/or other medications. ²

³

By addressing the factors that contribute to weight gain—appetite, calorie intake, and metabolic processes—in a multifaceted way, semaglutide offers a comprehensive approach to weight loss, helping patients achieve and maintain their weight loss goals more successfully.

Who Should Consider Semaglutide for Weight Loss?

Semaglutide is a beneficial option for individuals who have struggled to achieve significant weight loss through traditional methods such as diet and exercise alone. It’s particularly beneficial for adults who are obese, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or for those who are overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension.

For those who have tried other weight loss strategies without success, semaglutide offers a new avenue by addressing the biological mechanisms that often make weight loss difficult to sustain. It can be especially effective for those who experience strong hunger signals or who struggle with portion control.

Semaglutide can also be suitable for individuals who are at a higher risk of obesity-related complications, such as heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes, as losing weight can significantly reduce these risks.

However, semaglutide is not suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for individuals who have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, or those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The medication should be used with caution in people with a history of pancreatitis.

In every case, it’s important for individuals to discuss their full medical history with their healthcare provider to determine if semaglutide is appropriate and safe for them, particularly if they are taking other medications that may interact with the drug.

While it offers a powerful tool for those who have found traditional weight loss methods insufficient, like any medication, it requires careful consideration and medical supervision to ensure it’s the right fit for an individual's health profile.

How to Access Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Accessing semaglutide starts by consulting with a licensed healthcare provider to determine eligibility and obtain a prescription. During your consultation, your provider will assess your BMI, medical history, and any weight-related health conditions to ensure semaglutide is a suitable option for your journey.

Once you have a prescription, semaglutide can be accessed through several channels—including online. Online providers and pharmacies offer benefits like the convenience of home delivery and added privacy not possible through in-person methods. For those with mobility limitations, eliminating the need to go to a physical store to pick up prescriptions can be extremely beneficial.

Insurance coverage for semaglutide may vary depending on your provider and plan. Some insurance plans cover the cost of the medication, especially if it is prescribed for weight-related health issues. For those without insurance coverage, patient assistance programs and manufacturer discounts may be available to help reduce the out-of-pocket cost of the medication.

Other FAQs

1. Is semaglutide safe for long-term use?

While semaglutide has been shown to be effective for weight loss, its long-term safety is still being studied. Current research supports its safety for use over several months, but it is important to have regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor potential side effects or complications.

2. How quickly will I see results with semaglutide?

Many patients begin to notice weight loss within the first few weeks of starting semaglutide, with significant weight reduction typically observed over several months. The rate of weight loss can vary depending on individual factors such as dosage, diet, and exercise.

3. What are the common side effects of semaglutide?

The most common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms often occur when starting the medication and tend to decrease over time as your body adjusts. If side effects persist or become severe, consult your healthcare provider.

4. Can semaglutide be used with other weight loss medications?

Semaglutide is generally not recommended to be used in combination with other weight loss medications. It’s important to discuss all of the medications and supplements you are taking with your healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions.

Accessing Semaglutide from ScriptsMD

ScriptsMD simplifies the process of accessing semaglutide by connecting you with licensed healthcare providers to determine eligibility and obtain a prescription, then partnering with FDA-approved pharmacies to have your medication shipped directly to your home. You can start the process by filling out a simple 2-3 minute questionnaire.

Learn more here about getting semaglutide through ScriptsMD.