What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide, also known by brand names (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelus) is more commonly known as the drug used to treat type II diabetes, however, in more recent studies it has been shown to have health benefits in patients without type II diabetes or cardiovascular issues. This medicine acts as a GLP-1 hormone and works by increasing insulin release, lowering the amount of glucagon released, delaying gastric emptying, and reducing appetite.
In no particular order, here are 10 science-backed health benefits of using semaglutide.
#1 Weight Loss
You’ve been working out and following a strict diet only to find it so difficult to lose those last stubborn 10-15 pounds. We’ve all been there.
Did you know that semaglutide can actually help patients lose a significant amount of weight? It's quite fascinating how it works. Semaglutide mimics a version of a hormone called GLP-1, which our bodies naturally release when we eat. When this medication interacts with GLP-1 receptors in parts of the brain, it triggers a reaction that mimics the effects of eating. This leads to a reduction in appetite for patients taking semaglutide. Additionally, when they do eat, they feel full faster and end up consuming less food.
#2 Cardiovascular Health
Unfortunately, cardiovascular events are the leading cause of death in the United States. However, there is some good news regarding semaglutide and its impact on health. Recent trials have shown that semaglutide can actually decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients by 20%. It's worth noting that there aren't currently any weight loss medications that have been proven to support cardiovascular health and prevent these serious diseases.
Book your FREE consultation here to see if semaglutide is right for you!
#3 Blood Sugar Control
A combination of increased insulin production and reduced glucagon secretion makes semaglutide effective at lowering blood sugar levels. A1c levels are used to measure blood sugar over time. Semaglutide has shown to decrease A1c levels, which can be especially beneficial for patients with type II diabetes. Compared with other diabetes medications, semaglutide is less likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). This is important as many patients that use semaglutide do not have high blood sugar to begin with.
#4 Long-Lasting
Forget about remembering to take those daily supplements! Patients benefit from a once-weekly injection of semaglutide, which eliminates medication administration frequency. Patients can remain on the medication under the supervision of their healthcare provider so long as their body is tolerating it. Semaglutide is recommended for long-term use when prescribed for weight maintenance.
#5 Combination Therapy
No matter what new fancy drug is on the market, diet and exercise is still the best medicine for the body. The use of semaglutide alongside other diabetes medications allows for personalized treatment plans that are tailored to the needs of each patient. Semaglutide is also safe and even recommended to be combined with exercise and a healthy diet.
Book your FREE consultation here to see if semaglutide is right for you!
#6 Anti-Inflammatory
It’s no secret that inflammation is associated with many diseases such as type II diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and more. Semaglutide has been shown to reduce vascular and brain inflammation in patients, which can lower their risk for these diseases. This can be beneficial as a preventative measure for overall health in patients without any signs of disease.
#7 Quality of Life
Who doesn’t want a better quality of life? Your quality of life can increase significantly when taking semaglutide. This could be due to patients losing a large amount of weight. Patients feel more confident in their own skin after treatment. In some cases, patients have even reported that they have more energy to do the things they love, which increases mood. Here’s a secret: happy and fulfilled people live longer. That’s right! Happy people have a 35% lower risk of death than those who aren’t happy.
#8 Neuroprotective Effects
Similar to exercise, semaglutide has neuroprotective effects (this means it promotes brain health). Semaglutide has been shown to improve cognitive function.The antioxidant properties of semaglutide may reduce oxidative stress, which is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. There is research to suggest semaglutide can protect the blood-brain barrier, a critical defense mechanism that guards the brain from harmful substances.
#9 Blood Pressure Regulation
Patients have reported lower blood pressure when being treated with semaglutide. Although semaglutide is not a blood pressure medication, weight loss from the drug can lead to lower blood pressure in patients without high blood pressure (hypertension).
Blood pressure regulation is one of the major keys to cardiovascular health. Semaglutide could significantly lower blood pressure in users due to the weight loss they experience.
#10 Increased Metabolism
Don’t you wish your metabolism was as fast as it was in your teen years? I know I do! Semaglutide may cause a process in the body called lipolysis. This occurs when the body uses stored fat for energy. This affects the body's metabolism and can contribute to overall calorie expenditure.
As a weight loss supplement, semaglutide appears to promote fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass.The metabolic rate of muscle tissue is higher than that of fat tissue, which can influence the metabolic rate of the body as a whole.
Book your FREE consultation here to see if semaglutide is right for you!
