How does Semaglutide work for weight loss?

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It is crucial not to self-administer any weight loss drugs without consulting your physician or endocrinologist. Remember, prescription weight-loss drugs are meant to be taken in addition to a healthy diet and exercise.

There are specific criteria to consider weight-loss drugs. Your healthcare provider may suggest a weight-loss drug if you have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise.

1. If your body mass index (BMI) is over 30, indicating obesity (a medical condition characterized by an excess accumulation of body fat, often leading to health problems).

2. If your BMI is over 27 and you have a serious medical problem linked to obesity, such as diabetes (high blood sugar level) or high blood pressure.

3. Before prescribing a medicine, your healthcare provider considers your history and health challenges. They will discuss the pros and cons of prescription weight-loss drugs with you.

4. It is necessary to note that weight-loss drugs are not suitable for everyone, especially if you are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Effectiveness of weight-loss drugs:

1. Long-term use (over 12 weeks) of prescription weight-loss drugs leads to significant weight loss compared to a placebo.

2. Combining weight-loss medicine with lifestyle changes results in greater weight loss than lifestyle changes alone.

3. Using these drugs for a year can lead to a three percent to 12 percent total body weight loss, providing essential health benefits, such as lower blood pressure and improved blood sugar and lipid levels.

Commonly experienced side effects of weight-loss drugs include mild symptoms such as nausea, constipation, and diarrhea (loose and watery stools), which may diminish with continued use. Although serious side effects are infrequent, it is essential to have a comprehensive discussion with your healthcare provider regarding treatment options, potential benefits, and associated risks. Additionally, it is worth noting that weight-loss drugs can be costly, and insurance coverage may not always be guaranteed, so it is advisable to inquire about coverage specifics with your insurance provider.

The duration depends on the drug's effectiveness. If you have achieved sufficient weight loss without serious side effects, your healthcare provider may suggest long-term use.

If you have not lost at least five percent of your body weight after taking the full dose of a drug for three to six months, your healthcare provider will likely adjust your treatment.

Six drugs approved by the U.S. FDA for long-term use are GLP1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) medication, Bupropion-naltrexone, Liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist similar to the natural hormone), Orlistat, Phentermine-Topiramate, Semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist), and Setmelanotide (Melanocortin-4 receptor agonist). Remember, weight-loss drugs are not a quick solution, but they may aid the lifestyle changes needed for weight loss and improved health.

I hope this helps.

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