When it comes to weight loss, there are limitless trending diets, meal plans, supplements, and various programs marketed with the promise of a quick and easy solution. In recent years, science has introduced various pharmaceutical options.
Among the most popular, semaglutide (marketed under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) a medication primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, has gained popularity as a rapid weight loss shortcut in the convenient form of a pill or injection. In this article, I'll talk about how semaglutide works, therapuetic uses of the drug and the implications involved for anyone taking this drug.
How Does Semaglutide Work
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. The medication works by stimulating insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. In common language, it reduces hunger and regulates blood sugar levels by disrupting the body's natural digestive process.
Who Should Consider Using Semaglutide?
As a therapeutic tool for reducing obesity and type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has demonstrated significant weight loss effects and glycemic control when used under the care of a physician. Clinical trials have shown that patients using semaglutide can lose up to 15-20% of their bodyweight. Females who are 80 lbs overweight and males who are 100 lbs overweight are considered obese and at risk of serious health complications like heart-attack, stroke, hypertension, sleep apnea along with a myriad of other problems leading to a lower quality of life. The decision to use semaglutide therapeutically should be made under the care of a physician in conjunction with a sustainable, healthy lifestyle of good nutrition, exercise, and mental health. People using semaglutide without a doctor's supervision are at risk of serious health complications due to lack of medical guidance and monitoring.
Why Not Use Semaglutide?
When your goal is overall weight loss, it’s expected to lose both muscle and fat in the process. Ideally, you should expect around 25% to be muscle loss and 75% fat loss. Unfortunately, in people using semaglutide we’re seeing those numbers flipped to 75% muscle loss and 25% fat loss. The number on the scale and the size of their body goes down, but their body composition (the ratio of fat to muscle) is far worse. Losing muscle weakens your body overall and slows your metabolism which ultimately leads to more weight gain and health issues after you quit taking the drug. Whether you're struggling with obesity or just wanting to lose that extra 20 lbs, eating a high protein diet in combination with strength training are paramount to help reduce the loss of muscle and increase the loss of fat in a healthy, sustainable way.
On the topic of sustainability. Semaglutide can cost around $400-$1,000 per month out of pocket, depending on what brand or off-brand you're buying. You could invest that same money in a gym membership and a personal trainer who will not only help you reach your goal, but help you develop the eating and exercise habits you need sustain a healthy, strong body. Even if you can afford this expensive medication or your insurance pays for it, your body still needs lean muscle mass, cardio conditioning, mobility, flexibility and good nutrition for a long and healthy life. Last but not least, there's many more negative side effects and greater long-term health risks that come along with this "quick fix". Because semaglutide disrupts the body's natural digestive system, it can lead to the following; severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, kidney damage, and thyroid tumors.
Conclusion
While the allure of rapid weight loss can be tempting, the pitfalls of using semaglutide for this purpose far outweigh the benefits. The medication's limitations, side effects, potential for serious health risks, and cost make it just another trending magic pill that doesn't deliver. It is essential to consult healthcare professionals and seek healthier, sustainable weight loss methods before considering any drug use. Sustainable, long-term health should always take precedence over short-term gains.
Thanks for reading! I’m Lisa Hampton, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach at Life Adapted Fitness in Brookside where our goal is to make fitness a sustainable part of your life. Reach out to me with questions/concerns or to schedule your Life Adapted member benefits which include free body composition testing and 25 minutes with a personal trainer to learn anything you want to know about fitness. See you in the gym!
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