What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medication that helps with weight loss and blood sugar control. It’s used in treatments like Wegovy, which the MHRA have approved for weight management, and Ozempic, which is for managing type 2 diabetes. Here’s everything you need to know about semaglutide and how it works.

Key Takeaways

Dual Purpose of Semaglutide

Semaglutide is used for both weight loss and blood sugar control. In the UK, it’s available as Wegovy for weight management and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, with each formulation catering to different health needs.

How Semaglutide Works

Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone that helps control appetite by targeting brain areas linked to hunger, helping people feel fuller for longer. This supports weight loss and, in lower doses, helps regulate blood sugar.

Administration and Safety

Taken as a weekly injection, semaglutide requires healthcare supervision to ensure it’s safe and effective, especially for people with certain health conditions. Common side effects include nausea and reduced appetite, but these often ease with time.

How does semaglutide work?

Semaglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. It targets specific areas in the brain that control hunger, helping people feel full sooner and for longer. This helps reduce the amount of food eaten, making it useful for weight loss.

Is semaglutide used only for weight loss?

No, semaglutide is used for both weight loss and blood sugar control. In the UK, there are two main versions of semaglutide:

• Wegovy: Approved for weight loss in people with a high BMI or certain health conditions.

• Ozempic: Approved for controlling blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.

Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide but are prescribed for different purposes.

What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?

Though Wegovy and Ozempic both use semaglutide, they serve different needs. Wegovy is a higher dose of semaglutide designed specifically for weight loss. Ozempic, on the other hand, is used at a lower dose to help manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.

Is semaglutide safe?

Semaglutide has been approved by regulatory bodies like the MHRA in the UK for both weight management and diabetes control. However, it should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider. This ensures that it’s used safely and appropriately for each person’s health needs.

Who should not use semaglutide?

Semaglutide may not be suitable for everyone. People with a history of certain health conditions, like thyroid cancer, should avoid semaglutide. It’s important to have a consultation with a healthcare provider to make sure it’s safe for you.

How do you take semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a self-administered injection taken once a week. It is usually injected in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. The dose may start low and be gradually increased (a process known as titration) by a healthcare provider to ensure it’s well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of semaglutide?

Like all medications, semaglutide can cause some people to experience side effects. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea and a reduced appetite. Most people find that these side effects improve over time, but anyone with concerns should consult their healthcare provider.

Beginner’s Guide To Wegovy For Weight Loss

Discover everything you need to know about Wegovy for weight loss in our beginner's guide. This comprehensive overview explains how Wegovy works, whether it’s approved by the MHRA, who it’s suitable for and much more. If you’re curious about how Semaglutide supports weight management or want to compare Wegovy with similar treatments like Mounjaro, this guide has you covered. Read on to see if Wegovy could be the right step in your weight loss journey, with all requests for supply subject to an online clinical consultation and the approval of a registered independent prescriber.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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