Obesity is one of the biggest health concerns, killing more than 2.8 million people every single year [1]. A horrifying statistic, and to make matters worse, those numbers are increasing daily. Doctors have been working on clinical trials to try and find a solution – one of which seems to be Semaglutide. But are there adverse reactions to this Peptide?
Certain studies [2] report no potential risk, however, certain individuals report otherwise.
Key Takeaways
- Semaglutide is safe to take, however, you need to check with your doctor
- Semaglutide can lower blood sugar levels which can cause confusion
- The most common side effects are usually allergic reactions and injection site reactions
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is commonly known as a peptide, but in reality it actually forms part of the GLP-1 receptor agonists, and will mimic the action of the human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) [3].
Semaglutide was invented with the purpose of treating patients suffering from obesity or those suffering from type 2 Diabetes (or high blood sugar).
Essentially, it will help with glucose control by helping the pancreas release the correct amount of insulin when carbs are present in the body. By aiding in glycemic control, the user has greater opportunities for weight loss.
Semaglutide will not only help with blood sugar regulation, but it might also slow gastric emptying, keeping the user fuller for longer.
Side Effects of Semaglutide
When looking at the patients treated with Semaglutide over an acute and longer period, there really were not a lot of serious side effects reported or found. The biggest factors came down to personal or family history. That said, some patients reported the following side effects:
- Anxiety due to a drop in blood sugar
- Headaches
- Darkened urine
- Fast heartbeat
- Injection site reactions (pain, redness, etc)
- Gas and increased potency of gas (their poop smelled)
Some other adverse reactions have been reported by individuals, but these are individual reactions that have not been found in other treated patients.
To decrease these serious side effects, make sure you talk to your doctor immediately if they occur. Take the next dose under the doctor’s supervision, and follow their advice about side effects.
Make sure any other drugs you are taking do not cause similar adverse effects and perhaps start at a low dose to see if possible drug interactions are on the forefront.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
As mentioned, the main action of Semaglutide is to help the pancreas produce the correct amount of insulin. This will in turn help keep blood glucose levels a lot more stable. Here is how it does this [4]:
- It starts with Semaglutide activating GLP-1 receptors
- This augments insulin secretion, causing the correct release of insulin
- Inhibits glucagon release
- Suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis
All of this takes place rather rapidly and the body adjusts by keeping blood glucose levels stable, slowing the release of food from the stomach, and thus the user has fewer unwanted effects of hyperglycemia.
Benefits of Semaglutide
- Lowering blood glucose levels
- Slowed release of gastric system
- Could lead to fat loss with training and dieting
- Can be used as a treatment for eating disorders
- Could lower the risk of diabetic retinopathy
- Rapid improvement in inflammation levels
- Potential improvement of sex organs functionality
- Improved renal function
- Decreased risk of acute pancreatitis
Is Semaglutide Legal?
Yes, the FDA approved Semaglutide as a treatment for chronic weight management in obese or overweight adults.
Results of Semaglutide
A quick Reddit search will reveal an unbelievable story of a person who has amazing results following Semaglutide treatment.
My doctor (in consultation with my endocrinologist) prescribed me semaglutide in August last year and I’ve have been dropping around 1kg (2.2lb) weight every week since. For me, that stuff is the essence of anorexia. The form I take is a weekly injection. The drug has totally ruined my appetite and when I do eat I feel full really quickly.
It’s not just the weight loss, but the fact it has been the easiest weight loss of my life. I have struggled with my weight since I was a kid and have had several bursts of weight loss (losing more than 20kg/45lb plus) over the years. Each time it was a struggle, diligently weighing food, counting calories, getting into the habit of exercising regularly. But I always felt hungry, always had that little demon on my shoulder telling me “you’re still hungry and you should eat more”. Socialising and eating out was always a threat to your mindset. Then eventually I would fall off the wagon and slowly put the weight back on again.
On the downside, there can be some pretty severe side effects — all sorts of gastro problems that I still experience, general feelings of unwellness mainly the day after injections. After my weekly dose I would be pretty nauseous and out of it, not able to do much work and not much fun to be around. I let my boss know and he was pretty understanding, especially when he noticed I was losing weight. However, the side effects have become less severe over time. The weight loss I’ve realised has been well worth the side effects I’ve experienced. Also balanced against the side effects is the fact that I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes 2 years ago. My weight loss has seen my symptoms abate and essentially my condition has gone into remission. I no longer feel extreme thirst and no longer wake up every 3 hours in the night to go to the bathroom amongst other diabetic symptoms.
Please note, I am not in any way qualified to give anyone medical advice — semaglutide is something you should discuss with your doctor who actually knows about things like endocrine systems (if I knew what that was I might still have a properly functioning one). That said, I hadn’t heard of semaglutide before I was put on it last year, and I can’t work out why it isn’t more widely prescribed. Apparently, it was only approved for weight loss in the USA last year, but it’s been an approved as a diabetic drug for a number of years now. I don’t know how universal its efficacy is across the population , but it has been super effective for me over the last 8 months. I’m fortunate that I live in a country with a national health system and can purchase the drug for a subsidised rate (AU$42.50 per month, ~US$30); I realise not everyone is so lucky.
Where Can I Buy Semaglutide?
Semaglutide vs. Other Compounds
Semaglutide vs Metformin
Metformin will increase insulin sensitivity, which will lead the pancreas to produce less insulin by itself. Metformin is brilliant at what it does, however, if you are very old or have very low levels of muscle tissue, opt only for Semaglutide. Metformin can decrease IGF-1 levels in untrained individuals.
Semaglutide vs HGH Fragment
HGH Fragment will be more of a direct fat loss drug, Call your doctor before you make any decisions between the two, but just know that Frag will merely give you easier access to your own fat, and won’t necessarily cause fat loss without training.
Conclusion: Is Semaglutide Safe?
You should always discuss drugs with the appropriate health care professional. Medical attention is important when taking any new drug, and if you suffer from side or other effects, discontinue Semaglutide immediately.
That said, most people are perfectly fine using Semaglutide. Start with a lower dose and make sure you know of the potential risk, thus, you’ll know what to expect. Lastly, always exercise and diet when using anything for fat loss.
FAQs
Is Semaglutide worth it for weight loss?
Yes, granted you actually exercise and diet as well. Failing to do your part of the work will only result in disappointment.
Semaglutide Injection Site
This can be injected subcutaneously at various parts of the body like the stomach, upper stomach, upper arm, etc.
Who should not take Semaglutide?
Those suffering from type 1 Diabetes.
Can you keep the weight off after Semaglutide?
If you continue to make fitness and health a part of your life, sure. But you would need to be really committed because there is an increased risk of you relapsing due to the fact that you might have lost a lot of the weight only due to a drug.
References
2) John P.H. Wilding, D.M., Rachel L. Batterham, M.B., B.S., Ph.D., Salvatore Calanna, Ph.D., Melanie Davies, M.D., Luc F. Van Gaal, M.D., Ph.D., Ildiko Lingvay, M.D., M.P.H., M.S.C.S., Barbara M. McGowan, M.D., Ph.D., Julio Rosenstock, M.D., Marie T.D. Tran, M.D., Ph.D., Thomas A. Wadden, Ph.D., Sean Wharton, M.D., Pharm.D., Koutaro Yokote, M.D., Ph.D., et al., for the STEP 1 Study Group* Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
3) https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=adec4fd2-6858-4c99-91d4-531f5f2a2d79
4) Mahapatra MK, Karuppasamy M, Sahoo BM. Semaglutide, a glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist with cardiovascular benefits for management of type 2 diabetes. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2022 Jun;23(3):521-539. doi: 10.1007/s11154-021-09699-1. Epub 2022 Jan 7. PMID: 34993760; PMCID: PMC8736331.
