Are you or someone you know dealing with weight gain and exploring treatment options? If so, you might have heard about a medication called semaglutide. But what exactly is semaglutide, and how does it work? Don’t worry if the medical jargon seems overwhelming; I’m here to break it down for you in simple, layman’s terms.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Now, that might sound like a mouthful, but let’s unpack it. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, which is a hormone naturally produced in your body. Its main job is to regulate blood sugar levels after you eat by stimulating insulin release and inhibiting glucagon secretion.
How Does Semaglutide Help?
Weight gain occurs for a myriad of reasons, but to many calories or not enough calorie burn is why the body stores fat. Semaglutide steps in to mimic the action of GLP-1, which is a hormone natural to our body.
Here’s how it works:
- It works on the brain. Our brain has a center called the hypothalamus. Semaglutide works on that area in the brain to lessen our cravings and reduce our appetite.
- Boosting Insulin Production: Semaglutide helps your pancreas release more insulin when your blood sugar is high. Insulin acts like a key, unlocking cells to allow glucose to enter and be used for energy.
- Slowing Down Digestion: Ever notice how you feel full for longer after eating a meal high in protein and fiber? That’s because they slow down digestion. Semaglutide does something similar by slowing the rate at which food moves through your stomach. This helps control blood sugar spikes after meals.
- Decreasing Glucose Production: Our liver constantly produces glucose to keep our blood sugar levels stable. But in people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, the liver can overproduce glucose, leading to high blood sugar levels. Semaglutide helps to inhibit this excess production, helping to keep blood sugar levels in check.
Benefits Beyond Weightloss
- – Weight Loss: Many people with type 2 diabetes struggle with their weight. Semaglutide has been shown to promote weight loss by reducing appetite and calorie intake.
- – Heart Health: Semaglutide has been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for these conditions. We don’t have studies for weight loss participants yet, but theorize this will have similar results.
- – Convenience: Semaglutide is available as a once-weekly injection, offering convenience for those who prefer fewer doses compared to daily medications.
In simple terms, semaglutide works by mimicking the action of a natural hormone in your body to help control blood sugar levels, work on the cravings center, promote weight loss, and improve heart health. By understanding how it works, you can make more informed decisions about your weight loss treatment options with your healthcare provider.
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