Semaglutide is a Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) produced by the gut. It increases insulin production, a hormone that lowers the blood sugar level while inhibiting glucagon secretion, which is a hormone that raises blood sugar, reduces appetite and energy intake while delaying gastric emptying. It was first developed in 2012 by Novo Nordisk as a longer-acting option to Liraglutide. In 2017 this drug was approved as an anti-diabetic medication used to treat type 2diabetes and obesity. In June 2021, it got approved for chronic weight management in obese individuals with a (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2) or overweight (initial BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
What does that mean to me?
- Reduces food intake by lowering appetite.
- Slows food digestion in the stomach.
- Decrease body fat percentage.
- Weight loss.
- Decreased cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Lower HbA1c levels.
