How does Semaglutide work in the body?
GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide mimic the action of naturally occurring GLP-1 hormones. They attach to the receptors of GLP-1, telling your body to increase the amount of insulin secreted by your pancreas. This process usually happens naturally, but in people with type-2 diabetes, it either doesn’t work properly, or doesn’t happen at all. This causes the increased blood sugar levels associated with type-2 diabetes. Taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist can restore the proper release of insulin after eating, and help regulate your blood sugar levels if you have type-2 diabetes.
How does semaglutide work for weight loss?
Semaglutide helps to regulate your appetite by making you feel fuller for longer after eating. This could help you to feel less hungry, cut down how much you eat, and reduce any cravings you have for food. It slows down how quickly your stomach empties, which helps you feel satisfied for longer after eating – so you’re less likely to reach for a snack after dinner. This appears to be how semaglutide helps you lose weight, by directly targeting the hunger centres in the brain to reduce calorie intake.
Unlike some other GLP-1 receptor agonists, the medicine in a semaglutide syringe is long-acting, which is why you only have to take it once a week. However, if you’re using Rybelsus or Wegovy oral tablets, you’ll need to take one every day.
What are the potential side effects when using semaglutide?
There are a few side effects to be aware of if you’re thinking of taking semaglutide, but not everyone will get them. The most common side effects of semaglutide include:
- A headache;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Diarrhoea or constipation;
- Stomach pain;
- Weakness;
- Tiredness;
- Dizziness;
- Indigestion or an upset stomach;
- Reflux or heartburn;
- Burping or flatulence;
- Bloating;
- Inflammation of the stomach;
- Gallstones;
- Hair loss;
- A reaction at your injection site;
- Low blood sugar levels if you have diabetes;
- Increased heart rate;
- An increase in pancreatic enzymes in your blood tests.
There are a couple more serious side effects of semaglutide as well. Speak to your doctor and get medical help as soon as you can if you get any of the following symptoms:
- Complications of diabetic eye disease. There’s a chance any eye problems caused by diabetes could become worse while using semaglutide – speak to your doctor if you have changes in vision or other eye problems while on this medicine.
- Inflamed pancreas. Symptoms of this may include severe pain in your stomach that doesn’t go away, which can move to your back.
- A rare but severe allergic reaction. If you have any breathing problems, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty swallowing, sudden wheezing, a fast heartbeat, pale and cold skin, or you feel dizzy and weak – seek medical attention right away.
