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Wegovy, brand name for semaglutide, a high-dose injectable peptide hormone molecule authorized by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes under the trade name Ozempic (lower-dose injection), eliminates the rigorous restrictions for taking medication on an empty stomach that oral semaglutide requires, while higher-dose Wegovy allows for greater blood-brain barrier bridging, increasing its weight-loss efficacy.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), a hormone that the gastrointestinal system spontaneously produces in response to dietary intake. As a result, it boosts pancreatic insulin release, delaying stomach emptying, and targeting brain receptors that produce appetite suppression. Produces a feeling of satiety, or fullness, that lasts significantly longer than natural GLP-1 hormone levels.
Who can take Semaglutide?
Semaglutide, is a prescription drug for the treatment of obesity, is licensed for use in people with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more, or in those with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 who have a weight-related medical condition along with a high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
What are the risks and benetits of taking this medication? Existing anti-obesity drugs generally result in a 5% to 9% weight reduction, but individuals who engage in lifestyle and behavioral treatment alone are projected to lose just 3% to 5% of their body weight.
Semaglutide most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. You should not take it if you have a thyroid tumor, or have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. (a genetic condition associated with endocrine tumors). However, it should be highlighted that tumors were only found in animal research and were not found in human trials.
How long can I take this medication?
Semaglutide is one of six FDA-approved drugs for the long-term management of obesity. It can be used for weight reduction and/or maintenance and does not cause unbearable adverse effects.
How expensive is this medication?
Anti-obesity pharmacotherapy, can be excessively expense of some of the newer therapies, as well as the unwillingness of many private and public insurance to fund anti-obesity drugs, present problems.
There is presently no coverage for anti-obesity drugs for persons on Medicare or Medicaid. Patients without insurance have the option of paying out of pocket for a lower-cost generic anti-obesity medication. Join Optimal T's medical weight loss program that offers 3-month programs and pay-as-you-go options for comparative and cost effective prices.
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