Semaglutide is a medication primarily used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for chronic weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists which work by mimicking the incretin hormones that the body usually produces. When food is ingested, the body naturally secretes incretin hormones like GLP-1 to stimulate insulin production from the pancreas, which in turn helps lower blood sugar levels by allowing the body to use glucose more effectively. GLP-1 agonists enhance this process by providing a longer-lasting stimulus than the body’s natural hormones, leading to more consistent insulin release and better blood sugar control. Furthermore, by slowing gastric emptying and reducing hunger signals in the brain, these drugs can reduce appetite and significantly support weight loss. Semaglutide is administered via injection and is noted for its once-weekly dosing, which can be more convenient for patients compared to medications requiring daily administration.

Semaglutide has shown potential in other areas of health such as cardiovascular disease prevention and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) treatment. The implications of this on one’s overall metabolic health is significant. Ultimately, it has been shown to produce greater weight loss results compared to other medications used for obesity treatment and has become a go-to in many weight-loss programs.

As with any medication, consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary to determine if semaglutide is right for an individual. If interested in this or natural alternatives to increase GLP-1 secretion, don’t hesitate to reach out to Men’s Health Athens for a consultation.