What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide, a member of the GLP-1 agonist drug class, emulates the actions of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, aiding insulin secretion, reducing appetite, and fostering a sense of fullness.
Primarily employed in treating Type 2 diabetes, it boasts an additional perk of facilitating weight loss, typically ranging from 10 to 15 percent. Notably, research indicates its capacity to mitigate inflammation and enhance cardiovascular health, further amplifying its appeal.
The drug operates through several key mechanisms:
- Activation of GLP-1 Receptors: Semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors present in the pancreas and certain brain neurons, stimulating them upon food consumption.
- Insulin Release Stimulation: This activation prompts the pancreas to ramp up insulin production, facilitating the transportation of glucose from ingested food into cells for energy generation.
- Glucagon Suppression: Semaglutide also curtails the release of glucagon, a hormone originating from pancreatic alpha cells, which ordinarily elevates blood sugar levels by promoting glucose discharge from the liver.
- Digestive Slowing: Another notable effect is its ability to decelerate food transit through the digestive tract. This not only enhances nutrient and glucose absorption but also induces a sensation of satiety, discouraging overeating.
Semaglutide, like any medication, can provoke side effects, most of which are gastrointestinal in nature.
- Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upper abdominal pain, and bloating.
- Severe side effects may include pancreatitis, gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), allergic reactions, gallbladder problems, and vision impairments.
- In some cases, patients may experience ileus, a condition where the intestines lose their ability to contract, leading to a blockage of waste elimination.
- Rarely, semaglutide can be associated with medullary thyroid cancer or other endocrine tumors. Rapid weight loss can also have adverse effects on muscle health.
- Some individuals may notice changes in their appearance, often referred to as “Ozempic face,” “Ozempic butt,” and “Ozempic hair.”
- Discontinuing the medication without implementing lifestyle or dietary modifications can result in regained weight. Cycling between weight loss and gain can be detrimental to cellular health.
- The long-term consequences of altered gut flora due to semaglutide are not yet fully understood.
- Pricing remains a barrier, with Rybelsus costing approximately Rs 1.2 lakh per year.
- There is limited data on the effects of semaglutide in non-diabetic or non-obese individuals. Additionally, no trials have been conducted on Indians in Indian settings. Given the differences in body mass index (BMI) and body shape between Indian and Western populations, the effects of semaglutide may vary.
- It is also unclear how the prolonged slowing of digestion induced by semaglutide may impact the health of stomach, intestinal, or colon cells in the long run.
The drug’s efficacy and multifaceted benefits have captured widespread attention, with variants like injectable Ozempic and Oral Rybelsus being embraced for diabetes treatment, alongside the recently approved injectable Wegovy specifically tailored for weight loss. Such innovations underscore semaglutide’s pivotal role in revolutionizing therapeutic approaches to diabetes management and weight control, marking a significant stride in pharmaceutical advancements.