Semaglutide has been found to have a high efficacy when used as a treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes. However, multiple studies have also found that it can also have a significant benefit for those using it to aid with weight management.
But what exactly is semaglutide, and how does it achieve this?
In this article we’ll cover:
- What semaglutide is
- Clinical studies that have investigated the effects of semaglutide on diabetes and weight management
- The three main benefits of semaglutide when used for weight management assistance
- The risks associated with semaglutide
- Whether or not semaglutide is effective for non-diabetics with weight management
- Individuals who should and should not use semaglutide as a tool for weight management
- Where to buy semaglutide in Canada
- Our top three tips for using semaglutide as part of your weight management regime
- Frequently asked questions.
Let’s dive in together!
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a medication used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In Canada you may come across several semaglutide brand name drugs marketed by Novo Nordisk, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.
Semaglutide is administered subcutaneously one per week by the patient. In the case of Ozempic, it’s administered via an Ozempic Pen, similar to an EpiPen. The pens come in three different dosages and can be adjusted, allowing the patient to self-administer, no matter their target dose.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. These receptor agonists work by imitating the action of GLP-1 hormone in your body, thereby assisting the pancreas to balance your insulin and blood glucose levels. It also slows the digestive process in the body.
In addition to assisting with type 2 diabetes treatment, semaglutide can also help reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. This includes heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, and death.
A positive side effect of semaglutide is its ability to assist with weight management, especially when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, Health Canada has only approved semaglutide for the use of treatment of type 2 diabetes, or as part of a weight management plan in those with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or over.
You should also bear in mind that your health insurance will be unlikely to cover your treatment, unless you have been prescribed semaglutide for type 2 diabetes.
How Does Semaglutide Help With Weight Loss?
Semaglutide has been proven to be effective in regulating and maintaining appropriate levels of blood sugar for individuals with type 2 diabetes, as well as reducing insulin resistance.
As semaglutide mimics the effects of GLP-1, this also affects the part of the brain that controls hunger and food intake, while also slowing digestion. This causes repressed hunger and increased satiety after meals, which may help to put patients into a calorie deficit.
It’s recommended that when using semaglutide to achieve your weight management goals you should pair it with positive lifestyle changes. This includes implementation of a healthy diet and regular exercise into your daily routine.
Once you have finished your course of the drug, it’s even more important to keep up these new healthy habits, or risk regaining any lost weight.
If you fall into the category that will allow you to take semaglutide for weight management, you should consult with your medical team before beginning the drug. This will allow you to make sure your weight management is overseen by a professional, and put together a comprehensive plan together.
Clinical Studies on Semaglutide, Diabetes and Weight Management
There have been a number of clinical trials and research studies performed on the effects of semaglutide in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and to assist with weight management.
Here are some of the articles and their outcomes for your information.
Case Study 1
This 2021 study (co-authored by Calanna S., Batterham RL., Wilding JPH., Wharton S., Wadden TA., et al.) investigated how once-weekly 2.4 mg semaglutide doses affected adults who were overweight or had obesity.
They found that of their 1,961 participants, those in the group taking semaglutide lost 14.9% of their body weight on average over 68 weeks. Meanwhile, the placebo group only lost 2.4% of their body weight on average over 68 weeks. Both groups also made lifestyle changes in addition to the drug.
They did report common adverse reactions, including nausea and diarrhea, in the group who were taking semaglutide. While these side effects dissipated over time, 4.5% of the group discontinued their treatment, thanks to gastrointestinal distress.
Case Study 2
This 2021 clinical step 3 trial published in Lancet (with authors Davies M., Pakseresht A., Færch L., Jeppesen OK., et al.) looked at the response in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes on 2.4 mg versus 1 mg of semaglutide, and a placebo.
Of the 1,595 participants, 1,210 were given either 2.4 mg or 1 mg of semaglutide, or a placebo. Over 68 weeks they found that those who were given 2.4 mg of semaglutide lost 9.6% of their body weight on average, while those who were given the placebo only lost 3.4% of their body weight.
Their findings corroborated claims that 2.4 mg of semaglutide could help lead to meaningful decrease in body weight in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes, especially when compared to the placebo.
Case Study 3
This 2021 randomized step 4 clinical trial (co-authored by Rubino D., Abrahamsson N., et al.) looked at the effect weekly 2.4 mg semaglutide injections had in adults with obesity versus a placebo. For the first 20 weeks, participants were given semaglutide, after which they were switched to a placebo.
After 68 weeks, of the 787 participants who completed treatment, the data showed that in the first 20 weeks they lost 7.9% of their body weight on average. However, when semaglutide was replaced with a placebo, they gained 6.9% of their body weight on average. All participants also had lifestyle change intervention.
Additionally, while on semaglutide their waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and SF-36 physical function score all improved.
This trial concluded that continued treatment of semaglutide would result in continued weight loss, as opposed to switching to a placebo.
Case Study 4
This 2022 randomized clinical trial (co-authored by Rubino D., Greenway FL., Wadden TA., et al.) compared the efficacy of weekly semaglutide injections with daily liraglutide on adults who were overweight or obese. This was paired with lifestyle interventions.
Of the 271 participants who completed treatment over 68 weeks, those on semaglutide lost 15.8% of their body weight on average, while those on liraglutide lost 6.4% of their body weight on average. Those on the placebo lost 1.9% of their body weight on average.
They concluded that when compared with lifestyle changes, such as healthy diets and physical activity, those on semaglutide were able to achieve better results than those on liraglutide.
Case Study 5
Finally, this 2021 randomized clinical trial (co-authored by Bailey TS., Billings LK., Wadden TA., Davies M., Rubino D., et al.) looked at the effectiveness 2.4 mg semaglutide injections had when compared with a placebo, in addition to intensive behavioral therapy and a low calorie diet in those who were overweight or had obesity.
Over 68 weeks, the 567 participants who completed the trial had an average body weight reduction of 16% for semaglutide, while the placebo group had an average body weight reduction of 5.7%.
They concluded that for those who were overweight or obese, once-weekly semaglutide injections when adjunct to therapy and a low-calorie diet could result in significant weight loss. However, they noted that further research was necessary to assess durability.
Benefits of Using Semaglutide for Weight Loss
It’s important to remember that if you’ve been approved to use semaglutide as part of your weight management plan, you should put your safety first.
Even though the side effects of semaglutide may reduce your desire to eat, you should still eat balanced and light meals, though the amount will likely be less than you’re used to.
Additionally, be sure to hydrate and drink plenty of water. Not only will this prevent dehydration, it may also help minimize side effects such as nausea.
You may also want to consider therapy alongside your treatment. Big changes in your body can sometimes lead to depression, especially if you begin to notice unwanted changes in your face shape or skin.
Additionally, making sure you’re taking care of your mental health will help you address your underlying issues with food. This makes it more likely that once you’ve finished your course of semaglutide treatment, you’re able to continue on with the positive changes you’ve made to your lifestyle.
Regulating Blood Sugar
An increase in blood sugar levels often causes a person to feel hungrier than usual, which can lead to weight gain. One of the major advantages of semaglutide is its ability to regulate and control blood sugar, making it an ideal choice for those with or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Risks of Using Semaglutide for Weight Loss
There are a number of side effects and contraindications you should be aware of when starting semaglutide. Most of these will be minor and dissipate with time. However, the best advice is to make sure that you communicate all side effects with your medical team.
Common side effects that may occur when taking semaglutide can include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach (abdominal) pain
- Constipation.
Rare, but potentially serious, side effects may include:
- Kidney failure
- Pancreatitis
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Changes in vision
- Allergic reactions (including swelling of the face, throat, tongue, a rash or hives around the injection site, or difficulty breathing after administration of semaglutide)
- Gallbladder problems.
A clinical trial on mice showed that the mice developed thyroid tumors after treatment with semaglutide. While it’s not known if the same will develop in humans, those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (thyroid cancer) should not take semaglutide.
If you develop any symptoms of the more serious side effects listed above, discontinue your semaglutide treatment immediately and contact your medical team, or go to the ER at your local hospital.
Is Semaglutide Effective for Weight Loss in Non-Diabetics?
Whilst Semaglutide is primarily approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, studies conducted have supported evidence that non-diabetic individuals may find it extremely beneficial as a weight management tool.
Of course, for best results, you should take into account proper nutrition, and implement a healthy diet and regular exercise into your routine.
Who Should (and Should Not) Take Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide is considered a safe drug for individuals who have a BMI of 27 or higher, whether or not you have type 2 diabetes.
Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or attempting to conceive should discuss their plans with their medical team, as your treatment plan on semaglutide may need to be adjusted.
Those who have a history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis should not take semaglutide. Additionally, if you are allergic to semaglutide you should not use it as part of your weight management plan.
Tips on Getting Started with Semaglutide for Weight Loss
Exercise
Numerous studies support evidence that regular exercise is vital for good general health and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
By incorporating more physical activity while taking semaglutide, you can not only improve your overall health and achieve greater weight management results, but the positive effects will be felt long after you’ve finished treatment.
Commitment to Weight Loss
Achieving and maintaining weight loss requires dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to making sustainable lifestyle changes.
With studies suggesting that post treatment weight regain is a likely occurrence without adequate lifestyle changes, making a long term commitment to your health is essential in maintaining any positive weight management results experienced whilst taking semaglutide.
Eating Healthy Foods
Semaglutide can make you feel full on far less food, so plan to eat small healthy meals throughout the day.
Consistent eating and diet habits can not only help keep your metabolism in check but may also help prevent common side effects. These include nausea, heartburn, or other unpleasant gastrointestinal problems.
Key Takeaways
Semaglutide has been shown to be effective in reducing insulin resistance and regulating blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Through the mimicking of the effects of the hormone GLP-1, it can be beneficial with your weight management, due to its ability to reduce appetite and slow digestion.
It’s important to remember that semaglutide isn’t suitable for everyone. Not only must you have a BMI of 27 or higher to have approval to use it as part of the weight management plan, it also has a number of side effects and contraindications associated with it.
If you’re considering semaglutide, be sure to consult with your medical team so that your weight management plan will be under the care of a professional.
Semaglutide for Weight Loss FAQs
How much weight can I lose with semaglutide?
Extensive clinical studies have shown a marked decline in body weight for those taking semaglutide, with a mean loss of 5–15% of their starting body weight.
It should be noted that results can differ from person to person and can be influenced by a number of factors and details, such as age, sex, and lifestyle choices.
Who should not take semaglutide?
Due to the potential risk of adverse complications, it is strongly advised that individuals who have been diagnosed with or have a family history of the following do not take semaglutide:
- Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)
- Gallbladder disease
- Pancreatitis
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).
Additionally, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on conceiving should discuss with their medical team about their use of semaglutide.
Semaglutide has a number of contraindications with other medications, so you should fully disclose your medical history and any prescription medication you’re currently taking to your medical team before starting the drug.
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