| SEMAGLUTIDE, GLP-1 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Everyone knows by now that semaglutide or GLP-1 (Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy) can help diabetics and as a side effect weight loss. While long term effects still are not fully understood, what do we actually know currently? Here are two extremely different articles to provide many of the answers.
Men’s Health Magazine
Advantages:
1. Lower blood sugar levels. This also means fewer complications from having diabetes.
2. Weight loss. A reduction in feeling hungry and feeling full sooner while eating.
3. A healthier heart. A reduction in heart attacks, strokes and death from cardiovascular disease. This is not only from weight reduction but also from the reduction in conditions associated with the above diseases. A reduction in heart attacks, strokes and death from cardiovascular disease.
4. Alzheimer’s reduction. Data shows that semaglutide takers with type 2 diabetes were 70% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who only took insulin.
5. Less liver trouble. Weight loss leads to a reduction in liver fat and less risk of liver failure.
6. Fewer cravings. Not only an appetite suppressant but alcohol, smoking and opioid overuse may be decreased. There is an overlap of brain circuitry.
Disadvantages:
1. Muscle loss. If you drop 15-25% of your body weight, 15-60% of that could be lean mass (muscle). Strength training helps counter that. Also, a diet rich in protein helps to maintain and build muscle.
2. Erectile disfunction and low testosterone. It is speculated that these drugs interfere with production of testosterone.
3. Queasiness. GLP-1 affects a structure in the brain stem which makes you feel like vomiting. That’s why nausea is the top side effect of GLP-1s. Meal timing can help.
4. Gallstones. Not only does your intestines slow but so does the movement of bile which can result in gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. Right upper quadrant pain is synonymous with this.
5. Sagging skin. “Ozempic Face” occurs with rapid weight loss. This obviously occurs in most areas of the body depending on the amount of weight loss and how quickly. Beside you know a good plastic surgeon
(Did You Know? Reading the Men’s Health article and typing it out probably took me 45 minutes. Pulling up the Chat GPT website, typing in the topic and copying it about 4 minutes. While they each provide different information, they complement each other.)
ChatGPT
Semaglutide is a medication used primarily for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and weight management (Wegovy). It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, which regulates blood sugar levels and appetite.
Advantages of Semaglutide
1. Effective Blood Sugar Control – Lowers HbA1c levels significantly in type 2 diabetes patients.
2. Weight Loss – Helps with appetite suppression and calorie reduction, making it beneficial for obesity management.
3. Cardiovascular Benefits – Shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with cardiovascular disease.
4. Convenient Dosing – Available as a once-weekly injection or daily oral tablet, offering flexibility.
5. Improved Insulin Sensitivity – Helps the body use insulin more efficiently, reducing insulin resistance.
6. Lowers Risk of Hypoglycemia – Unlike some diabetes medications, semaglutide does not typically cause low blood sugar when used alone.
Disadvantages of Semaglutide
1. Gastrointestinal Side Effects – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are common, especially when starting the medication.
2. High Cost – Can be expensive, and insurance coverage varies.
3. Potential for Pancreatitis – Rare but serious risk of pancreatic inflammation.
4. Possible Thyroid Tumors – In animal studies, semaglutide has been linked to thyroid C-cell tumors, though human risk is unclear.
5. Loss of Muscle Mass – Some users experience muscle loss along with fat loss, requiring careful management.
6. Injection Site Reactions – For the injectable form, some people experience redness, swelling, or irritation.
7. Risk of Gallbladder Issues – Increased risk of gallstones or gallbladder disease, especially with rapid weight loss.
8. Not Suitable for Certain Patients – Not recommended for those with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). |
