Rising Potential of Semaglutide Treatment – The Pros & Cons
Semaglutide has recently received a lot of press for its potential as a weight-loss drug. Like many weight management treatments, semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. It improves control of eating by reducing appetite and cravings. Available orally or as once-weekly subcutaneous injections, semaglutide is in the medical spotlight. In conjunction with lifestyle changes, semaglutide has shown significant promise as a tool for weight management.
As semaglutide grows in popularity, patients will likely be interested in discussing treatment. While semaglutide shows promise, it should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Metabolic profile, lifestyle, and overall health can all affect semaglutide treatment. Like any pharmaceutical, semaglutide has several limitations and potential side effects. From testing to whole-body effects, it’s important to discuss semaglutide at length with your patients before pursuing treatment.
Rising Potential of Semaglutide Treatments
Semaglutide’s recent reputation for short-term weight loss has been well-researched. One study involving 813 subjects with type 2 diabetes showed semaglutide’s efficacy. Compared to similar GLP-1 agonists, semaglutide showed greater weight loss and glycemic control. At the same time, it received a similar safety profile.
Given the safety and efficacy of semaglutide, it’s unsurprising that it has remained a subject of interest. Many are interested in semaglutide’s potential to revolutionize the treatment of diabetes, improve the management of obesity, and promote overall health and wellness.
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Semaglutide may work to promote insulin production. As a result, there is considerable interest in semaglutide for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Semaglutide treatment can functionally increase beta-cell function as well as insulin biosynthesis. In a study focusing on semaglutide as a treatment for T2D, it even reduced hemoglobin A1C.
Weight Loss & Weight Management
Across several in-depth studies, semaglutide has demonstrated a remarkable ability to promote satiety. One study combined weekly subcutaneous semaglutide injections with physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet. Over the course of 68 weeks, semaglutide resulted in an average loss of 9.6% to 17.4% of initial body weight. In an additional study, those who underwent semaglutide treatment reduced their weight by 12.7 kg more than placebo.
Overall Health
While it is best known as a weight loss medication, semaglutide appears to have a significant effect on whole-body health. Partially as a result of weight loss, semaglutide treatment can contribute to cardiovascular care. One recent study tested the effect of semaglutide on the heart health of non-diabetic subjects. Across over 17,000 patients, subcutaneous semaglutide injections were correlated with a reduction in cardiovascular-related death. Patients aiming to improve their overall health may benefit from WellnessHeath screens from Access Medical Labs to establish a baseline and develop an in-depth picture of their metabolic, immune, and hormonal health.
Limitations of Semaglutide Treatments
As with any weight-loss medication, semaglutide has certain limitations. Careful consideration should be taken before recommending treatment. While semaglutide is generally successful, patients may experience varying results. In some cases, patients may be entirely non-responsive or experience adverse side effects. Potential adverse effects of semaglutide include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Higher dosage is associated with more frequent gastrointestinal side effects. Though unlikely, there is also a risk of hypoglycemia, as semaglutide reduces blood glucose levels. As a fairly new drug, additional long-term effects of semaglutide remain under-explored in the current scholarship.
Long-term efficacy is another concern of semaglutide treatment. The weight loss and health effects associated with semaglutide are recorded during or just after treatment. Certain follow-up studies have found that patients regained two-thirds of their lost weight one year after concluding semaglutide treatment. For lasting results, semaglutide should only be considered as part of a larger treatment plan.
Different health profiles are likely to yield different results. As you explore semaglutide treatment, consider pursuing in-depth testing. Semaglutide testing provides microscopic data on your patients’ metabolism and overall health. This data can help you determine patient eligibility for treatment and anticipate potential challenges.
Creating Treatment Plans If Semaglutide Makes Sense For Your Patients
Semaglutide treatments typically last several months. As you develop potential treatment plans, balance patient preferences with health goals. Treatment duration, dosage, and method should be carefully considered. For weight management, both oral and subcutaneous semaglutide treatments have proved similarly effective.
The efficacy of semaglutide is influenced by lifestyle, including diet and exercise. Finding the most effective lifestyle solutions for your patient may require some trial and error to fine-tune your approach. Be sure to discuss necessary changes with your patients.
Implementing Lifestyle Changes
As revealed in the STEP trial (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity), lifestyle changes are vital for effective semaglutide treatment. The STEP trial is a series of studies on the effects of semaglutide on patients who are overweight. Each phase of the STEP trial paired diet changes and exercise with semaglutide treatment; however, the third phase of the STEP trial included intensive lifestyle modifications. As a result, the patients in the third phase of the STEP trial experienced almost twice the amount of weight loss compared to patients in other phases of the trial. This data highlights the importance of exercise and proper diet during semaglutide treatment.
Semaglutide is often combined with weekly exercise and a low-calorie diet. Keep your patients’ needs in mind as you integrate lifestyle changes into their treatment plans. Changes in diet and exercise should be carefully noted. Additionally, monitoring changes through consistent testing is key during treatment.
Medical Testing Before and During Semaglutide Treatment
Testing remains vital throughout semaglutide treatment. Several factors may alter the effects of semaglutide. To get the most out of treatment, it’s important to regularly examine your patients’ microscopic reactions. Metabolic responses, insulin production, and cardiovascular health may all affect—and be affected by—treatment. Testing also provides unique insight into your patients’ metabolism and mechanisms of weight management. With this information, you can craft personalized care plans to bolster your patient care.
Access Medical Labs offers the best in semaglutide testing. Our semaglutide panels include the most relevant markers for weight management. From hemoglobin A1C to a comprehensive metabolic panel, our semaglutide testing provides in-depth data to inform your treatment plans.
Our semaglutide panel includes:
These markers provide vital insights into your patient’s health and wellness. Our panels are a valuable tool for developing and adjusting semaglutide treatment. With our industry-leading turnaround time and facilities, you can anticipate timely and trustworthy results. Explore more from Access Medical Labs and spend less time on labs and more time with your patients. Register here for efficient and convenient diagnostic services.
