Understanding the Science Behind Semaglutide for Weight Loss

If you are not familiar with the term “semaglutide”, you have certainly heard this type of medication called by its brand names, like Ozempic^® and Wegovy^®. A semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) medication works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone produced in the small intestine. Interestingly, these medications were not designed for weight loss, despite their growing popularity in that role. Meant to treat adults with type 2 diabetes, these medications help regulate blood glucose levels and slow down digestion. Understanding the science behind semaglutide medications can help you understand whether semaglutide is the right option for you.

What is the Science Behind Semaglutide?

As mentioned, semaglutide targets the naturally occurring GLP-1, harnessing its abilities to improve the body’s weight management mechanisms. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, and GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutides) work with hormones, neural circuits, and neurotransmitters, to regulate appetite and metabolism. As a diabetic medication, it’s highly effective. For weight loss, it’s a game changer. With semaglutide, weight loss is typically clinically significant. Here is how it works:

• GLP-1 receptors in the brain help regulate appetite. By activating these receptors, semaglutide increases feelings of satiety and reduces hunger signals. This allows people to be more mindful about their food choices, and this can lead to successful weight loss.
• Semaglutide also helps slow the rate of digestion. By decreasing the rate at which the stomach empties, it curbs cravings, makes people feel full for longer, and helps reduce the temptation to overeat.
• In the brain’s reward centers, semaglutide dulls the appeal of high-calorie foods. This makes it easier to stay on track and resist diet-derailing foods.
• The basal metabolic rate is boosted by semaglutide. This means that, in addition to appetite control, semaglutide medications help you burn calories more efficiently, even when you are not active.
• These medications also promote the breakdown of stored fat. By triggering fat breakdown, semaglutide helps use fat stores for energy, leading to further weight loss.

How Do Semaglutide Medications Impact the Heart?

If you have ever taken a weight loss medication, you know that some of them can be detrimental to your health, particularly your cardiovascular health. The good news? A semaglutide injection is not dangerous to your heart. In fact, in 2024, Wegovy was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in adults with established risk factors. By helping to control blood sugar and excess weight, semaglutides can cut the risk of cardiovascular disease significantly.  

Let Twin Lakes Heart Center Help Keep Your Heart Healthy

Caring for your body means caring for your heart, and when you need routine heart monitoring, you will find no better care than at Twin Lakes Heart Center. Since 1993, we have been providing cardiovascular care and medical weight loss treatment for the community in Boca Raton, offering unparalleled care through a preventative, patient-centered approach. We are committed to building life-long relationships with our patients, helping them achieve a heart-healthy lifestyle. By adopting leading-edge technologies and taking a comprehensive heart health approach to heart disease, we are able to provide enhanced outcomes for a wide range of cardiovascular conditions. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us through our website.