Weight loss drugs are booming in popularity. Many believe they are a medical marvel, helping millions quickly achieve healthier body weights and lifestyles. Semaglutide is a top type of medication currently revolutionizing the health care field and how doctors treat patients with obesity and other weight-related conditions.

We're breaking down the key facts you need to know about this drug and its incredible ability to support weight loss goals. We're also sharing insights into its safety and some possible side effects.

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is part of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) antagonist medication class. Doctors prescribe it for treating type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues and weight-related health issues. It helps patients manage their blood sugar levels and lose excess weight to improve overall health.

Most people receive a semaglutide injection, typically once a week. Other patients ingest an oral tablet. Both provided promising results in clinical trials and are effective options. 

Semaglutide Brands

As of 2024, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved three semaglutide brands, including:

• Ozempic: Ozempic is a weekly injection for lowering blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can also reduce cardiovascular risks, such as heart attack, heart disease, stroke and death.
• Wegovy: This injection helps individuals who are 12 years old and older with weight-related struggles, such as obesity. 
• Rybelsus: Unlike Ozempic and Wegovy, Rybelsus is an oral tablet medication for treating individuals with type 2 diabetes. 

Doctors also encourage patients taking any of these medications to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet. You must have a prescription to take semaglutide, and no approved generic options are currently available. 

Is Semaglutide Safe?

You should always consult your doctor and be honest regarding your medical history before taking any type of semaglutide. Like with any prescription drug, this medication can have adverse health effects. However, long-term clinical trials have shown favorable results regarding semaglutide safety and efficacy. 

The FDA approved Ozempic for adults with type 2 diabetes in 2017 and for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in 2020. Ozempic does not currently have approval for weight loss treatment. In 2019, the agency approved Rybelsus oral tablets for adults with type 2 diabetes to control blood sugar. The agency approved Wegovy for treating individuals with obesity or weight-related conditions in 2021 and improving cardiovascular health in 2024. 

Taking the proper dose of semaglutide as your doctor prescribes is essential for the safest and most effective experience with this medication.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide mimics the effects of GLP-1, which is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the gut. Your body releases GLP-1 into the intestine in response to food intake. It plays an important role in the following processes:

• Regulating blood sugar levels: Semaglutide stimulates insulin release from the pancreas. The increase in insulin helps the body's cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream and ultimately reduce blood sugar levels. The medication also reduces glucagon levels and helps prevent the liver from releasing excess glucose into the bloodstream.
• Slowing gastric emptying: By slowing down the process of food emptying from the stomach into the intestines, semaglutide delays glucose absorption and reduces blood sugar level spikes after a meal.
• Promoting feelings of fullness: Patients on this medication tend to feel fuller faster when eating. Semaglutide sends signals to the brain that increase satiety, which helps individuals consume less food and gain better control over blood sugar levels. 

This medication commonly reduces the patient's appetite and subsequent calorie intake, helping some users combat overeating and reduce cravings.

Who Is Semaglutide For?

Semaglutide can be an effective option for individuals with a body mass index of 27 or greater. The specific brand a doctor prescribes will depend on the patient's specific health concerns and whether they have type 2 diabetes, are using the medication to lose weight or are taking the medication to reduce cardiovascular risks. 

In most cases, doctors suggest this medication after a person tries to improve their health through diet and exercise but struggles to make lasting improvements. 

Who Should Not Take Semaglutide?

While semaglutide can offer wonderful benefits, it is not a suitable medicine for everyone. Individuals who have a history of the following health conditions should not take semaglutide:

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
• Medullary thyroid cancer
• Gallbladder disease
• Pancreatitis

You should also consult your doctor about any prescription drugs you are currently taking and how they will interact with semaglutide. Insulin medications, for example, can increase your risk of low blood sugar when paired with Ozempic.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid taking semaglutide, as this medication can potentially pose health risks to infants.

Using Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Explore some of the key advantages of taking semaglutide for weight loss:

• Effective: This medication can support significant weight loss for those struggling with obesity. It helps many people achieve a healthier body weight in a shorter period than exercise and diet alone. 
• Long-term weight management: Shedding the first few pounds is the hardest for many individuals. Semaglutide medicines can help those with weight-related issues get to a size that enables them to be more active and feel better during exercise. This improvement can support sustained weight management. 
• Improved quality of life: Semaglutide can help patients improve mobility, boost energy levels and feel healthier in their bodies, leading to better overall wellness and quality of life.
• Cardiovascular benefits: Losing excess body weight by taking this medication can significantly benefit cardiovascular health, including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and heart attacks. 

When paired with better eating, exercise and treatments like IV therapy, semaglutide can help individuals feel happier and healthier in their skin. We don't offer semaglutide injections at Rocky Mountain IV Medics — however, our IV therapy treatments can complement semaglutide, helping your weight loss efforts and addressing common side effects associated with this medication.

Semaglutide makes you feel full longer, promoting weight loss. IV therapy treatments can enhance your full, healthy feeling by directly providing essential nutrients and hydration into your bloodstream. IV therapy helps your body feel nourished and energized, making maintaining energy levels during your weight loss journey easier. 

Possible Semaglutide Weight Loss Side Effects

When taking semaglutide for weight loss, be mindful of a few common side effects:  

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Mild stomach pain

Are you experiencing mild semaglutide side effects? IV therapy can help you manage them, reducing the strain on your body. Incorporating IV therapy into your routine can support hydration, nutrient replenishment and energy levels.

Loss of appetite, nausea and fatigue can affect your day-to-day routine. IV treatments deliver vitamins, minerals and hydration to your body, helping you beat semaglutide's side effects. With specially formulated IV blends, we can give you much-needed energy and nutrition support wherever you need it. 

If you experience any of the following symptoms after taking semaglutide medication, you should reach out to a medical professional immediately:

• Allergic reactions
• Severe stomach pain
• Vision changes
• Dehydration
• Heart palpitations 
• Swelling or lump in your neck
• Difficulty swallowing
• Trouble breathing

According to the National Library of Medicine, semaglutide injections may increase the likelihood of developing tumors in your thyroid gland. Paying close attention to how your body feels and keeping up with routine doctor's visits will help you monitor your health and catch potential issues early.

Start IV Therapy With Rocky Mountain IV Medics

If you're interested in losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle, Rocky Mountain IV Medics can help. Our team of medical professionals suggests the Myers' Cocktail for individuals looking to shed a few pounds and feel their best. 

We serve individuals throughout Colorado, and our team will bring all the necessary equipment to your location for added convenience and comfort throughout your IV treatment. 

Are you ready to get started? Create your IV therapy appointment with Rocky Mountain IV Medics online today!