How does Semaglutide treat obesity?

Semaglutide has emerged as a promising medication for the treatment of obesity, offering not only effective weight management but also improvements in overall health.

Professor Carel Le Roux, renowned specialist in metabolic medicine, offers an expert insight into how Semaglutide works and the critical health complications associated with obesity.

What is Semaglutide, and how does it treat obesity?

Semaglutide is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the effects of the natural hormone GLP-1. This hormone is essential for regulating the number of fat cells the body carries and blood sugar levels.

When Semaglutide is administered, the medication enhances the release of insulin and suppresses glucagon secretion after meals, which helps lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, Semaglutide acts on the brain's appetite centres, promoting a feeling of fullness and reducing food intake while the body reaches a new balance of reduced fat cells.

The dual mechanism of Semaglutide makes it an effective treatment for the disease of obesity.

Who is eligible to take Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is typically prescribed to adults with the disease of obesity, which can be defined as an excess number of fat cells that are associated with a deterioration in health. The Medicine Regulators usually define this as a body mass index (BMI) above 30 kg/m², or above 27 kg/m² with obesity-related complications, such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes. It’s important for patients to discuss their medical history with a specialist to determine if Semaglutide is a suitable option for them.

How effective is Semaglutide in treating obesity?

Clinical trials have shown that Semaglutide is effective at treating the disease of obesity. Patients in these trials experienced weight loss ranging from 10% to 15% over a year. This weight loss was independent of whether patients also had intensive lifestyle treatments, suggesting that the drug is changing the biology associated with the disease of obesity rather than causing weight loss through restricting food intake.

What health problems are associated with obesity?

Obesity is associated with a number of serious health risks. These include:

• Type 2 diabetes: Obesity increases insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and the onset of diabetes.
• Cardiovascular diseases: Conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), coronary artery disease, and stroke are more prevalent in patients with obesity due to factors like increased cholesterol levels and inflammation.
• Joint problems: Excess weight puts strain on joints, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis.
• Respiratory problems: Obesity is linked to sleep apnoea, asthma, and decreased lung function.
• Cancer: Obesity raises the likelihood of developing various cancers, including those affecting the breast, colon, and pancreas.

Does obesity affect fertility and pregnancy?

Obesity can significantly impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes. In women, obesity can disrupt hormone levels and menstrual cycles, leading to ovulation disorders and infertility. Pregnant women with the disease of obesity are at higher risk for gestational diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, and birth defects. Meanwhile, men with the disease of obesity may experience reduced fertility due to hormonal imbalances and decreased sperm quality.

How can I reduce the health risks associated with obesity?

Managing obesity necessitates identifying a suitable treatment that effectively treats the disease and can be sustained. This may involve: 

• Nutritional therapies: Adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low glycaemic index carbohydrates, and whole grains which can promote loss of fat cells without causing hunger.
• Regular physical activity: Practising regular exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, aids health gain and muscle mass maintenance.
• Medical treatment: Discussing pharmacological options with a specialist can be beneficial for patients who haven’t responded to other obesity treatments such as nutritional and/or exercise therapies.
• Surgical interventions: Bariatric surgery may be recommended for patients with obesity. These procedures can result in substantial weight loss and improvements in obesity-related complications.

By addressing obesity early and comprehensively, patients can reduce their risk of developing serious health complications and improve their quality of life.

To schedule an appointment with Professor Carel Le Roux, head on over to his Top Doctors profile today.