Semaglutide

Semaglutide is the generic drug name that identifies the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Novo Nordisk holds patents on branded drugs, which includes Wegovy ®, Ozempic ®, and Rybelsus ®. Generic versions are not yet available, but “authorized generics” (like Rebound Therapeutics’ version) are emerging in select markets. Ewing Weight Loss Clinic in Reno offers prescriptions for Semaglutide-based weight loss drugs. Contact Us for details, or call: 775-322-3011.

Semaglutide works by suppressing appetite and slowing gastric emptying.
Average weight loss: 15-20% of body weight over 68 weeks (with diet/exercise).
Wegovy ® is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss.
Ozempic ® (same drug, lower dose) is approved for type 2 diabetes but often prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Rybelsus ® Oral tablet form for diabetes (less effective for weight loss than injections).

Semaglutide: A Detailed Overview

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, a medication originally developed for type 2 diabetes that is now widely used for chronic weight management. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates:

Appetite (reduces hunger and cravings).
Blood sugar (increases insulin secretion).
Gastric emptying (slows digestion, promoting fullness).

As previously stated, Semaglutide brand names include:

Wegovy ® – FDA-approved for obesity (BMI ≥ 30 or ≥ 27 + weight-related conditions).
Ozempic ® – FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (often prescribed off-label for weight loss).
Rybelsus ® – Oral tablet version (for diabetes, less effective for weight loss than injections).

Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) is a breakthrough obesity treatment offering sustainable, clinically significant weight loss with additional metabolic benefits. Its once-weekly injection and non-stimulant approach make it a preferred choice over older drugs, though cost and supply shortages remain challenges.

Semaglutide Uses:

Weight Loss (Wegovy):

Adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30).
Overweight individuals (BMI ≥ 27) with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea.

For Diabetes (Ozempic/Rybelsus):

Type 2 diabetics needing better glycemic control.

Off-Label Use:

Some doctors may prescribe Ozempic ® for weight loss (same drug as Wegovy, but in lower doses).

When Was Semaglutide Approved?

Ozempic ® (Diabetes): FDA-approved in 2017.
Rybelsus ® (Oral): Approved in 2019 (first oral GLP-1 agonist).
Wegovy ® (Obesity): FDA-approved in June 2021.

How is Semaglutide Administered?

Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus are available by prescription in the United States. Injections are administered once-weekly for Wegovy and Ozempic, while oral pills are administered daily for Rybelsus.

Why is Semaglutide Popular for Weight Loss?

Unprecedented Efficacy:

Average weight loss: 15-20% of body weight (vs. 5-10% with older drugs).
Outperforms phentermine, Qsymia, and Orlistat.

Additional Health Benefits:

Lowers blood sugar, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk.
Reduces food noise (obsessive thoughts about eating).

Non-Stimulant: Unlike phentermine, it doesn’t cause jitteriness or addiction.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Mechanism of Action:

Appetite Suppression: Acts on brain receptors to reduce hunger signals.
Slowed Gastric Emptying: Keeps food in the stomach longer, increasing satiety.
Insulin Regulation: Boosts insulin release when blood sugar is high.

Dosing (Wegovy for Weight Loss):

Starts at 0.25 mg/week (to minimize side effects).
Gradually increases to 2.4 mg/week (maintenance dose).

Side Effects:

Common: Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue (usually improves over time).
Rare but Serious: Pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, thyroid tumor risk (contraindicated for those with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer).

All medicines are for the approved indication for which they are authorized in their local country or region.

CALL NOW! 775-322-3011

Ewing Weight Loss Clinic