Semaglutide injections: a comprehensive guide
Semaglutide injections have revolutionized weight management and diabetes care, offering a clinically proven way to control appetite, regulate blood sugar, and promote sustainable weight loss. Whether you're considering Semaglutide for obesity management or diabetes treatment, this page provides everything you need to know about its benefits, usage, safety, and expected results.
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What are Semaglutide injections?
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone plays a crucial role in:
✔ Appetite regulation – Reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness
✔ Blood sugar control – Helps regulate insulin and lower glucose levels
✔ Delayed stomach emptying – Slows digestion to keep you feeling satisfied longer
Semaglutide is available under brand names like:
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Wegovy (for weight management)
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Ozempic (for Type 2 diabetes but used off-label for weight loss)
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Rybelsus (oral tablet for diabetes)
Key Benefits of Semaglutide Injections
✔ Clinically Proven Weight Loss – Patients in clinical trials lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
✔ Appetite Suppression – Reduces cravings and overeating by targeting hunger signals in the brain.
✔ Long-Lasting Effects – A single weekly injection provides continuous support for weight management.
✔ Improved Blood Sugar Control – Helps lower A1C levels and prevent insulin spikes.
✔ Reduced Risk of Heart Disease – Shown to improve cardiovascular health in people with diabetes.
✔ Convenient & Easy to Use – Once-weekly injection with a pre-filled pen makes it simple to administer.
Who Can Benefit?
Semaglutide is ideal for individuals who:
✔ Have a BMI of 30+ (obesity) or 27+ with weight-related conditions
✔ Struggle with long-term weight management
✔ Have Type 2 diabetes and need better blood sugar control
How Semaglutide injections work
Semaglutide works by activating GLP-1 receptors, which control appetite and blood sugar levels.
Key mechanisms:
Suppresses appetite – Signals the brain to reduce hunger and prevent overeating.
Slows digestion – Delays food emptying from the stomach, helping you feel fuller longer.
Regulates blood sugar – Stimulates insulin release and reduces glucose spikes.
Promotes fat burning – Helps the body use stored fat for energy.
Results timeline:
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Week 1-4: Appetite reduction begins
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Month 2-3: Visible weight loss (5-10% of body weight)
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Month 6+: Maximum weight loss (10-15% or more)
How to use Semaglutide Injections?
Dosage & administration:
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Semaglutide is a subcutaneous injection (under the skin).
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Once a week, on the same day each week, at any time of day.
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Inject in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
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Rotate injection sites to prevent irritation.
Dosing schedule:
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Week 1-4: 0.25 mg (starting dose to reduce side effects)
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Week 5-8: 0.5 mg
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Week 9+ (Maintenance Dose): 1.0 mg or 2.4 mg (as prescribed)
Tip: Take at the same time each week and follow your doctor's guidance on dose adjustments.
Common side effects of Semaglutide
Most side effects are mild and improve over time.
Mild side effects:
⚠ Nausea (most common)
⚠ Vomiting
⚠ Diarrhoea or constipation
⚠ Bloating and gas
⚠ Fatigue
Serious (rare) side effects:
⚠ Thyroid tumours (seen in animal studies, rare in humans)
⚠ Pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting)
⚠ Gallbladder issues (gallstones, pain after eating fatty foods)
⚠ Severe dehydration (from vomiting/diarrhoea)
🚫 Who should NOT take Semaglutide?
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People with a history of thyroid cancer (MTC) or MEN2 syndrome
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Pregnant or breastfeeding women
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Individuals with a history of pancreatitis
If you experience severe side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
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This is my seventh week taking the weight loss treatment and i'm astonished with my weight loss. I've dropped from 113kg to 96.5kg. To say I am delighted is an understatement. Thank you so much Liz, your advice has been invaluable. Worth every penny.
Shey Davies, December 2024