How Exactly Does Semaglutide Work?

weight loss injections

05 Nov How Exactly Does Semaglutide Work?

Posted at 09:49h in Weight Loss by

It’s the miracle drug that means weight loss is now quick and easy, right? Perhaps not. But the former diabetes-only drug Semaglutide has become a household name when it comes to weight loss injections. Here, we discuss the mechanisms behind its effectiveness and its impact on the human body, plus the alternatives to weight loss injections. 

If you’d like to find out how we can help you overcome your weight challenges naturally, achieve your desired weight and maintain it long term, we invite you to book a complimentary call with a member of our team to learn more.

WHAT IS SEMAGLUTIDE?

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and, more recently, obesity. It’s available under different brand names such as Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, in both injectable and oral forms. Semaglutide is chemically similar to human GLP-1, with slight modifications that enhance its durability and effectiveness in the body.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Semaglutide works by mimicking the action of GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in the intestines when food is consumed. The drug binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors, triggering the effects that regulate blood sugar and appetite. Semaglutide stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin when blood sugar levels are high. It also inhibits the release of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar. Semaglutide slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, leading to a feeling of fullness and also acts on the brain to reduce appetite and food intake.

HOW DOES IT AFFECT YOUR BODY?

Semaglutide’s effects on the body are multifaceted. It enhances insulin production and suppresses glucagon, helping to lower both fasting and postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose levels. The drug’s ability to slow digestion and reduce appetite leads to significant weight loss in many users. Furthermore, Semaglutide has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and may have positive effects on lipid metabolism.

WHAT DOES THE SCIENCE SAY?

Several studies have examined the efficacy and safety of semaglutide for weight loss in overweight or obese individuals without diabetes. Meta-analyses and randomised controlled trials have consistently shown that semaglutide leads to significant weight reduction compared to placebo, with participants achieving 5-20% weight loss. A STEP 5 trial demonstrated sustained weight loss over 104 weeks. Additionally, the SELECT trial found that semaglutide reduced cardiovascular events in overweight/obese patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease. While generally well-tolerated, gastrointestinal side effects were more common with semaglutide than placebo.

IS IT SAFE?

Like all medications, Semaglutide medications should not be taken without medical supervision, and it can cause side effects. You can read more about the most common and severe side effects in our article here, but the most common side effects are mild to moderate gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There is also a risk of hypoglycemia when used with other diabetes medications, and rare but serious side effects may include pancreatitis, changes in heart rate, and potential worsening of diabetic retinopathy in some patients.

DOES IT WORK ON ANYONE?

While semaglutide can be effective for many individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity, its efficacy can vary from person to person. Factors that may influence its effectiveness include individual physiology, adherence to treatment and lifestyle factors such as maintenance of a healthy diet and lifestyle alongside the medication. Read our article on the best diet to accompany weight loss drugs, here. 

WHO IS SEMAGLUTIDE NOT SAFE FOR?

Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not use semaglutide due to the increased thyroid cancer risk. Those with known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of its components should also avoid it. Semaglutide is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or those with pancreatic issues. Finally, patients with severe gastrointestinal conditions may not be suitable candidates for semaglutide.

WHAT LIFESTYLE CHANGES ARE NECESSARY WHEN TAKING SEMAGLUTIDE?

When taking semaglutide, it’s important to adopt a balanced diet rich in non-starchy vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods and sugars. Staying hydrated, engaging in regular physical activity, practicing portion control, and managing stress are essential. Additionally, reducing alcohol intake and avoiding greasy or overly sweet foods can help minimise side effects and enhance the medication’s effectiveness in managing weight and blood sugar levels.

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?

While weight loss drugs are becoming more widely accessible, they should not be considered a quick-fix. Weight loss injections may help individuals to lose weight while they take them, but long-term success is not guaranteed, and lifestyle and diet changes are also required to ensure the work is not undone. Working with a qualified, experienced personal nutritionist can help you to make meaningful diet and lifestyle changes that can last a lifetime. 

WORK WITH US 

It is not necessary to turn to weight loss drugs to reach your goals. We are a team of qualified nutritionists who specialise in weight loss. If you’re ready to overcome your weight challenges, achieve your goal weight and maintain it long term, we can help. You can use this link to book in for a complimentary call. This is an opportunity to talk through your challenges with a member of our team and decide together whether one of our Intelligent Weight Loss programmes is right for you. Or contact us to request a copy of our brochure and we will get back to you soon.

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LINDA ROBINSON

Linda is our Practice Coordinator, helping to keep the clinic running smoothly.

 

Originally from Texas, Linda completed her MBA at SDA Bocconi in Milan. Linda has worked as a Strategy Consultant across multiple industries globally in cities including Kyoto, Paris, Chicago and San Francisco. She developed an interest in nutrition whilst volunteering for an organisation that provides cooking and nutrition education to children and families.

Linda is now settled in London with her husband, two children, and her very bouncy, sociable dog.

SARAH LAW

Sarah has worked with hundreds of clients over the past decade to help them live in a healthy body that they feel confident in.


Sarah spent a large part of her teens and 20’s as a professional dancer battling with orthorexia and an unhealthy relationship with food and her body. This created a desire to understand the human body more so she could finally cut through the confusion and end the cycle of yoyo dieting. This fuelled her passion to help other women do the same.

 

Sarah specialises in supporting women who are struggling to lose weight due to underlying health issues. She’s helped many women manage their weight during and after the menopause, as well as clients with thyroid disease and immune system dysfunction. Sarah loves food and sharing healthy recipes with her clients. Her aim is to ensure that clients don’t feel deprived and instead, achieve their weight loss and health goals in a positive and sustainable way.

 

To enquire about working with Sarah, please contact us.

AILSA HICHENS

 

Ailsa is one of our most experienced practitioners. She specialises in helping clients to lose weight, develop a healthy relationship with food and finally feel comfortable in their skin. Ailsa’s mission is for everyone she works with to enjoy the journey and that working with a nutritionist should not be a punishment, but your access to a new possibility.

 

Ailsa is not only an experienced weight loss nutritionist, she is also a skilled coach. She helps our clients overcome emotional eating, destructive habits and self-sabotaging behaviours that have prevented successful weight loss in the past. Ailsa has spent years in clinic working with clients who have experienced yo-yo dieting and have discovered that long term weight loss is not just about eating less until you can stand it no longer.

 

Working with Ailsa you will be comprehensively supported, not only in improving your nutrition and lifestyle, but also your eating habits and your relationship with food. When you work on all these elements together, the results can be truly astonishing.

 

To enquire about working with Ailsa, please contact us.

Test Nikki is our Practice Manager, managing our team of practitioners and heading up the day-to-day running of the business. Nikki is involved in the strategic development of our practice, coming from a strong business background in town planning. A Florida girl, Nikki relocated to the UK in 2014 with her husband and two children.

NIKKI ANDRIANI

Nikki is our Practice Manager, managing our team and heading up the day-to-day running of our clinic.

 

Coming from a background in town planning, Nikki is involved in the strategic development of our practice, continually ensuring we are delivering the very best service to our clients.


A Florida girl, Nikki relocated to the UK in 2014 where she lives with her husband, two children, and her rescue dog Skyy.

STÉPHANIE ACHAR

Stéphanie is a skilled nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner with additional training in eating disorders, disordered eating and obesity. She believes that working towards both physiological and mental health is key in achieving optimum wellbeing.

 

Stéphanie’s personal experience of emotional eating and the ongoing struggle to find the right support led her to combine the science of nutrition with behavioural coaching to motivate and empower her clients. She specialises in helping people who struggle with their weight and their relationship with food. She helps them develop a healthier and more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies.

 

To enquire about working with Stéphanie, please contact us.

INNA WEARN

Inna is passionate about supporting women on their journey to improved health and wellbeing. She believes that the solution to effective weight loss does not lie in ever more restrictive diets, but a more sophisticated approach that optimises health and vitality, as well as promoting effective weight loss.

 

Working with Inna you will benefit from her in-depth knowledge of female health and hormones. She will support you in developing a healthy diet, lifestyle and mindset that ensures you reach your ideal weight and maintain it in the years to come.

 

Inna is passionate about food with a wide repertoire of delicious healthy recipes and meal ideas to ensure your weight loss journey is as enjoyable as possible!

 

To enquire about working with Inna, please contact us.

ANIA MASON

 

Ania is a firm believer that improving your health and losing weight should be a positive, empowering journey, not one centred around deprivation.

 

After being diagnosed with two autoimmune conditions in her twenties, Ania spent several years educating herself on the power of food and nutrition. She put it all into practise and changed her diet and lifestyle, reversing her endometriosis and thyroid disease. After experiencing such a significant improvement in her health, Ania had a big desire to help others. She embarked on a four year journey to study nutrition, graduating from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition with distinction.

 

Ania specialises in autoimmunity and works with clients who have underlying health issues preventing successful weight loss. Her expertise enables her to successfully support our clients with conditions such as hypothyroidsm (underactive thyroid), PCOS and diabetes. 

 

To enquire about working with Ania, please contact us.

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