Learn the Difference
The interconnection among semaglutide, Wegovy, and Ozempic revolves around their shared active ingredient – semaglutide. This commonality sets the stage for understanding how these medications contribute to weight loss, marking a pivotal shift in the approach to addressing obesity as a chronic metabolic disease.
Ongoing research consistently reinforces the effectiveness of semaglutide injections as a weight loss injection. This not only underscores their potential in medical weight loss but also emphasizes the necessity of adopting holistic and comprehensive treatment strategies. Such an approach goes beyond the reliance on individual willpower and lifestyle modifications, recognizing the complexity of obesity as a multifaceted condition.
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), abbreviated as GLP-1. Its mechanism involves mimicking the actions of the GLP-1 hormone, naturally released in the gut after consuming a meal.
Semaglutide stimulates insulin production and reduces blood sugar levels. Semaglutide also plays a crucial role in appetite regulation and feelings of fullness. Semaglutide, along with other GLP1 drugs like tirzepatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, albiglutide, lixisenatide, and exanatide, all slow down stomach emptying. This causes the sensation of fullness which reduces appetite. The hunger signals can become very low, underscoring the importance of proper medical follow up when using these medications.
The comprehensive approach extends to the combination of semaglutide with a structured diet and exercise regimen, showcasing its potential to induce substantial weight loss. This weight loss isn’t just a numerical metric; it’s associated with a tangible decrease in the risk of prevalent conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
How is this different from Ozempic?
Ozempic, also known as semaglutide in generic form, gained FDA approval in 2017 for adults with type 2 diabetes. Beyond its primary function as a weekly injection for diabetes management, some physicians have found success prescribing it off-label as a weight loss injection.
The mechanism of Ozempic involves mimicking a naturally occurring hormone, communicating with the brain to signal a sense of fullness. Ozempic mirrors certain effects that were observed in patients who had bariatric surgery. While Ozempic isn’t officially designated for weight loss, research indicates that its active ingredient, semaglutide, plays a role in contributing to weight loss. This explains some of why Ozempic is being prescribed for weight loss despite it only being approved for diabetes.
Individuals incorporating semaglutide or other GLP-1 meds into their strategy are advised to sustain lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. Further, it’s crucial to have the proper nutrient supplementation during the treatment with these medications.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy received its FDA approval in 2021 for chronic weight management and marked a significant advancement since 2014. Despite sharing the same active ingredient, semaglutide, with Ozempic, Wegovy distinguishes itself through higher doses, expressly tailored for weight loss.
Manufactured by the same company, the contrast lies in the dosage, with Wegovy designed for individuals seeking effective and sustained weight loss. In contrast, Ozempic addresses the needs of those with type 2 diabetes, featuring lower semaglutide doses – though both cause weight loss.
Take the Next Step:
To prevent the prescriptions of Ozempic, which have caused a national shortage for those with diabetes, the FDA allowed compounding pharmacies to distribute semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs. These compounded drugs are not Ozempic nor are they Wegovy (very difficult to obtain even with excellent insurance coverage) – but the active ingredient of both – semaglutide.
If you would like to know if you’re a good candidate for compounded semaglutide and would like to to talk to a physician, connect with our medical staff. Discover impactful weight loss methods and receive tailored weight loss tips at our specialized clinic, crafted to empower both men and women in their weight loss journey.