Semaglutide Peptide Treatment for Weight Loss and Diabetes

Understanding Semaglutide Peptide Treatment

Semaglutide is an injectable peptide medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels and appetite. The semaglutide peptide was developed by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy.

In recent years, semaglutide has gained popularity as a weight loss treatment due to its appetite suppressing effects. In 2021, the higher dose semaglutide injection Wegovy was approved by the FDA specifically for chronic weight management. However, there has been extremely high demand for Wegovy leading to shortages. This has driven some people to try to acquire semaglutide online to make their own DIY versions of FDA-approved medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. However, experts warn this practice can be risky.

How Does Semaglutide Peptide Work?

The semaglutide molecule is structurally similar to natural GLP-1. It binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors found on pancreatic beta cells. This stimulates the release of insulin only when blood sugar levels are high. Semaglutide also decreases the amount of glucagon released by pancreatic alpha cells, which leads to lower blood sugar levels.

In the brain, activation of GLP-1 receptors by semaglutide induces feelings of fullness and reduces appetite. This promotes weight loss by helping people eat less and feel satisfied with smaller portions. The way semaglutide induces weight loss is believed to be related to:

• Delayed gastric emptying - Semaglutide slows down the rate at which food empties from the stomach making you feel fuller longer.
• Reduced food intake - Semaglutide suppresses appetite by acting on appetite-regulating centers in the brain.
• Decreased ghrelin levels - Semaglutide lowers levels of the "hunger hormone" ghrelin.

FDA-Approved Semaglutide Medications

There are currently two FDA-approved semaglutide medications on the market in the United States:

Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide) injection was approved by the FDA in 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is injected once weekly and works to lower blood sugar levels along with diet and exercise. Ozempic is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg dose pens.

Wegovy

Wegovy (semaglutide) received FDA approval in 2021 specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. It is administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection with a dose escalation schedule starting at 0.25 mg up to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. In clinical trials, Wegovy patients lost an average of 12% to 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.

Shortage of Semaglutide

Since the approval of Wegovy, there has been extraordinarily high demand leading to shortages of semaglutide drugs. Manufacturing constraints, supply chain issues, and tremendous demand have made Wegovy difficult to obtain even for people who qualify based on BMI and have a prescription. There are also reports of shortages and rationing of lower dose Ozempic.

This has driven some people to look into buying semaglutide online from international or unauthorized sources. They may do this in an attempt to make their own DIY versions of Ozempic and Wegovy. However, the FDA and medical experts strongly advise against this due to safety risks.

Risks of Online Semaglutide

The FDA warns against using semaglutide products not approved for sale in the United States. There are serious potential risks involved with obtaining prescription semaglutide medications from unknown or disreputable online sources:

• Inaccurate dosing - Improperly mixing your own semaglutide could lead to taking the wrong dose.
• Contamination - Semaglutide bought online could be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, or other active drugs.
• Inauthentic product - You may not actually be receiving real semaglutide peptide.
• Lack of medical oversight - Taking semaglutide without your doctor's supervision can be unsafe, especially with preexisting conditions.
• Side effect risks - All medications have potential side effects; without monitoring, adverse reactions could be worse.

Some reported side effects of semaglutide use include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, gallbladder problems, and pancreatitis. More serious risks if too much is taken can include thyroid tumors and effects on kidney function.

Proper Administration of Semaglutide

Semaglutide should only be taken as prescribed by your licensed healthcare provider. Ozempic and Wegovy are specifically formulated, stored, and packaged to maintain stability and sterility. Attempting to reconstitute and mix your own solutions with raw peptide powder comes with risks.

If you are prescribed semaglutide, follow the administration guidelines provided:

• Always inject the full prescribed dose. Do not cut or split doses.
• Rotate injection sites each week (stomach, thigh, upper arm).
• Use the pen device provided; do not transfer to a syringe.
• Store unopened pens refrigerated; do not freeze.
• Allow pens to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before injecting.
• Dispose of used pens in a sharps container.

Carefully following your doctor's instructions for how to properly inject, handle, and store semaglutide medications can help optimize efficacy and safety.

Alternatives to Online Semaglutide

Instead of resorting to buying unauthorized prescription semaglutide online, talk to your doctor about legal and safer alternatives:

• FDA-approved GLP-1 agonists - Other options in this class include dulaglutide and liraglutide. They work similarly to semaglutide.
• Tirzepatide - Recently approved for diabetes and obesity, tirzepatide is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
• Other weight loss medications - Discuss medications like phentermine or setmelanotide if appropriate for you.
• Enrolled in access program - If you qualify, you may be able to obtain semaglutide through a pharmaceutical company sponsored program while supplies remain limited.
• Lifestyle interventions - Diet, exercise, behavior changes can contribute to weight loss and diabetes management.

Talk to your doctor to explore legal options to access medications that are most suitable for you.

The Takeaway

Semaglutide is an effective medication for weight loss and diabetes treatment when prescribed and taken as directed. However, shortages of semaglutide drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic have tempted some people to purchase unapproved products online. This carries significant risks related to dosing, contamination, side effects, and lack of medical oversight. For your safety, only use semaglutide under your doctor's supervision and through legal channels. Discuss alternatives like other GLP-1 drugs, lifestyle changes, or access programs if you are struggling to obtain approved semaglutide medication.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.