Actually, semaglutide is a medication that was originally approved for helping manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. But research now shows it may also have some exciting benefits beyond just weight loss. This article explores how semaglutide could help manage other health conditions too.
And of course, everyone knows that losing weight can be really hard. Diet and exercise alone don't always cut it. That's why more people are turning to medical weight loss programs like the one at PrimeHealthMD for help. Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, is one of the newest medically-assisted weight loss tools available.
But can this weekly injection also improve other health problems?
Hopefully, yes!
Early research shows that semaglutide may benefit people with:
Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
Fatty liver disease
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
This helpful medication works by curbing appetite and improving blood sugar. Let's explore the key potential benefits of semaglutide for these conditions.
We all know diabetes is a big health problem today. Actually, over 37 million Americans have diabetes, and 90-95% of cases are type 2. Diabetes means your body can't control blood sugar well.
But semaglutide can help in two ways:
It lowers appetite, leading to weight loss. Losing extra weight can help improve diabetes.
It also boosts insulin production and lowers blood sugar directly.
Studies show semaglutide works well to lower A1c levels (a key diabetes marker). It also reduces the need for other diabetes meds.
Being overweight raises your risk of heart problems like high blood pressure or strokes. That's because extra body fat strains your heart and blood vessels.
But semaglutide-assisted weight loss can lighten the load on your cardiovascular system. And separate from weight loss, it also improves cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
In one study, semaglutide:
Lowered LDL "bad" cholesterol by 17%
Lowered triglycerides by 20%
Lowered systolic blood pressure by 4 mmHg
So semaglutide offers multiple heart benefits beyond just weight loss alone.
Also, too much body fat can also lead to fat deposits in your liver. This "fatty liver" condition now affects up to 40% of US adults! It raises your risk of serious liver damage and cirrhosis.
But research indicates semaglutide may reduce fatty liver disease by:
Burning fat, including visceral belly fat
Improving liver enzyme levels
Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
In one 30-week study, semaglutide resolved fatty liver disease in 40% of participants - which doctors called an "unprecedented therapeutic success!”
As mentioned above, semaglutide can also improve cholesterol levels:
LDL "bad" cholesterol may be lowered 15-20%
HDL "good" cholesterol may be raised 5-10%
Total cholesterol may be lowered 15-20%
But how does it do this? Experts think semaglutide:
Burns stored body fat, reducing fat in the blood
Lowers fat absorption from foods
Directly improves cholesterol metabolism
These cholesterol benefits emerge within 4-12 weeks and last with ongoing treatment.
Finally, semaglutide may benefit folks with high blood pressure (hypertension). As mentioned earlier, it can lower systolic pressure around 4 mmHg.
But losing just 5-10% of your weight can also really help control blood pressure. Even shedding a few pounds can take pressure off your heart and blood vessels.
And separate from weight loss, semaglutide may also improve blood pressure by:
Reducing inflammation
Improving insulin resistance
Boosting kidney function
So through weight loss and other mechanisms, semaglutide offers another tool for managing high blood pressure.
That covers some of the key health benefits semaglutide offers beyond weight loss. Of course, every health journey is unique. But hopefully this gave you a helpful overview of how semaglutide like Ozempic or Wegovy could help you or a loved one.
If you're ready to explore medically-assisted weight loss and semaglutide's possibilities, the team at PrimeHealthMD is here to help. We offer customized weight loss plans, including semaglutide if appropriate, to help you reach your goals.
And we accept most major insurance plans to make care affordable. To learn more and get started and see if your insurance qualifies, click here or give us a call today. We're excited to partner with you on your path to better health!
