Principle and potential harm of Semaglutide Injection for weight loss

Semaglutide injection (Wegovy), as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has been widely used in the field of weight loss (obesity) in recent years. Its weight loss principle is closely related to the physiological effects ofGLP-1 drugs. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone naturally secreted in the body that helps control blood sugar levels by promoting insulin secretion, inhibiting gastric emptying, and regulating appetite. As a GLP-1 analogue, semaglutide can selectively activate GLP-1 receptors, thus exerting a series of effects that contribute to weight loss.

Semaglutide improves glucose metabolism by increasing insulin secretion, especially in the setting of postprandial hyperglycemia, which helps control sugar in the body and thereby reduces excess caloric storage. Secondly, semaglutide reduces food intake by delaying the process of gastric emptying and increasing satiety, which is also an important source of its weight loss effect. Studies show that patients taking semaglutide often experience significant appetite suppression, helping them reduce their daily caloric intake.

However, although semaglutide is effective in weight loss, its potential harms cannot be ignored. The most common adverse reactions include gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Some patients may have difficulty persisting in use due to these side effects. In addition, long-term use may affect the function of the digestive system and cause constipation or bloating. Although these side effects are generally mild, they may have an impact on quality of life in some sensitive patients.

More importantly, semaglutide may cause hypoglycemia, especially when used in combination with other antidiabetic drugs. Diabetic patients need to be more cautious during use. In addition, some studies have shown that long-term use of GLP-1 receptor agonists may have a certain impact on the thyroid gland. Although there is currently no clear evidence that they can cause thyroid cancer, vigilance is still needed in some high-risk patients.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com