Let’s delve deeper into the mechanism of action for Wegovy® (semaglutide), a medication used for chronic weight management. 🌟
- GLP-1 Receptor Agonist:
- Wegovy belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
- GLP-1 is a natural hormone produced in the gut after eating. It plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, appetite, and digestion.
- Appetite Regulation:
- When you inject Wegovy, it acts as a synthetic version of GLP-1.
- It binds to GLP-1 receptors in various tissues, including the brain and gastrointestinal tract.
- In the brain, Wegovy influences the hypothalamus, which controls hunger and satiety. By activating these receptors, it reduces appetite and promotes a feeling of fullness.
- As a result, you eat less and consume fewer calories, aiding in weight loss.
- Slowing Gastric Emptying:
- Wegovy also affects the stomach and intestines.
- It slows down the rate at which food moves through the stomach (called gastric emptying).
- Slower gastric emptying means you feel full for longer after eating, which further reduces calorie intake.
- Blood Sugar Control:
- GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy enhance insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells.
- This helps regulate blood sugar levels, especially after meals.
- Improved blood sugar control can indirectly contribute to weight loss by reducing cravings for high-calorie foods.
- Weight Loss and Beyond:
- Wegovy’s primary purpose is weight management, but it has additional benefits.
- Beyond weight loss, it may improve other health markers, such as blood pressure and lipid levels.
- Notably, the original trial focused on Wegovy’s impact on heart disease risk, but the unexpected weight loss outcomes were significant.
- Long-Term Use:
- To maintain the benefits, continuous use of Wegovy is necessary.
- Weight loss tends to plateau after about a year, but people can sustain the lost weight over several years.
