Semaglutide has quickly become a leading option in the fight against obesity and its comorbidities. As a once-weekly injection, this medication has shown remarkable results, but understanding the indications for semaglutide for weight loss is crucial before deciding if this is the best route for you.
Approved by the FDA for both type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, semaglutide’s FDA indications guide its use in specific populations, ensuring it’s prescribed safely and effectively.
Whether you’re considering semaglutide for yourself or looking to better understand the criteria for a semaglutide prescription, this article will walk you through indications semaglutide is right for your weight loss journey.
Active Ingredient: Semaglutide
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Route | FDA-Approved Use | FDA Approval Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Novo Nordisk | Injectable (weekly) | Type 2 diabetes; Cardiovascular risk reduction | 2017 |
| Wegovy | Novo Nordisk | Injectable (weekly) | Chronic weight management | 2021 |
| Rybelsus | Novo Nordisk | Oral (daily tablet) | Type 2 diabetes | 2019 |
Who can benefit from using semaglutide?
Semaglutide was originally FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management (under Ozempic and Rybelsus), but it has since been approved for weight loss as well (under Wegovy).
Semaglutide FDA indications for weight loss specifically target individuals who are considered:
- Obese (with a BMI of 30 or higher)
- Overweight (with a BMI of 27 or higher) and at least one weight-related condition
- Weight-related conditions include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, etc.
This indicates semaglutide prescription a viable and valuable option for individuals who have struggled to achieve significant weight loss through diet and exercise alone.
Studies have found that semaglutide’s 2.4 mg dose can help individuals lose an average 15% of their body weight. One 68-week study found that 86% of participants lost at least 5%.
A 5% weight loss is considered “clinically meaningful” and can significantly reduce the risk of many of obesity’s comorbidities.
Individuals struggling with obesity and do not want bariatric surgery
The truth is that it is hard to lose weight—and it is even harder for individuals considered obese. For every 100 individuals with obesity, studies indicate that only 1 will reach a healthy weight again. And, those odds decrease as weight increases.
Men with a BMI over 40 only have a 1 in 1,290 chance while women have a 1 in 677 chance.
Traditional weight loss methods alone aren’t enough. But there are limited options out there for individuals with a high BMI. Bariatric surgery is one option, but it is highly invasive and many individuals rebound and gain much of the weight back.
Semaglutide for bariatric patients is much less invasive. Unlike a one-time surgery, this is a long-term medication that continues to battle weight issues.
Patients with cardiovascular risks
Obesity contributes directly to incident cardiovascular risk factors—or, in simpler terms, the risk of cardiovascular disease significantly increases in obese individuals. Losing even 5% of your bodyweight can have a clinically significant impact on your risk factors.
Semaglutide takes things a step further. Not only does it help individuals lower their body weight (15% on average), it can actually reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in obese individuals with cardiovascular disease.
In fact, Wegovy was recently approved for obese individuals with serious heart problems.
Individuals struggling with obesity and type 2 diabetes
Semaglutide, like most GLP-1 receptor agonists, was originally FDA-approved for diabetes. It has a long history of helping patients with their diabetes management.
An additional benefit? It has shown to be one of the more effective diabetes medications for weight loss. The average weight loss for individuals taking semaglutide is higher than many of the other GLP-1 RAs as well as other type 2 diabetes medications.
For individuals struggling with both conditions, semaglutide is an excellent way to “kill two birds with one stone”—or treat two conditions with one medication.
Individuals struggling with obesity and sleep apnea
Individuals who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop sleep apnea—specifically obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a result of a narrow or blocked upper airway and your weight can play a significant role.
The excess fat deposits in your neck (pharyngeal fat) can actively block the upper airway, especially when it is relaxed. While losing weight may not cure your OSA, a weight loss of just 10-15% can reduce the severity of OSA by 50%.
Who should not use semaglutide?
Semaglutide is not for everyone. There are many conditions and individual factors that can make semaglutide the wrong choice.
Some of semaglutide’s more severe side effects can impact organ systems. This medication is not recommended for individuals with:
- Severe gastrointestinal issues
- A history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Certain liver or kidney issues
- Known allergies to semaglutide and its components
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Always consult with a healthcare provider to assess whether semaglutide is appropriate for your specific health conditions and circumstances.
Get your semaglutide prescription online
Navigating your weight loss journey with medications like semaglutide is easier than ever. If you meet any of the indications for semaglutide for weight loss, allow Heally to simplify the process of obtaining semaglutide.
With Heally, you can set up a consultation and speak to a licensed doctor online at a time that fits your schedule. They’ll help assess your eligibility and write your semaglutide prescription, all from the comfort of your home.
Once your semaglutide prescription is approved, your medication will be sent directly to your door, making the entire process easy and convenient.
Embrace the simplicity and efficiency of online healthcare with Heally.
Sources
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA): FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014
- The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM): Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
- National Library of Medicine (NCBI): Weight Loss and Improvement in Comorbidity: Differences at 5%, 10%, 15%, and Over
- Sleep Doctor: How Weight Affects Sleep Apnea
- FDA Label: OZEMPIC (Semaglutide Injection) Medication Guide
- FDA Label: WEGOVY (Semaglutide Injection) Medication Guide
- FDA Label: RYBELSUS (Oral Semaglutide) Medication Guide
Important Medical Information and Disclaimers
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in two FDA-approved prescription medications: Ozempic, approved for improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy, approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related medical condition. Although both medications contain semaglutide, they are approved for different uses and have different dosing schedules. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment plan.
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS VARY
Outcomes with semaglutide treatment vary from person to person. Clinical trial data may not reflect typical real-world experiences. A variety of factors can affect your results, including medication adherence, lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise, metabolic differences, other health conditions, and concurrent medications. No specific result is guaranteed.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Common side effects of semaglutide may include: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Stomach pain, Decreased appetite, Indigestion, Belching or gas, Injection site reactions
These side effects are often mild and may lessen over time. Always inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are currently taking before starting semaglutide. Ongoing monitoring is recommended during treatment.
WARNING: Semaglutide has a boxed warning about the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Do not use this medication if you or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
FDA ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Adverse events may also be reported directly to the manufacturer.
