How Semaglutide Supports Medical Weight Loss

Medications that contain semaglutide — such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus® — became popular for treating diabetes but took the world by storm when people discovered their potential for weight loss. Here’s how they work.

When two conditions are comorbid, it means they occur at the same time — and often one increases the likelihood of the other. For example, people with cardiovascular disease frequently also develop hypertension. In many cases, comorbid conditions respond to similar treatments, and sometimes even to the same medication.

This overlap can lead to additional benefits from certain drugs, including semaglutide. Originally approved to treat diabetes, these medications have since been found to support weight loss and improve several other health conditions.

Evie Lawson, FNP-C, MSN, RN, and her team at Horseshoe Healthcare are dedicated to helping people across the country address a wide range of mental health concerns and also specialize in medical weight loss.

To better understand how semaglutide works, let’s find out more about this medication and the broader class of GLP‑1 receptor agonists.

What is semaglutide?

You’ve no doubt heard of medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®. These medications all contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the GLP‑1 hormone released after eating.

When semaglutide was first introduced, its primary purpose was to help people with type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control — increasing insulin release when needed and reducing glucagon levels.

Now these medications are also used to reduce cardiovascular risks and slow kidney function decline in certain patients. They are being studied for potential benefits in metabolic liver disease, though they are not approved to treat liver fibrosis.

How does semaglutide work?

The GLP in GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide. It helps control blood sugar by increasing insulin, reducing glucagon, and slowing the release of glucose from the liver.

It also suppresses your appetite by slowing how quickly your stomach empties. In other words, it helps you feel fuller longer and decreases your desire to eat.

Since obesity is often tied to problems with diabetes, they are frequently comorbid conditions, and this type of medication has benefits for these and other related issues.

What happens during semaglutide treatment?

Semaglutide is usually taken once a week as a subcutaneous injection. Rybelsus, by contrast, is an oral form taken daily at least 30 minutes before your first meal with a small amount of water.

Both medications can cause issues like nausea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain, but side effects vary.

We can help you lose weight using semaglutide and other methods. So, when you’re ready to get results from your weight loss journey, call us or book an appointment online with Horseshoe Healthcare today.