How Does Ozempic (Semaglutide) Work? 

Semaglutide or its brand name Ozempic, has been going viral lately due to the weight loss results that everyone is talking about. Did you know that Ozempic was not meant as a weight loss medication? 

Clinical trials have been completed for ozempic use in diabetes patients to help with their insulin control? These patients started to lose weight and the researchers took note of this. Currently there are multiple research studies looking for patients that are diabetic, have poorly controlled insulin and obesity. 

Now that it is known to cause weight loss, pharmaceutical companies are trying to gain approval for its use as a weight loss medication in diabetic patients. 

 

What is Ozempic? 

Let’s take a quick look at the history of Ozempic or its drug name Semaglutide and how it was developed. 

Its history goes back to the development of a drug class called  GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). 

This type of drug or drug class GLP-1 was discovered in the 1980s. Researchers found that GLP-1 played a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production and inhibiting glucagon release. This discovery sparked interest in the potential of GLP-1 for treating diabetes.

Clinical trials conducted on semaglutide demonstrated its efficacy in lowering blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. These trials also showed that semaglutide had a favorable safety profile, with gastrointestinal side effects being the most commonly reported adverse events.

How does Ozempic cause weight loss? 

Patients on Ozempic lose weight since the medication helps with weight loss in different ways. 

 

1. 1. Appetite Suppression: Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in the body that helps regulate appetite and food intake. By mimicking the action of GLP-1, Ozempic can lead to decreased appetite and reduced food intake, ultimately resulting in weight loss.

 

2. 2. Slowed Gastric Emptying: GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic can slow down the emptying of the stomach, which helps people feel fuller for longer periods after eating. This effect can contribute to reduced food intake and, consequently, weight loss.

 

3. 3. Increased Energy Expenditure: Some studies suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may increase energy expenditure, or the number of calories burned by the body at rest. This increased metabolic rate can contribute to weight loss over time.

 

4. 4. Fat Loss: Ozempic has been shown to promote the loss of body fat, particularly visceral fat—the fat stored around organs in the abdominal cavity. Reductions in visceral fat are associated with improved metabolic health and a lower risk of obesity-related complications.

 

5. 5. Improved Glycemic Control: Better control of blood sugar levels achieved with Ozempic may indirectly contribute to weight loss. When blood sugar levels are elevated, excess glucose is stored as fat. By lowering blood sugar levels, Ozempic can reduce the accumulation of fat in the body.

Ozempic clinical trial results 

Below are three of the clinical trials that have been completed to test whether Ozempic is effective in treating diabetes along with the results of the trials. 

SUSTAIN Clinical Trials: The SUSTAIN (Semaglutide Unabated Sustainability in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes) program consists of a series of phase III clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of Ozempic in patients with type 2 diabetes. These trials compared Ozempic to other antidiabetic medications, including placebo and active comparators like sitagliptin and insulin glargine.

The results of this trial showed significantly larger reductions in HbA1c with semaglutide, as well as larger reductions in body weight. 

AWARD Clinical Trials: The AWARD (Assessment of Weekly AdministRation of semaglutide in Diabetes) program also includes phase III trials investigating the efficacy and safety of Ozempic. These trials evaluated different doses of Ozempic and compared them to placebo or other antidiabetic medications.

The results of this trial demonstrated the efficacy, safety, and cardiovascular benefits of Ozempic in the management of type 2 diabetes. These findings have contributed to the approval and widespread use of Ozempic as a treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes.

PIONEER Clinical Trials: The PIONEER (Peptide InnOvatioN for Early diabEtes tReatment) program focused on assessing the use of Ozempic in early stages of type 2 diabetes. These trials included patients who had not previously received antidiabetic treatment or had received minimal therapy.

The PIONEER trials demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Ozempic in improving glycemic control, promoting weight loss, and potentially providing cardiovascular benefits in patients with early type 2 diabetes.

Should you use Ozempic? 

After seeing the above results and how clinical trials have demonstrated how effective it can be for weight loss you might be tempted to start using it.

However, if  you are wondering if you should use Ozempic, you should first ask your doctor. Currently, experts recommend the use of Ozempic or semaglutide to diabetic patients who are under strict doctor supervision. 

The clinical trials for Ozempic have been done on diabetic patients so there is not much data as to what would happen if a non-diabetic patient takes it. All of the different health markers affected by the medication can be unsafe if it is taken by someone who is not diabetic. 

Participate in Paid Clinical Trials for Weight Loss 

If you are interested in contributing to science while potentially receiving semaglutide or other weight loss medications, you should consider signing up for a clinical trial. Clinical trials are always looking for people who can take part in their research. 

For Ozempic many diabetic patients signed up to trial the medication before it was approved. This led to better treatment options for other diabetics who are now able to have Ozempic prescribed. 

To view clinical trials that are currently recruiting head over to clinicaltrials.gov where you can filter through thousands of clinical trials. 

If you would like to participate in clinical trials I suggest you stay and explore theclinresearcher.com for a growing resource on everything clinical trials.