Benefits of Semaglutide: What to Expect from Treatment

What Are the Benefits of Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is everywhere—from TikTok testimonials to doctors’ offices—but what does it actually do?

This medication mimics GLP-1, a hormone your body naturally produces after eating, which signals fullness to your brain, slows digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar. But headlines or quick reels don’t often provide all of the information. So, what can you actually expect from semaglutide? What are the benefits? And what are the risks?

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Semaglutide Benefits

While individual results vary, here’s what clinical evidence supports. 

Note: The benefits discussed here are based on studies of Wegovy®, which is FDA-approved for weight management, and do not establish safety or effectiveness or any compounded semaglutide products.. Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved. 

Promotes Healthy Weight Management

In clinical trials, participants using Wegovy® alongside diet and exercise lost significantly more weight than those relying on lifestyle changes alone. One major study reported an average of 14.9% weight loss over 68 weeks.

For people who have struggled with weight management despite genuine effort, this support can be a turning point. However, individual responses may vary.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Wegovy® is FDA-approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher when at least one weight-related condition is present, such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes. It is also intended for use alongside diet and physical activity—not as a stand-alone treatment.

Supports Cardiovascular Health

In 2024, the FDA approved Wegovy® specifically to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events in adults with heart disease and obesity or overweight.

This approval followed the SELECT trial (using Wegovy®), which tracked over 17,000 participants for several years. Individuals in this trial taking semaglutide experienced fewer heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular-related deaths compared to the placebo group. 

Contributes to Appetite Reduction

As mentioned above, semaglutide mimics the effects of GLP-1. This hormone tells your brain when you’re satisfied, slows gastric emptying, and reduces the urge to keep eating.

As such, for some individuals, cravings may become less intense, and portions that once felt small start to feel sufficient. And when hunger signals are more manageable, making healthier choices may also become more sustainable. 

Works Best Alongside Lifestyle Changes

Semaglutide is a tool, not a replacement for healthy habits. In clinical trials that reported significant weight loss, participants also followed reduced-calorie diets and increased physical activity.

At the end of the day, lasting results come from building sustainable routines around nutrition and movement. When taking semaglutide, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and prioritize sleep. This approach maximizes results during treatment and may help support longer-term weight management after therapy concludes, though individual outcomes vary.

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Semaglutide Side Effects and Risks

Like any medication, semaglutide comes with potential side effects. Most are mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts, but some can be more serious.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Injection site reactions

These gastrointestinal symptoms are the most frequently reported, especially during the first few weeks or after dose increases. 

While rare, some side effects require immediate medical attention. Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) has been reported in some patients taking GLP-1 medications. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that may radiate to your back, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Other serious risks may include gallbladder disease, kidney problems, and low blood sugar, particularly for people who also take other diabetes medications. Your provider can help you understand your specific risk based on your health history and current treatments.

Semaglutide also carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors, based on animal studies. While this hasn’t been confirmed in humans, the medication is not recommended for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Always make sure to discuss your full medical history with a licensed healthcare provider before starting treatment.

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Final Thoughts

Semaglutide has helped many people make meaningful progress with weight management—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Ultimately, semaglutide is only available as a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Discussing your needs and health situation with your doctor can help determine if it’s right for you.

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