Semaglutide has other Superpowers Beyond Weight Loss

Semaglutide has become an amazing medication to help with weight loss and type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide is truly a remarkable creation in the evolution of diabetes and obesity management.  Developed through thorough research and clinical testing, semaglutide is a testament to the advancements in our understanding of metabolic diseases and the biological mechanisms that create them.  Two years ago, I created a medically supervised weight loss program using Semaglutide as a “tool” to help dial in a non-deprivational lifestyle diet. The lifestyle diet aspect of the program is SO important. Weight loss with Semaglutide can really only be maintained if you change your habits and patterns with food.  I see this medication as an incredible tool for weight loss, and creating a healthy lifestyle diet will truly be the gift that keeps on giving. I love the  Semaglutide program we offer at The Natural Path, and the weight loss results have blown me away. I have also been blown away by the latest research on Semaglutide and its impact on inflammation in the body.

Semaglutide’s journey began in the lab of Novo Nordisk, a global pharmaceutical company and a leader in diabetes care. Semaglutide was engineered to mimic the action of the human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is a hormone that plays a crucial role in glucose homeostasis, acting on the pancreas to enhance insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose levels. However, natural GLP-1 has a short half-life and is rapidly broken down by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). Semaglutide was designed to resist this enzyme, thereby prolonging its activity and making it a potent agent for controlling blood sugar levels over extended periods.

Mechanism of Action of Semaglutide

The mechanism of action of semaglutide is multifaceted. By binding to and activating the GLP-1 receptor, semaglutide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin when glucose levels are high while suppressing glucagon secretion. Glucagon increases blood glucose levels. This dual action effectively lowers blood sugar levels in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, semaglutide slows gastric emptying, decreasing appetite and caloric intake, contributing to its efficacy in weight management.  We also see other uses of Semaglutide in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease, decreasing alcohol consumption, helping some with addiction, improving liver health for those with NASH, and decreasing inflammation in most organ systems.

Semaglutide and its Impact on Inflammation

Beyond type 2 diabetes and obesity, Semaglutide also stands out for its potential role in reducing inflammation. This is very promising because inflammation is a process at the root of many chronic diseases.  Inflammation is a critical component of many disease processes in the body. Inflammation is the body’s innate response to injury or infection. While acute inflammation can initially be a normal physiological response, chronic inflammation becomes harmful and disease-promoting. Inflammation drives many of the most challenging chronic diseases of the modern day, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neuro-degenerative conditions, diabetes, fatty liver, kidney disease, atherosclerosis, and cardiac inflammation.