Semaglutide © or Wegovy © has been used as a diabetic medication since 2017 however in 2021 the FDA conducted studies and approved it for weight loss (FDA, 2021). Semaglutide © is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that works on how the brain sees food and feels the need for food (FDA, 2021). It helps to regulate your appetite and portion sizes. FDA recommends use with diet and reduced calorie intake but it is not like HCG which was very restrictive. Semaglutide © has also been seen to reduce and improve chronic conditions like HTN, type-2-DM, and hyperlipidemia related to obesity (FDA, 2021). FDA recommends caution for patients with BMI under 27 and no data is available for pediatrics (FDA, 2021). We utilize a similar peptide that is NOT FDA approved however is compounded into a similar compound and has similar effects. 

SIDE EFFECTS: the most common are GI related. 

- Nausea

- Constipation/Diarrhea

- Abdominal Pain

- Flatulence

- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)  (FDA, 2021)

CONTRAINDICATIONS: 

- Allergy to Semaglutide © or other components of the medication

- Low Blood sugar susceptible patients

- History of inflammatory issues of the pancreas, gallbladder use is cautioned

- Patients with Kidney disease will require clearance from PCP, Nephrology

- Patients with family or personal history of thyroid-C Cell tumors or medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with a rare condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) (FDA, 2021). 

Reference:

FDA. 2021. FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014

Additional Helpful Links: 

https://www.wegovy.com/

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2787551