In a world where fad diets come and go and weight loss supplements flood the market, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and skeptical about what truly works for shedding those extra pounds. But a promising peptide on the weight loss scene is causing quite a buzz: semaglutide (Wegovy).  If you've got questions about this weight loss medication, you're in the right place. In this podcast, we'll answer the top questions about semaglutide for weight loss.   What is semaglutide? Semaglutide is an injectable medication used to help manage weight. It may also lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol, and lower your blood sugar. And it must be used in addition to lifestyle changes (healthy diet and increased physical activity). It was originally approved in 2017 (Ozempic) to help with blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. People taking Ozempic for diabetes also lost weight, so the manufacturer conducted trials to see if people without diabetes had the same benefit. They found this to be the case, and the FDA approved the medication's use to include weight loss in adults (Wegovy) in 2021.  How does semaglutide (Wegovy) work for weight loss? Semaglutide mimics a hormone in your gut that controls hunger (GLP-1). When you eat, GLP-1 is released from the gut and tells your brain you are full. GLP-1 also slows down how fast food leaves your stomach, suppressing your appetite. And GLP-1 tells your pancreas to release insulin after you eat. This lowers your blood sugar. You'll then use the sugar from your food instead of storing this excess sugar as fat. All of these things together lead to weight loss. Is semaglutide (Wegovy) safe? Yes, semaglutide for weight loss is FDA-approved and has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its safety and effectiveness. But this doesn't mean that everyone can take it. You should consult a healthcare provider to determine if it suits your specific health conditions. Who shouldn't take semaglutide? You should not use semaglutide if you have the following: A personal or family history (first-degree relatives such as a parent, sibling, or child) of thyroid cancer or adrenal gland or parathyroid tumors. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding Type 1 diabetes Bariatric surgery (within the past 18 months) Active gallbladder disease Kidney disease or transplant You also shouldn't take semaglutide if you're taking other GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide, which include medications like Trulicity, Victoza, or Saxenda. Who is semaglutide (Wegovy) for? Semaglutide for weight loss is typically prescribed for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or those with a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related medical conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. What are the most common side effects of semaglutide? The most common side effects of semaglutide are stomach-related, including: nausea diarrhea vomiting constipation bloating Burping Most of these stomach-related side effects are due to slowing down digestion. People have also reported headaches and tiredness (usually due to fewer calories-feeling full and eating less). How much weight can I lose with semaglutide? Healthy, sustainable weight loss is 0.5 to 2 pounds per week. And some people routinely lose more than this.  But what do the clinical studies say? A 68-week study with almost 2,000 adult participants reported an average weight loss of nearly 15% of their body weight (approximately 35 pounds). The placebo group lost an average of 2.5% of their body weight.  How fast does semaglutide work? The short answer is that many patients will lose weight in the first week of taking semaglutide if they make lifestyle changes. The first 4 doses are small and are primarily used to gently introduce the peptide to the body without risking stomach-related side effects.  You need to remember that it's possible to "out-eat" any weight loss medication. So, you may see l