How does Ozempic work? – Vox

Ozempic, a drugs developed to handle Sort 2 diabetes, has been within the information rather a lot these days due to one among its signature unintended effects: drastic weight reduction. Each Ozempic and Wegovy, Ozempic’s counterpart accredited particularly for weight reduction by the FDA, are model names of a drug known as semaglutide. Semaglutide is one among a number of medication that mimics an important digestive hormone known as glucagon-like peptide 1, or GLP-1. It amplifies a course of our our bodies carry out naturally.

GLP-1 is launched in our intestines after we eat, and there are receptors for the hormone in cells all around the physique. Within the pancreas, GLP-1 promotes the manufacturing of insulin and suppresses the manufacturing of glucagon. This helps insulin-resistant our bodies, like these with sort 2 diabetes or weight problems, handle blood sugar ranges. Within the abdomen, GLP-1 slows gastric emptying, extending the sensation of being full. Within the mind, GLP-1 suppresses urge for food, which additionally promotes satiety and curbs starvation, so we eat much less.

In late 2022, a rush to make use of Ozempic off-label for weight reduction, seemingly prompted by its sudden rise in reputation on social media, led to a scarcity of the drug for individuals who want it. However extra medication like semaglutide are at the moment within the strategy of being accredited by the FDA to be prescribed for weight reduction, seemingly signaling an finish to the scarcity and a promising new era of medical remedy of weight problems.

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