If you’ve been keeping up with the latest health trends, chances are you’ve heard of semaglutide, the active ingredient in medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. These drugs are making headlines for their effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, but what lies beneath the surface of this so-called wonder drug? Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA in 2017. Initially used to manage type 2 diabetes, its use has expanded to weight loss treatments under the name Wegovy. This drug works by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. Its popularity has skyrocketed, with 40% of adults now eligible to take it. In fact, semaglutide was the top-selling drug in 2023, generating $14 billion in sales.

Who Is Eligible for Semaglutide?

Currently, semaglutide is prescribed for:

• Individuals with type 2 diabetes
• Those with obesity
• Patients with cardiovascular disease

Drug manufacturers are lobbying to expand its use to include weight management and borderline diabetes, but these applications have not yet been approved. As of now, most prescriptions are issued for obesity management, with a smaller percentage for diabetes.

What Are the Risks?

While semaglutide may offer short-term benefits, its long-term safety remains uncertain. Here are some known risks and side effects:

• Kidney Damage: Studies show that semaglutide can scar the kidneys and reduce their function permanently. Patients who stop the medication typically do not regain lost kidney function.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach). These issues arise because the drug slows food movement through the digestive tract.
• Cancer Risks: Preliminary research suggests a potential link to colon and thyroid cancers.
• Uncharted Long-Term Effects: As a relatively new drug, semaglutide lacks comprehensive data on long-term complications.

A Lesson from History

The rapid adoption of semaglutide brings to mind Vioxx, a drug approved for arthritis in 1999. Initially deemed safe, Vioxx was pulled from the market in 2004 after it was linked to over 500,000 deaths from heart attacks. Could semaglutide follow a similar trajectory? Only time will tell, but it’s a reminder to approach new medications cautiously.

Safer Alternatives Are Available

If you’re considering semaglutide for weight loss or diabetes management, it’s important to explore all your options. At Schulke Chiropractic, we offer a variety of holistic, personalized programs designed to help you achieve your health goals without the risks associated with newer medications. Our programs focus on sustainable lifestyle changes, ensuring your long-term health and well-being.

Your health is worth investing in. Before starting any new medication, consider scheduling a consultation with us to discuss safer, proven alternatives. Together, we can create a plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Contact us here or by calling us at 317.884.8824 today!