Meaningful weight loss typically begins around weeks four through eight as the dose increases to therapeutic levels
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite, increases feelings of fullness, and slows gastric emptying
You can inject semaglutide subcutaneously or take it orally
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are powerful weight loss tools, but preserving muscle requires effort
They both lower the risk for heart-related complications, but differ in other approved uses and populations, side effects, dosage forms and costs
Amanda Velazquez, MD, director of Obesity Medicine in the Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai, shares what patients should know about this new form of the drug