Recent information released by the National Medical Products Administration shows that the market application for semaglutide injection for long-term weight management has been approved. It is understood that in 2021, semaglutide was approved for diabetes treatment in China, but the way the drug entered the market made it seem like a “miracle drug” for weight loss enthusiasts, leading to a shortage of supply at one point. So, how should we view this “miracle weight loss drug” used for treating diabetes? Ingredients are the same but the dosage differs.
Director Yin Jianhui from the Obesity and Metabolic Disease Treatment Center at the First People’s Hospital of Kunming explains that the newly launched semaglutide injection is a “weight loss version” with a dosage of 2.4, as opposed to the 1.5 and 3.0 dosages used to treat “sugar obesity” previously. While the ingredients are the same, the 2.4 version is for weight loss and is not suitable for everyone. The drug is administered subcutaneously and is a GLP-1 class drug manufactured in a weekly formulation. The recommended usage starts at 0.25 dosage and gradually increases over 4 months to the final dosage of 2.4 for long-term use. However, it is important to note that the drug is intended for moderate to severe obesity and obesity combined with related metabolic diseases for the purpose of treatment, not just for weight loss.
Semaglutide is a prescription drug. When searching for semaglutide on some e-commerce platforms, it was found that almost every platform had many online pharmacies selling the drug, available for direct shipping upon ordering. Although semaglutide is a prescription drug, some online pharmacies stated that it can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription, with one employee mentioning, “You just need a prescription for controlling blood sugar, prescribe it as needed, the prescription is just a formality.” According to Director Yin Jianhui, semaglutide is a prescription drug with clear indications and contraindications, and the correct usage method is essential to achieve the desired benefits. It is recommended to seek evaluation and usage guidance from reputable endocrinology, metabolic surgery, or obesity treatment specialists at proper hospitals.
Be cautious of the injectable side effects of the drug. The most common side effect of semaglutide is gastrointestinal discomfort, with most patients experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and fatigue upon initial injections, but these are usually temporary. It is crucial to note that the drug may increase the risk of acute pancreatitis, and there have been findings in animal experiments suggesting a potential increased risk of medullary thyroid cancer. If any of the following conditions occur, discontinue the drug immediately:
1. Acute pancreatitis
2. Acute gallbladder diseases
3. Hypoglycemia
4. Acute kidney injury
5. Hypersensitivity reactions
6. Diabetic retinopathy complications
7. Increased heart rate
8. Suicidal thoughts
The core of weight loss lies in lifestyle interventions. Every drug, including semaglutide, may have side effects. Patients with a legitimate need for medication should use it under a doctor’s guidance, without adjusting the dosage on their own. Director Yin Jianhui emphasizes that besides the differences in application among individuals, dosages, packaging forms, and cost-effectiveness, between the glycemic and weight loss versions of semaglutide, the two drugs should not be interchanged to avoid adverse reactions. Lifestyle interventions should be the primary method for weight loss. Medications should be used as an adjunct under medical supervision, as a systematic and scientific weight loss regimen can help patients achieve successful weight loss and reduce the risk of rebound.
