Remarkable Compounds
The Science Backed benefits of Semaglutide Peptide
Semaglutide peptide is making waves in the realm of diabetes management, obesity treatment, and appetite regulation. As a synthetic analog of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), it has garnered attention for its potential in managing these metabolic conditions.
If you find yourself captivated by the realm of Peptide Therapy and are eager to delve into the potential advantages of these remarkable compounds, you’ve come to the right source.
This article delves into the intricacies of semaglutide, its mechanism of action, potential benefits, and any unexplored aspects of its effects, backed by scientific research and studies.
For those new to Peptide therapy, you can explore our introductory guide, and if you’re ready to take the next step, you can book a consultation with us to learn more about Peptide Therapy on our homepage.
Groundbreaking peptide
What is Semaglutide and how does it work?
You may have heard about Semaglutide but are still wondering, what exactly is it?
Well, that is what we’re going to discuss!
Semaglutide is a groundbreaking peptide that has captured the attention of the medical community due to its therapeutic potential in treating both type 2 diabetes and obesity. This compound is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), specifically designed to harness the beneficial effects of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1. Administered through subcutaneous injections, semaglutide represents a new frontier in the treatment of metabolic disorders.
Semaglutide’s development and classification as a GLP-1 RA are rooted in a profound understanding of the role of GLP-1 in the regulation of glucose metabolism and appetite. To appreciate the significance of semaglutide, we must delve deeper into the science behind this remarkable compound, drawing on research and studies that have illuminated its mechanism of action.
The Role of GLP-1 in Metabolism
Before we delve further into semaglutide, it is crucial to grasp the pivotal role that GLP-1 plays in the human body.
GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone secreted by specialised cells in the intestine, primarily in response to food intake. It acts on various target tissues, including the pancreas, the central nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract, to orchestrate a coordinated response to nutrient intake.
- Insulin Secretion: One of the key actions of GLP-1 is its ability to stimulate the release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells in response to elevated blood glucose levels. This insulin surge helps regulate blood sugar by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.
- Inhibition of Glucagon: GLP-1 also exerts an inhibitory effect on glucagon secretion from the pancreas. Glucagon is a hormone that elevates blood glucose levels by promoting the release of glucose from the liver. By suppressing glucagon, GLP-1 further contributes to blood sugar control.
- Slowing Gastric Emptying: GLP-1 slows down the emptying of the stomach, which has the effect of delaying the absorption of nutrients, particularly carbohydrates, into the bloodstream. This deceleration in gastric emptying helps maintain more stable post-meal glucose levels.
Appetite Regulation: Beyond its role in glucose metabolism, GLP-1 plays a crucial part in appetite regulation. In the brain, GLP-1 receptors are abundantly present in areas responsible for the control of food intake. Activation of these receptors leads to reduced feelings of hunger and increased feelings of fullness, thus influencing overall caloric intake.
Semaglutide effectively mimics the actions of the natural hormone GLP-1. It achieves this by binding to and activating the GLP-1 receptor, particularly in the pancreas and central nervous system. The activation of these receptors initiates a cascade of events that are instrumental in metabolic regulation.
The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial
To corroborate semaglutide’s effectiveness, various clinical trials have been conducted, providing a robust foundation of scientific evidence:
In the STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial semaglutide was explored for its capacity to aid in weight management:
“Among adults with overweight or obesity who completed a 20-week run-in period with subcutaneous semaglutide, 2.4 mg once weekly, maintaining treatment with semaglutide compared with switching to placebo resulted in continued weight loss over the following 48 weeks”
Results from these trials revealed that semaglutide was highly effective in reducing body weight when administered at higher doses than those used for diabetes treatment. Participants in the trials achieved substantial and sustained weight loss. This groundbreaking research opens new avenues for the treatment of obesity, which is a growing global health concern.
The SUSTAIN programme consisting of several clinical trials, demonstrated that semaglutide consistently outperformed other diabetes medications in terms of glycemic control:
“Across the SUSTAIN trials, subcutaneous semaglutide was superior to placebo and active comparators (including a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 [DPP-4] inhibitor, a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor [SGLT2i], insulin and other GLP-1RAs), for reduction in glycated haemoglobin (HbA) and body weight. In the PIONEER trials, oral semaglutide was superior to placebo and active comparators (a DPP-4 inhibitor and an SGLT2i) for glycaemic control, and reductions in body weight were superior to placebo and active comparators (a DPP-4 inhibitor and another GLP-1RA [liraglutide])”.
What are the benefits?
Aside from its role in glycemic control and weight management, semaglutide may offer other benefits. Some of these aspects are not as commonly discussed but are worth considering:
Cardiovascular Benefits:
- Major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, are critical concerns for individuals with diabetes. Semaglutide has been the subject of extensive clinical trials that have shown potential in reducing the risk of these events. Findings from the SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6 programme in particular, included sub-analyses that investigated the cardiovascular outcomes of semaglutide. Research has revealed a significant reduction in the incidence of MACE in patients treated with semaglutide compared to those on other standard diabetes medications.
“Beneficial outcomes have been recognized in international guidelines, which recommend subcutaneous liraglutide, semaglutide, and dulaglutide to reduce the risk of CV (cardiovascular) events in high-risk patients.
Both indirect mechanisms via risk factor modification and direct effects via GLP-1 receptors in the CV system have been proposed to be responsible for CV event reductions. The exact mechanism(s) remains to be characterised, but appears to be mainly linked to anti-atherosclerotic effects
….Following the confirmation that subcutaneous semaglutide is associated with CV safety and preliminarily, even some evidence of benefit, a definitive CVOT is ongoing to assess the effects of subcutaneous semaglutide on CV events in patients at high CV risk who are overweight or obese”
Blood Pressure Control:
- High blood pressure is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Semaglutide has been shown to have a favourable impact on blood pressure, with studies indicating a modest but consistent reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This reduction can be attributed to the compound’s ability to increase diuresis, or the excretion of excess sodium and fluid from the body, leading to lower blood pressure levels.
A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis concluded “A clinically significant reduction in blood pressure was evident following semaglutide treatment in normotensive populations without diabetes.”
Does it increase insulin?
Semaglutide, by its mechanism of action, indirectly increases insulin secretion. It enhances the release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells in response to elevated blood glucose levels. However, it does not lead to hypoglycemia in the absence of excessive carbohydrate consumption. This attribute is valuable in diabetes management, as it reduces the risk of blood sugar lows.
To appreciate the significance of semaglutide’s effects on insulin, we need to delve into the details of how it interacts with pancreatic beta cells and blood glucose levels:
A study investigating the effects of semaglutide on insulin secretion found that semaglutide effectively increased insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, leading to improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
One of the remarkable features of semaglutide’s action on insulin is that it is glucose-dependent. In other words, it doesn’t stimulate insulin secretion when blood glucose levels are within the normal range. Instead, it responds to elevated blood glucose levels, ensuring that insulin is released precisely when needed to regulate blood sugar.
This glucose-dependent effect is highly advantageous in diabetes management. It means that individuals taking semaglutide are less likely to experience hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, because the medication doesn’t cause excessive insulin release when it’s not warranted. Hypoglycemia can be a dangerous side effect of some diabetes treatments, leading to symptoms like shakiness, confusion, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
Another study, conducted in the Netherlands demonstrated that semaglutide’s glucose-dependent insulin release is a fundamental aspect of its mechanism of action. The study showed that semaglutide increased insulin secretion only in response to elevated blood glucose levels.
Does it directly address the negative behaviour of overeating via appetite suppression?
Semaglutide’s ability to directly address overeating by suppressing appetite is a critical component of its mechanism of action, making it a promising agent for weight management. This effect is largely mediated through the activation of GLP-1 receptors in the brain’s appetite control centres, specifically the hypothalamus.
Activation of GLP-1 Receptors: Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors, which are present in high concentrations in the hypothalamus. When these receptors are stimulated, they trigger signalling pathways that lead to reduced feelings of hunger (anorexigenic effect) and increased feelings of fullness (satiety). This dual action effectively curbs the urge to overeat and promotes portion control.
Key Elements of the STEP Trials 1 to 5
Key elements of the STEP Trials 1 to 5 explored semaglutide’s effects on appetite control. It revealed that individuals receiving semaglutide experienced significant reductions in hunger and appetite, contributing to a reduction in caloric intake and overall weight loss.
Can it reduce body Fat?
Semaglutide’s effectiveness in reducing body fat, particularly in individuals with obesity, is a key feature that distinguishes it as a potential game-changer in weight management.
Reduction in Body Fat: Semaglutide’s impact on body fat reduction is achieved through multiple mechanisms:
- Appetite Suppression: By reducing feelings of hunger and increasing feelings of fullness, semaglutide helps individuals consume fewer calories. This caloric deficit is a fundamental aspect of fat loss.
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Semaglutide’s effects on insulin sensitivity play a crucial role in fat reduction. Improved insulin sensitivity facilitates the utilisation of glucose and fat for energy, which can lead to the breakdown of stored fat reserves.
Dosage and how to take it?
After reading our science backed article on Semaglutide, we know you will be looking forward to giving it a try, especially if you’re just discovering Peptide Therapy and want something that has a wide range of therapeutic benefits.
You can acquire any of our peptides by booking in a consultation with our Integrative and Functional Medicine practitioner, Jessica, who has years of experience working with Peptide Therapy.
These consultations are available for international clients, and are not subject to the UK only.
Potential Advantages & Benefits
Why Nūūtro excels in Peptide Therapy
Much like the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness trends, the realm of Peptide Therapy has been inundated with a plethora of misinformation circulating on the internet.
Furthermore, numerous peptide manufacturers and pharmacies have resorted to shortcuts, employing subpar ingredients and procuring peptides from risky Chinese suppliers.
However, this does not define who we are.
At Nūūtro, you can place your trust in our dedicated team, our top-notch products, and our comprehensive programs, all of which are designed to transform your health journey.
We are genuinely enthusiastic about introducing the benefits of Peptide Therapy to our community, having witnessed firsthand the transformative effects that peptides can have on one’s quality of life.
- We only source our peptides from accredited USA-labs that use the purest ingredients.
- Jessica has personally met the owner and COO of our peptide supplier, we only do business with integrity.
- Our peptides are rigorously third-party tested.
- We work with you to discuss other issues such as gut inflammation and hormonal disbalance prior to ensuring the peptides work to their full efficacy.
To learn more about our Peptide Therapy programmes click here.
We take great pride in our accreditation as a clinic.
Our team consists of highly skilled professionals who are wholly committed to supporting you in reaching your objectives and delivering the utmost quality of care.
We are thrilled to assist you in embarking on your Peptide Therapy journey, with the ultimate aim of helping you both feel and look your best!
Enquire Today
To learn more about our Peptide Therapy, please request an appointment at info@nuutro.co.uk