The first oral GLP 1 approved by the USFDA for treatment of type 2 diabetes, the drug can also aid weight loss among non-diabetic population as well as protect cardiovascular health.

Overweight and obesity have become a huge public health problem, leading to a gold rush to manufacture anti-obesity drugs worldwide. Among the many aspirants, oral semaglutide has been in the news for assisting in substantial, sustained weight loss. First Check lets you in on what’s causing all the hype. 

To begin with, the drug semaglutide belongs to the class Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP 1) that biologically mimics the hormone glucagon, eliciting an insulin response from the pancreas, thereby lowering blood glucose levels, curbing food cravings and slowing down the digestion. Semaglutide is widely known by its trade name Wegovy and Ozempic. 

Oral semaglutide is the first oral GLP 1 approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for treatment of type 2 diabetes. According to research, it can also aid weight loss among non-diabetic population as well as protect cardiovascular health. 

However, it’s strongly recommended to take oral semaglutide only after consulting with a qualified diabetologist or physician. Like all GLP 1 class of drugs, consumption of oral semaglutide is associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, such as nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting, to name some. 

Given that overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk of developing comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke and cancer, sustaining weight management drugs, like oral Semaglutide, can be a game-changer. With extensive research underway, we can hope for the drug to become more accessible and affordable for larger sections of the global population. 

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