Mani Vahedi

Examining the use of Semaglutides, such as Ozempic, in managing weight & glucose levels

Started Sept. 4, 2024

Abstract or project description

More than two out of every five people in the United States have obesity (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2021), and by 2030, approximately half of the U.S. population will have obesity (Finkelstein et al., 2012). Obesity and type 2 diabetes are significant global health challenges, each associated with serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and other metabolic disorders. As rates of obesity continue to rise, effective treatments are essential to address this growing concern. One such intervention gaining national attention is semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Semaglutide was originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes but has also been effective in promoting weight loss, leading to its FDA approval as Wegovy for chronic weight management in 2021. This medication mimics the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite and slow digestion. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of semaglutide, including its effectiveness and side effects, its role as a GLP-1 receptor agonist in managing diabetes and weight loss, and the long-term challenges associated with its use.