THE EFFICACY AND PHARMACOLOGY OF SEMAGLUTIDE IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY

Abstract

Obesity is currently a global epidemic, causing public health issues and significant economic effects on healthcare systems. Obesity is associated with several comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular physical activity is vital for the success of obesity treatment, and in this context, medications contribute with benefits to the therapy. Semaglutide was recently approved for the treatment of obesity and has shown promise in reducing weight in obese patients. Compared to placebo, semaglutide, combined with lifestyle changes, resulted in a weight loss of over 15%. Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamic nuclei and areas, reducing appetite and gastric emptying while increasing satiety. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal problems. Weight loss medications are often associated with misinformation, requiring pharmaceutical attention regarding therapy and the guidance that should be provided to patients. In summary, semaglutide has shown significant efficacy in treating obesity, offering a viable alternative for patients who have not succeeded with conventional weight loss methods. Although

semaglutide is well tolerated by most patients, a full understanding of its adverse effects still requires further studies and long-term clinical monitoring.