Main Points
- Semaglutide is recognized as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
- Semaglutide has been suggested to facilitate the regulation of insulin secretion by the pancreas, by possibly ensuring the appropriate quantity of insulin is produced.
- Studies have suggested that Semaglutide may decelerate gastric emptying, facilitating weight reduction.
- The observed phenomenon may exhibit promising characteristics, but further scientific research in necessary to ascertain its full potential and impact.
Without any additional delay, let us evaluate this novel peptide's potential in research.
What is Semaglutide Peptide?
Semaglutide is a compound in the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. As previously stated, Semaglutide is classified within the category of peptides; however, it is predominantly recognized as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Studies suggest it may replicate the activity of the incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) [i].
Research suggests that Semaglutide may potentially aid weight loss through insulin regulation. Findings imply it may represent a mechanism for regulating glycemic levels. Effective glycemic control is considered by scientists to provide substantial impact on weight loss or gain.
What Is The Mechanism of Action of Semaglutide Peptide?
Investigations purport that Semaglutide may facilitate the appropriate insulin release by the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels, possibly without unnecessarily complicating the process. Scientists speculate it may facilitate endogenous insulin synthesis in optimal quantities.
This intervention may assist in mitigating persistently elevated blood glucose levels.Researchers with a strong interest in physical activity will also possess knowledge regarding the correlation between heightened levels of glucose in the bloodstream and the occurrence of inflammation, adipose tissue accumulation, and cardiovascular ailments.
Scientists hypothesize that another notable property of Semaglutide is its potential to not only decrease the likelihood of developing diabetes but also to decelerate gastric emptying [ii].
This phenomenon can be described as extended gastric retention, wherein the food is retained in the gastrointestinal tract for an extended period, resulting in increased satiety and a prolonged feeling of fullness. This intervention can yield significant properties for experimental test models operating under a negative energy balance. Observational data in studies implementing this strategy suggests that test subjects exhibited enhancements in appetite regulation and achieved apparently notable reductions in body weight.
Semaglutide Peptide and Weight Loss Research Studies
Studies suggest Semaglutide may be a promising agent for facilitating fatty tissue reduction. This peptide has undergone extensive research investigation, and most research findings provide data on test models exhibiting increased weight fluctuation as compared to control groups.
The results of a comprehensive two-year study suggested that the alteration in body weight from the initial measurement to week 104 was -15.2% for the test models presented with Semaglutide, whereas the placebo group appeared to experience a decrease of -2.6%. [iii]
A 40-week-long study yielded comparable findings, suggesting that the cohort presented with Semaglutide appeared to experience weight loss, whereas the placebo group seemed to exhibit weight gain [iv].
Researchers have further speculated that Semaglutide may exhibit efficacy in promoting adiposity reduction and body weight reduction. Additionally, findings imply a decrease in the likelihood of developing diabetes.
Via studies like the above, scientists hypothesize that Semaglutide may facilitate optimal secretion of insulin by the pancreas in response to increased blood glucose quantities.
Semaglutide Snapshot
- It exhibits the potential to reduce body mass.
- It may assist in prolonging the duration of satiety.
- It may decrease the likelihood of developing hepatic steatosis.
- The presentation of a specific intervention has been associated with a diminished likelihood of developing diabetes.
- When fused with a nutritionally balanced diet, studies suggest it may have the potential to elicit hypertrophic adaptations, resulting in skeletal muscle accretion in select test models.
- It may enhance gastrointestinal transit.
- It may minimize modifiable risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases like stroke.
References
[i] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=adec4fd2-6858-4c99-91d4-531f5f2a2d79
[ii] John P.H. Wilding, D.M., Rachel L. Batterham, M.B., B.S., Ph.D., Salvatore Calanna, Ph.D., Melanie Davies, M.D., Luc F. Van Gaal, M.D., Ph.D., Ildiko Lingvay, M.D., M.P.H., M.S.C.S., Barbara M. McGowan, M.D., Ph.D., Julio Rosenstock, M.D., Marie T.D. Tran, M.D., Ph.D., Thomas A. Wadden, Ph.D., Sean Wharton, M.D., Pharm.D., Koutaro Yokote, M.D., Ph.D., et al., for the STEP 1 Study Group*
[iii] Garvey, W.T., Batterham, R.L., Bhatta, M. et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med 28, 2083–2091 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02026-4
[iv] Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, et al. Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021;325(14):1414–1425. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.3224
