Semaglutide: effects on eating behavior

Abstract

Introduction. Drugs from the group of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists were originally intended to be used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, with their use, a noticeable weight loss effect was noted, which expanded the list of indications and currently these drugs are prescribed to obese individuals, regardless of the presence of diabetes mellitus. On the Russian market, semavic (semaglutide) has established itself as an effective treatment for obesity. Aim. To assess the effect of semaglutide on eating behavior in the process of weight loss. Materials and methods. The literature search was carried out using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The selection of publications was carried out according to the principle of open free access, analysis of abstracts and assessment of relevance. Results. A total of 35 articles were selected for review: 7 Russian-language articles and 28 foreign sources. Data from the vast majority of publications show that semavik for weight loss is prescribed at a dose of 0.5–2.4 mg per week subcutaneously for a course of up to 68 weeks. In alternative cases, the drug is taken orally. The maximum weight loss was 9,6–17,4% of initial body weight. The most common manifestation of complications was gastrointestinal disorders, but only for a small number of patients did they become a reason to refuse to continue therapy. In trials of the drug, a reduction in the total calorie intake was noted in the absence of external dietary restrictions. Conclusion. The prescription of semavik is accompanied by increased self-control when eating. Self-control extends not only to food, but also to drinking alcohol. Approximately half of patients indicate an improved quality of life. Activation of metabolism appears to be associated with a decrease in insulin resistance, an increase in insulin concentrations, an effect on the effects of cortisol, and an effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.