Are you currently taking or interested in taking one of the semaglutides—Wagovy, Ozempic, or Rybelsus? Do you truly understand what a semaglutide is and how it functions? Better yet, do you know how to pronounce them? Well, my friends, let’s take a moment to “Elev8” ourselves and delve into the details of these novel diabetic medications that have recently gained popularity as weight loss aids.

First things first, let’s tackle the pronunciation of this drug class: Semaglutide (sem-A-glu-tide).

Now, what exactly are semaglutides? They belong to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a receptor present in the body, called glucagon-like peptide-1. The term “agonist” refers to something that has an affinity for a particular target. In this case, semaglutide is strongly attracted to and has a remarkable affinity for the GLP-1 receptor. They simply can’t resist each other. When substances bind to the GLP-1 receptor, it activates the pancreas to release more insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels and improves glycemic control.

Let me break it down for you: Imagine semaglutide as a key that fits into the lock called the GLP-1 receptor, unlocking the door for the pancreas to secrete more insulin, which then gobbles up glucose (blood sugar), just like Pac-Man gobbles up ghosts! Semaglutides reduce your appetite and slow down the digestion process, providing a prolonged feeling of fullness or satiety, which consequently decreases your food intake.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved semaglutides for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and obesity, with the aim of long-term weight management. It’s a win-win situation. However, as always, there are potential side effects to be aware of. When taking a semaglutide (Wagovy, Ozempic, or Rybelsus), you may experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, headache, fatigue, flatulence, and indigestion. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, as we continue to discover new information in the field of medicine.

For instance, as an anesthesiologist, it is crucial to pay close attention to a particular side effect. In the world of surgery and anesthesia, we have observed that the slowed digestion caused by semaglutides poses a significant risk, even for individuals who are otherwise healthy and only using semaglutide for weight loss. Slowed digestion increases the risk of vomiting during anesthesia, which can lead to aspiration—a concerning condition that can result in aspiration pneumonia, an even more serious complication.

I consider this information crucial and will discuss it further in part two of this blog, which will be posted in one week. In part two, we will delve deeper into how semaglutides work and how they can contribute to aspiration during surgery while under anesthesia. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at hello@drlegree.com, and be sure to sign up for my newsletter.

Feel free to share this valuable information with your friends and family. Thank you for being a part of my community, and remember, I am always here to offer a second opinion for all your medical inquiries. Make sure to consult your primary care provider to discuss the specifics of our conversations and how they relate to your individual medical situation.

Until next time!

Xoxo, Dr. Legree