Risks Associated with Indiscriminate Use of Semaglutide (Ozempic)

Abstract

Obesity is recognized as a chronic disease characterized by an atypical or excessive accumulation of body fat, posing health risks. Semaglutide is an analog of the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) hormone used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This medication works by stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon release, delaying gastric emptying, and suppressing appetite, resulting in reduced blood glucose levels. Given this, the objective of the study was to understand the risks associated with the indiscriminate use of Semaglutide for weight loss purposes. The methodology employed was a literature review, utilizing data collection from databases such as Scielo, Lilacs, and Google Scholar in both English and Portuguese. The main findings from the research indicated that using semaglutide for weight loss is not without risks and may lead to adverse health consequences for patients.