Treatment with the active ingredient semaglutide

Mainz, 22 September 2023. On the programme ‘Der Vormittag’ on SWR1 Rhineland-Palatinate, Prof. Dr. Dr. Wüster explains how the so-called ‘weight loss injection’ works and its possible applications.

In the interview with SWR1 presenter Steffi Stronczyk, the Mainz-based endocrinologist describes the circumstances under which this injection can be used.

Endocrinologist Prof. Dr. Dr. Wüster advocates treatment with the active ingredient semaglutide for patients who are unable to lose weight through exercise and diet, but for whom weight loss is indicated for health reasons (type 2 diabetes or severe obesity).

Prof. Dr. Dr. Wüster from Mainz states: ‘In principle, it is not a bad thing that we have such drugs available for patients who need them.’

There are two preparations on the market for treatment with a ‘weight loss injection’: Ozempic is for patients with type 2 diabetes and Wegovy is for severely obese patients who do not have diabetes. Prof. Wüster points out that weight reductions of 15 per cent are possible ‘within a certain period of time’, although exercise and diet still accompany this treatment. In fact, the Mainz-based endocrinologist still recommends a structured exercise programme and an adapted diet for patients with a BMI below 30. If these measures do not lead to weight loss, the weight loss injection can promote the release of insulin from the pancreas.

Effects of the active ingredient semaglutide

In addition to the release of insulin, these include: slowed gastric emptying and increased satiety.

The Mainz-based endocrinologist Prof. Dr. Dr. Wüster points out that treatment with the diabetes injection is not without side effects; nausea is a widespread gastrointestinal problem, which is why the endocrinologist doses the respective medication sensitively and only increases the dosage in the course of treatment.

Regular check-ups take place during the treatment period at Prof. Dr. Dr. Wüster’s endocrinology practice in Mainz – partly because there can also be more serious side effects. The Mainz-based endocrinologist also advises his patients on long-term strategies to avoid the so-called ‘yo-yo effect’ (‘rebound weight gain’).

Later in the interview, the Mainz-based metabolism specialist addresses the question of what natural ways there are to stimulate the metabolism.

Stimulating the metabolism naturally

Prof. Dr. Dr. Wüster emphasises that this approach is particularly important to him. He mentions the use of a fitness tracker to monitor your pulse during exercise. The metabolism is effectively stimulated when the pulse is above 120 beats per minute for at least an hour and a half. This type of fitness training should be done three times a week.

In Prof. Dr. Dr. Wüster’s opinion, going to the gym is not particularly effective if the training on fitness equipment is designed to build muscle strength. However, most people who need to lose weight for health reasons do not have the muscle strength required for effective weight loss in this context; In these cases, the pulse and metabolism cannot be effectively stimulated.

The second pillar of a promising weight loss strategy, according to Prof. Dr. Dr. Wüster, is a planned, controlled diet.

The Mainz-based metabolism specialist recommends a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Since a corresponding dietary change can only have a lasting effect over a long period of time, it is important that what is served still tastes good. The hypothalamus, as the “clock generator for the regulation of body composition,” only recognizes the changed metabolism after a period of three months. Real changes are only noticeable after six months.

Conclusion

Therefore – as Prof. Dr. Dr. Wüster concludes this interview – medication with the active ingredient semaglutide can be a beneficial and motivating addition to a sensible weight loss process for severely overweight patients – especially because this process is regularly monitored and monitored by the treating physician.