Excess weight, a prevalent issue affecting a significant portion of the adult population, poses risks to both physical and mental well-being. While a healthy diet and regular exercise are the cornerstones of weight management, weight-loss medications can play a supportive role. Rybelsus, containing the active ingredient semaglutide, has emerged as a medication of interest in this context.
What is Rybelsus?
Rybelsus is an oral prescription medication containing semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic a naturally occurring hormone produced in the gut that is triggered in response to food. This hormone encourages the body to produce insulin and reduces the amount of glycogen secreted by the liver. The hormone slows the emptying of the stomach so, as a result, you’ll feel full quicker and for longer. It also acts on receptors in the brain to regulate appetite and food intake.
How Rybelsus Works
Rybelsus reduces appetite and hunger by interacting with the brain’s appetite control center, the hypothalamus. This effect on the brain helps you eat fewer calories and starts almost immediately after taking the pill.
Rybelsus for Type 2 Diabetes
Rybelsus is approved for use in adults over the age of 18 with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control, or to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes, at high risk for these events. It helps lower blood sugar and A1C when used along with diet and exercise. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends an A1C goal of less than 7% for many adults with type 2 diabetes.
Real-world stories highlight the positive impact of Rybelsus on individuals managing type 2 diabetes. People like Beto, Sunny, Troy, and Carolyn have incorporated Rybelsus into their treatment plans alongside diet and exercise to help get their A1C DOWN.
Read also: Using Rybelsus for Weight Loss: A Guide
Rybelsus and Weight Loss
While Rybelsus is primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes, it has also shown promise as a weight-loss aid. In a 6-month study on patients taking the medication for diabetes, they found a significant association between Rybelsus and weight loss, with participants losing an average of 8 pounds. Weight losses of 2kg to 4kg may occur in people taking Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes.
The active ingredient in Rybelsus, semaglutide, is already marketed for weight loss under the brand name, Wegovy. This medication was developed after clinical trials showed promising results for the role semaglutide plays in weight loss. A study that compared semaglutide with a placebo found that obese patients lost considerably more weight when taking the medication. Over the 68-week trial, the majority of participants lost over 10% of their body weight, with over half losing more than 15%.
When prescribed for weight loss, it's considered "off-label" prescribing, meaning the medication is used for a purpose different from that on the label. In the case of Rybelsus, the active ingredient, semaglutide, is already prescribed for weight loss under a different brand name and formulation.
Rybelsus Dosage and Administration
Rybelsus comes in tablet form and contains various doses of semaglutide. It’s currently the only way that you can take semaglutide orally. You should take the medication as directed by your health practitioner. Adults across the country with type 2 diabetes are getting their A1C DOWN with RYBELSUS®.
Rybelsus vs. Ozempic
Rybelsus and Ozempic both contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. They’re marketed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes but both treatments may be prescribed ‘off-label’ for the long-term management of weight loss. The main difference between the two medications is the way in which they are taken. Rybelsus comes as an oral tablet and Ozempic is an injection that must be administered into the fatty tissue in your stomach, leg or arm. Rybelsus is a suitable alternative for people who have difficulties with injections.
Read also: Rybelsus: A Weight Loss Option?
Both contain semaglutide, but they are not interchangeable because they differ in their inactive ingredients, which influence how the drug is absorbed. Formulation R2 has enhanced drug absorption that allows for lower doses to achieve the same results as the first formulation (R1).
Rybelsus and Lifestyle Adjustments
Rybelsus helps you to make healthier choices and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Clinical trials on semaglutide have found that the drug reduces appetite which decreases food intake and leads to fewer cravings.
As well as following a healthy diet and exercise routine, getting enough sleep will help you to avoid weight gain. Consistency with Rybelsus® is the key to achieving your weight loss goals!
Rybelsus: Safety and Side Effects
Rybelsus has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes since 2019 but the active ingredient, semaglutide, was approved prior to this. Semaglutide injections are already licenced for weight loss, under the brand name Wegovy. Before receiving a prescription for Rybelsus, your suitability for the medication will be reviewed by a healthcare practitioner. You can talk to a clinician if you’re having persistent side effects, and they can advise on your treatment.
Rybelsus may cause side effects. Most commonly, these include gastrointestinal disorders, including:
Read also: Rybelsus and Its Effects
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Due to the nature of weight loss medications, these side effects are common and tend to resolve with time, once your body is used to the medication. Diarrhoea and vomiting can lead to dehydration which is dangerous, especially if you have any kidney problems. Speak to your healthcare practitioner if you’re worried about dehydration.
More serious side effects of Rybelsus include:
- Pancreatitis
- Problems with vision in patients with diabetes
- Low blood sugar
- Serious allergic reactions
Managing Expectations with Rybelsus
When using Rybelsus® for weight loss, especially in non-diabetic patients, understanding its gradual approach is essential. The journey with Rybelsus® and weight loss tends to be steady, not rapid. Therefore, it will take a little longer to achieve the Rybelsus® weight loss before and after you seek. Weight loss results vary, with most users experiencing a steady reduction over several months, especially when combined with lifestyle adjustments like a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Most individuals feel a reduction in appetite, which can contribute to weight loss. However, those results vary widely depending on dosage, diet, and lifestyle. It’s extremely important to note that weight loss is a journey and will look different for everyone. Real progress often happens over months rather than weeks. Therefore, you need to view the process as a gradual lifestyle shift rather than a quick solution.
Tips for Optimizing Rybelsus for Weight Loss
- Consistency is Key: Take Rybelsus as prescribed and maintain a consistent routine.
- Healthy Habits: Combine Rybelsus with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Track Progress: Keep a record of your weight loss journey to see your progress in real-time.
Addressing Potential Challenges
As with any medication, there may be side effects. Fortunately, these symptoms tend to lessen over time as the body adjusts to the medication. However, all of these symptoms have the potential to impact your weight loss results as they all can disrupt your nutrition and exercise routines.
If, after a few months of practicing healthy habits and taking Rybelsus®, you aren’t seeing the weight loss results you’d hoped for, it may be time to discuss adjustments with your provider. Some patients may benefit from a higher Rybelsus® dosage while others may need to explore other options, like transitioning to an injectable form.
Rybelsus Copay and Support
Rybelsus Connect offers support when and where you need it. Eligible, commercially insured patients with product coverage may be able to access savings programs.