Semaglutide (Ozempic) 101
Semaglutide is perhaps the most popular and widely used GLP-1 Agonist on the market, but before I explain what it does, allow me to explain GLP-1 Agonists as a whole…
WHAT ARE GLP-1 AGONISTS?
GLP-1 Agonists (also known as Incretin Mimetics) are a class of meds that mimic the actions of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide 1), a naturally occurring peptide that can decrease blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion.
THE BENEFITS OF GLP-1 AGONISTS
GLP-1 Agonists are mainly used by people with Type 2 Diabetes, but bodybuilders are starting to use them off-label as well. These drugs aid in cutting by suppressing appetite, which they achieve through:
- The normalization of blood sugar levels.
- The inhibition of stomach emptying and acid secretion.
- A direct action on the brain that causes a feeling of satiety.
These properties along with the fact that GLP-1 Agonists can control blood sugar levels make these meds an excellent addition to a GH secretagogue or HGH cycle.
Other potential benefits of GLP-1 Agonists besides the appetite suppression and anti-diabetic actions are:
- Enhanced memory and cognition.
- Neuroprotection.
- Cardioprotection through vasodilation.
- Renal protection.
THE SIDE-EFFECTS OF GLP-1 AGONISTS
In terms of negative side-effects, GLP-1 Agonists are generally safe & well-tolerated, but they can potentially cause stress and anxiety.
They can potentially cause nausea and gastrointestinal issues too, but the most concerning aspect of these meds is that they could potentially exacerbate pancreatic and thyroid cancer.
POPULAR GLP-1 AGONISTS
There are many different GLP-1 Agonists, but the most popular ones are Semaglutide, Dulaglutide and Exenatide. Even though all of them have the same mechanism of action and properties described in this post, they vary in strength, half-life and bioavailability rates.
SEMAGLUTIDE PROTOCOL FOR BODYBUILDERS
Semaglutide is the go-to GLP-1 Agonists because is has a long half-life and is orally bioavailable (although it’s mainly sold as an injectable).
Its half-life when injected subcutaneously is approximately 7 days, so only one shot a week is required.
The most common dosing protocol is 0.25mg once a week for a month, then 0.5mg once a week for another month. Use it only during cutting cycles.
SHOULD YOU TAKE SEMAGLUTIDE?
Semaglutide is a novel drug to bodybuilders and the medical community alike, so even though it seems to be very safe, it’s long-term effects are still not clear.
It is also very expensive, but if you can afford it and you are responsible enough to use it in moderation during a cutting cycles, chances are you will have great results, especially if you tend to struggle with containing your appetite.
