Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic & Rybelsus), Liraglutide (Saxenda) & other GLP-1RAs: How can they help with diabetes and weight loss?
Although healthy lifestyle changes are an important part of the treatment plan for people with diabetes, medications can also be useful for many people. There are several different medication options available that can be helpful in gaining better control of blood sugar.
One of the newest options is a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1RAs. This group includes semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide.
GLP-1RAs can help to achieve good blood sugar control in people with diabetes. These medications can also lead to weight loss, and some of them are specifically approved for this purpose.
How do GLP-1RAs work? Which of these medications are available here in Singapore? What are the advantages of this class of medications?
How do GLP-1RAs work?
GLP-1 receptor agonists act on the receptor for a certain hormone produced in the gut. They help to control blood sugar and weight in several ways:
Increases production of the hormone that lowers blood sugar level, especially after taking food.
Reduces production of the hormone that increases fasting sugar, optimising fasting sugar levels.
Slows gastric emptying and decreases appetite, which makes you eat less, feel full longer, lose weight and also slows the release of glucose from your food.
Overhauls “hunger and craving hormones”, working on the reward centre of the brain, reducing cravings.
Which GLP-1RAs are available in Singapore?
Certain GLP-1RAs are approved specifically to promote weight loss, but others are approved only for treating diabetes. In Singapore, until recently, only liraglutide (sold under the brand name Saxenda) is currently approved for weight loss. There is also a form of semaglutide called Wegovy that has been recently approved for weight loss in Singapore. Wegovy (semaglutide) has recently been approved for weight loss treatment in Singapore.
For treating diabetes, there are more options. There are two different forms of semaglutide that are currently approved for use in Singapore – Ozempic, which is given by injection once a week, and Rybelsus, which is a tablet. Dulaglutide (Trulicity) and liraglutide (Victoza) are also approved for treating diabetes in Singapore. Although all of these medications have the potential to cause weight loss as a side effect, they’re primarily intended for helping to control blood sugar, and they’re only prescribed for this purpose.
Advantages of semaglutide, liraglutide, and other GLP-1RAs
Blood sugar control
GLP-1RAs have been shown to control blood sugar effectively, making them an attractive option for many diabetes patients. For example, in a clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes (the Sustain 7 Study), Ozempic (the injectable form of semaglutide) was shown to lead to a reduction in HbA1c of up to 1.8% over 40 weeks.
GLP-1RAs such as semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide can be used on their own, in conjunction with lifestyle changes like exercise and taking a healthy diet. If needed, they can also be combined with other diabetes medications (such as metformin).
Weight loss
These medications have also been shown to result in weight loss, which may in turn help to reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
In multiple clinical studies of Saxenda, using the medication consistently resulted in weight loss of 4 to 6 kg. Nearly two-thirds of patients lost at least 5% of their body weight, and nearly one-third lost at least 10%.
Meanwhile, with Wegovy, patients achieved 5%–20% or greater weight loss. Further, Wegovy was found not only superior at reducing body weight compared with other antidiabetic drugs, but also cardioprotective.
*Results based on clinical trials. Individual outcomes may vary.
Different forms of GLP-1RAs
For patients who are on injectable medication, Ozempic and Trulicity may be attractive options because these are administered through once-weekly injections. Victoza and Saxenda are also injectable, but these forms are taken once per day.
While most GLP-1 receptor agonists medications need to be taken through injections. Rybelsus is the first in this class of medication to be taken as a tablet. This makes it an attractive option for those who prefer to avoid injections.
GLP-1RAs have been shown to be cardioprotective, meaning that they reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, they reduce the risk of kidney failure.
How to get the most benefit from semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic & Rybelsus), liraglutide (Saxenda), or dulaglutide
To maximise the effectiveness of GLP-1RAs, it is recommended to work on optimising your diet and physical activity levels together with taking the medication.
Improving your diet quality and physical fitness will help with glucose control, make you feel more energetic, and help you get the most out of your day. It will also help to sustain the weight loss you experience.
NOVI Health strongly believes in empowering individuals to improve their diet and fitness, and our team can help you create a personalised plan to complement your treatment.
Potential side effects of GLP-1RAs
Like all medications, GLP-1RAs can have several potential side effects. If you experience any of these side effects, you should consult your doctor to review your treatment plan.
Some of the potential side effects of semaglutide, liraglutide, and other GLP-1RAs are:
Nausea and Vomiting
Constipation or Bloating
Headache
Heartburn
Abdominal Pain
Burping or Indigestion
Allergic Reaction (such as hives, swelling, or rash)
Where can I buy semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic & Rybelsus), liraglutide (Saxenda), and other GLP-1RAs in Singapore?
These medications are not available over the counter. They can only be obtained by prescription. You will need to consult a doctor in order to get them. Not all clinics in Singapore carry GLP-1RAs such as Wegovy and Saxenda, so if this is an option that you’d like to explore, you should call the clinic to check before making an appointment.
Here at NOVI, we offer some of these medications to certain patients. This requires an appointment with one of our specialist doctors, to evaluate whether a GLP-1RA medication would be a good option for you.
We also believe that medication alone is not the best approach; a healthy lifestyle is also important. Our patients receive personalised nutrition and fitness advice from a dedicated health coach, to help them develop and stick to a healthy lifestyle plan.
NOVI Optimum Plus is our weight loss program centered on safe and proven weight loss medications supported by a healthy lifestyle for weight loss that lasts.