Semaglutide

A Revolutionary Diabetes Drug, or a Fad Celebrity Endorsement?

Abstract

This comprehensive review explores the social and health effects of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and evaluates its efficacy as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. This paper delves into its mechanism of action, detailing its similarities to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone to regulate insulin secretion, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite. Additionally, it examines the drug's impact on various physiological systems, including its cardiovascular benefits and potential side effects such as gastrointestinal distress, pancreatitis, and potential long-term risks. Furthermore, this review compares semaglutide to other widely used diabetes medications, such as insulin and metformin, assessing its advantages and limitations in glycemic control and other factors, such as weight loss and frequency of cardiovascular events by analyzing clinical data. Beyond its medical applications, this review investigates semaglutide's rising status as a social drug, particularly in the context of weight loss. The influence of celebrity endorsements and media representation has contributed to a surge in demand for semaglutide as an off-label weight loss solution, affecting public perception and access to the medication. This review aims to explore the societal effects of these endorsements, particularly their impact on body image, healthcare accessibility through the lens of social media and semaglutide's availability for diabetes patients. Additionally, this review evaluates the implications of semaglutide's popularity on healthcare equity, particularly for low-income and uninsured populations. With high costs and limited insurance coverage, semaglutide's accessibility remains a critical issue, potentially exacerbating health disparities and limiting treatment options for those who need it most. The paper will also consider future developments, including emerging alternatives and innovations in diabetes treatment, assessing how they might address these challenges. By synthesising medical research, social commentary, and healthcare policy discussions, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of semaglutide's role in modern medicine and society. It aims to offer insight into the broader implications of its rise as both a diabetes treatment and a social phenomenon, ultimately assessing its potential benefits and ethical concerns in public health.