Semaglutide is a medication used to treat both diabetes and obesity in adults. It’s available under three brand names: Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus. However, they are not all licenced in the UK to treat the same medical conditions. 

Currently, the only version of semaglutide licenced to treat weight loss is Wegovy, which is administered as a once-weekly injection. Ozempic is also administered as an injection, but it’s only licensed to treat type 2 diabetes, as is Rybelsus, which is an oral medication.  

How does semaglutide work?  

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the GLP hormone, promoting insulin release in response to glucose. They also have effects on gut motility and appetite.  

Semaglutide helps to slow down gastric emptying. It also acts on an area of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus controls your hunger; therefore, your appetite will be reduced, and you will eat less. 

As we have just mentioned, when you take semaglutide, you eat less food, meaning you should consume fewer calories. Consuming less calories leads to weight loss. Not only will your food intake be reduced, but you will no longer crave high-fat and sugary foods as much as you did. 

Is semaglutide an insulin resistance treatment?  

Unfortunately, semaglutide isn’t currently prescribed as a treatment for insulin resistance.  

If you have type 2 diabetes, you might be prescribed semaglutide tablets under the brand name Rybelsus as a diabetes treatment. Alternatively, Wegovy injections are prescribed to patients as an obesity treatment. 

If you have been prescribed semaglutide as a diabetes or weight management treatment, this could also help improve insulin resistance.  

Insulin resistance treatments  

Currently, there are no medications that treat insulin resistance specifically. So, how can you reverse insulin resistance naturally? You can make some simple and effective lifestyle changes to improve your insulin resistance. 

For obese and overweight adults, weight loss is one way you can treat insulin resistance. Weight loss can help improve how your body uses insulin. 

Your diet is important for reversing insulin resistance. But what is the best diet for insulin resistance? Focus on including whole foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. For more protein, lean meats and fish are recommended. 

Finally, increasing your physical activity can also help with insulin resistance. Moderate to intense physical activity can help to increase glucose energy usage and improve muscle insulin sensitivity.  

Can you get semaglutide on the NHS? 

Semaglutide has been available on the NHS since 2019 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Previously, you were only able to get semaglutide on the NHS if your doctor recommended it as a diabetes treatment. However, eligible patients may be offered semaglutide in the form of Wegovy injections as a treatment for obesity.  

You will only be prescribed Wegovy on the NHS as a weight loss treatment if you fit the eligibility criteria and have been unsuccessful in losing weight through diet and exercise alone.  

Is there an insulin resistance test?  

Unfortunately, doctors don’t usually test for insulin resistance, even if you suspect it, because no single test can detect it.  

If you’re wondering if you have insulin resistance, some of the side effects to look out for include: 

• Tiredness  

• Increased hunger or thirst  

• Difficulty concentrating 

• Increased abdominal fat 

• Dark, velvety patches of skin in the folds of the skin 

Although you won’t specifically be prescribed semaglutide for weight loss, it can still help with insulin resistance. So, if you have been prescribed it for other health reasons, you should see signs of your insulin resistance improving.  

Remember, you can make many lifestyle changes to help with insulin resistance, from diet to exercise. If you think you have insulin resistance, try to start adding some healthy habits to your life.