The quick answer for busy clinicians If a colleague asks semaglutide or phentermine? in a hallway, the honest one-sentence version is this: reach for semaglutide when you are treating obesity as a chronic disease that needs durable, year-over-year management, and reach for phentermine when you want an inexpensive, fast short-term jump-start for a motivated patient who does not need or cannot afford long-term pharmacotherapy
Semaglutide GLP-1 works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone , regulating appetite and food intake, promoting fullness, and reducing calorie consumption
It is also a Schedule II controlled substance due to the potential risk of substance abuse disorder, misuse, and addiction
While we always advocate for people considering semaglutide injections (or any other treatment) to educate themselves using reliable sources, consulting with a professional is by far the best way to determine your eligibility
These treatments are particularly suited for those facing weight management challenges, such as obesity or being overweight, as well as individuals with related health concerns like Type 2 diabetes
