Weight Loss Program

SEMAGLUTIDE FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Semaglutide is the latest arrival in successful weight loss aids. Recently, it’s been touted by celebrities for its ability to curb hunger and has taken off on social media, with influencers proudly displaying their before-and-after photos on apps like TikTok and Instagram.

But what makes this drug such a game-changer for weight loss? It’s not often that new fads are backed by research, but this once-weekly injection has been FDA-approved to treat obesity and demonstrated its effectiveness in numerous clinical trials.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide first hit the market as Ozempic, a prescription medication designed to help lower blood sugar in adults with diabetes. However, its ability to help patients shed unwanted pounds quickly became obvious as those using it lost an average of 15% of their body weight without really trying. The symptoms of their diabetes also improved and got easier to manage. As the evidence of the drug’s effectiveness as a weight loss tool grew, doctors began to prescribe semaglutide off-label to treat obesity that didn’t respond to diet and exercise, recognizing its potential to greatly improve body composition.

• Semaglutide was approved by the FDA in 2021 for the treatment of obesity under the brand name Wegovy. It has since skyrocketed in popularity as a weight loss aid due to its stunning results, ushering in a new era of effective treatments. The drug is available as a once-weekly injection and works best when combined with a lower-calorie diet and increased physical activity, but still works to reduce appetite without any significant lifestyle changes. Most patients find it easier to resist food cravings and eat healthier with semaglutide to help them lose weight.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

The effectiveness of semaglutide in the fight against obesity has confirmed what many experts have long known: that willpower alone isn’t enough to lose weight. For some people, the body actively resists burning calories, using tricks like slowing down metabolism or releasing hunger-producing hormones to pack on the pounds. Semaglutide directly addresses some of these underlying factors to help patients reach their weight loss goals.

Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is secreted in the gut and acts on a number of key receptors in the body. For example, it aids in weight loss by lowering blood sugar so you can burn fat more efficiently. It also slows down how quickly food leaves the stomach to help you feel fuller for longer after a meal.

However, one of the most important ways that GLP-1 works to promote weight loss is by targeting areas of the brain that regulate appetite and hunger. As a result, it increases satiety and reduces food cravings, making it easier to follow a healthier, reduced-calorie diet.

Am I a Candidate for Semaglutide Weight Loss?

In the U.S., over 40% of adults are considered obese with a BMI over 30. Obesity is considered more than a cosmetic problem as it can increase your risk of numerous health concerns, such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea and more. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to lose weight, you may be a good candidate for semaglutide. This medication is generally recommended for the following patients:

• BMI greater than 30

• BMI greater than 27 with accompanying weight-related problems

• BMI under 30 depending on circumstances and overall health

• No family history of endocrine or thyroid disorders

• Diabetic or pre-diabetic

• High A1C that doesn’t respond to other treatments

Come in for a consultation and our team can help determine if semaglutide is right for you. Together, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to help you lose weight and feel your best inside and out with the appropriate medications and lifestyle changes.

What Can I Expect With Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is injected once weekly in the skin of the abdomen, thighs or upper arm. Our practitioners will administer the medication on you and regularly monitor your progress to ensure you achieve your weight loss goals. Your treatment plan will include a prescription for the drug and a baseline weigh-in that analyzes key benchmarks such as your BMI, body fat percentage, muscle mass and more.

The starting dose of semaglutide is typically 0.25 mg, which increases incrementally every 4 weeks during your weight loss journey. Eventually, if needed a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg will be achieved, but this can be adjusted depending on your individual needs and tolerance.

Throughout treatment, we also provide nutritional and weight loss coaching with our nurse practitioners to ensure an effective treatment plan that helps you reach and maintain your goals. For those covered by insurance for Wegovy, Ozempic or another semaglutide medication, we dispense the shots right from our office to the patient.

What are the Results on Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is one of the most effective weight loss drugs on the market, but you shouldn’t expect to see drastic results overnight. Once starting treatment, most people lose an average of 1-2 pounds per week, but this can vary depending on a number of factors. Combining semaglutide with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise will maximize your results.

If you experience health problems associated with excess body fat, you should see these conditions improve with treatment. Many people report lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels as a result of their weight loss. The majority of patients achieve their weight loss and health goals within a year and have better long-term success in maintaining their results than those who have not taken semaglutide.

During your consultation, we’ll review the benefits of using semaglutide for weight loss and help you know what to expect after beginning treatment.

Are There Any Side Effects to Consider?

The side effects of semaglutide are considered rare and generally mild, but some people may experience nausea, bloating, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea and more as a result of treatment. Less commonly, fatigue, low blood sugar and dizziness may occur. If you experience any side effects that concern you after starting semaglutide, contact our office. Our team can address any issues you have and adjust your treatment plan, if needed.

There’s no magic cure for obesity, but semaglutide is a game-changer that comes pretty close. If you’re interested in learning more about this breakthrough treatment and how it can transform your life, don’t hesitate to call us today. You can reach our office at (956) 391-2654.