Semaglutide: What Is It?
Semaglutide is a medication belonging to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that act on the brain, pancreas and GI system. By delaying the gastric absorption of food, you will feel full longer, which thereby decreases appetite. This decrease in appetite results in reduced caloric intake, which enhances weight-loss efforts. In the past, semaglutide was used for patients with type-2 diabetes to improve glycemic control, and clinical studies demonstrate semaglutide as an effective weight-loss solution.
While semaglutide is a reliable long-term weight management solution, we believe it is healthiest when used as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone in the body called “incretin,” which is released in our digestive tract in response to eating. It targets an area in the brain (the GLP-1 receptors) that regulates appetite and fullness. One role of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood sugar. For this reason, it has been used for more than 15 years to treat type-2 diabetes. Semaglutide works by causing a minor delay in gastric emptying, thereby reducing the rate at which glucose appears in circulation after eating. In higher doses, it also interacts with the parts of the brain that suppress your appetite and signal you to feel full.
Who Is Not a Candidate for Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is contraindicated in patients including but not limited to: those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, patients with a hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or any of the product components, as well as patients with pancreatitis, kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy or gallbladder disease.
What Can I Expect at My Semaglutide Visits?
A comprehensive medical history and bloodwork analysis are performed prior to approving any patient for semaglutide therapy. Lab results are usually available in less than seven days. Weekly in-office injections can then be scheduled, and measurements will be taken and weight recorded to manage and track your progress. As a part of your treatment plan, you’ll be monitored regularly by our expert medical providers who will answer questions and administer weekly injections to you, discuss your weight loss plan for the month, and perform routine lab analyses and physical exams. We’ll monitor your progress throughout to ensure safety and efficacy. Many patients enjoy tracking their progress via before-and-after pictures. These provide a visual representation of the weight loss, as well as a fantastic way to stay motivated to attain your body contouring and health goals!
At-home injections are offered in special circumstances, to be determined on an individual basis by our medical providers.
New patients begin with a low dose of semaglutide with an increase of dosage over time so your body can acclimate to the medication with minimal side effects, if any. Typically, semaglutide users lose 15% of their body weight. While this noninvasive weight-loss medication helps patients achieve their goals, a commitment is needed to a new lifestyle change in order to maintain results and optimal health.
When Can I See Results from Semaglutide?
The results of semaglutide are not immediate but they can be dramatic. It’s essential to have realistic expectations and regularly attend all of your injection-treatment sessions. By committing to your treatment plan and practicing a healthy lifestyle, an impressive transformation can take place. We encourage you to eat careful meals and regularly exercise to maximize the injections’ benefits. Patients who regard this as a lifestyle change and not just “losing weight” are the most successful.
What Are the Side Effects of Semaglutide?
As with any medical treatment, semaglutide may cause certain side effects such as: abdominal pain, headache, low blood sugar, constipation, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and acid reflux. For most people, however, the symptoms are mild and decrease with time. You can minimize potential side effects by limiting alcohol consumption; eating small, healthy meals; not lying down immediately after eating; and avoiding greasy foods, particularly the day before an injection.
What Is the Cost of Semaglutide?
During your weight-management consultation, we will discuss the different plans to design which treatment would be best for you. The cost of semaglutide varies based on several factors, the type of injection chosen, the dosage of medication, etc. Schedule a consultation with our expert medical providers to receive a personalized estimate for semaglutide or weight-loss peptides. We will spend ample time getting to know you as a patient so that we can formulate a tailored plan that best fits your unique needs. Let us know if you have questions and how we can help make this process easy and educational, allowing you to feel prepared and confident embarking on your “New You” journey!