Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. More recently, it has shown great promise as a weight loss aid when prescribed in higher doses than what is typical for diabetes.
Semaglutide shots help people lose weight by curbing appetite and reducing food cravings. The medication activates receptors in the brain that regulate hunger and fullness. This leads to:
Clinical trials have found that people prescribed semaglutide for weight management have been able to lose between 5-15% of their body weight over 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes.
There are several ways that semaglutide injections promote weight loss:
Semaglutide slows down the emptying of the stomach and digestive processes. This helps you feel full faster and for longer after eating.
By activating receptors in the brain, semaglutide shots reduce appetite and interest in food. People tend to eat less because they don't feel as hungry.
Semaglutide helps control blood sugar levels. This can reduce fat storage and allow the body to burn more calories.
Stabilized blood sugar also means fewer energy crashes and reduced cravings for sugary foods.
Semaglutide may be a good weight loss option for patients who:
The medication works best for people who are ready to adopt healthier lifestyle habits around eating and activity. Semaglutide shots should be used alongside improved nutrition and increased movement.
Semaglutide for weight loss is administered as a weekly injection, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or arm.
The starting dosage is 0.25 mg. This is increased gradually over 16-20 weeks until reaching a maintenance dosage between 1-2.4 mg once weekly.
Semaglutide doses must be individually adjusted based on the person’s tolerance and weight loss response. Treatment is supervised by a healthcare provider.
Semaglutide was originally approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but researchers unexpectedly found it also causes significant weight loss. Further studies showed that non-diabetic obese adults taking semaglutide lost an average of nearly 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks compared to placebo.
The most common side effects of semaglutide are temporary GI issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These tend to subside after a few weeks as the body adjusts.
Rarely, semaglutide can cause problems with vision, kidney function, pancreatitis, low blood sugar, gallstones, or an inflamed thyroid gland.
Semaglutide’s safety for long-term use beyond 2 years is still being studied. People with a personal or family history of certain cancers should use caution when using this medication.
Here at Optimal Hormone Wellness Center, we specialize in supervised semaglutide weight loss programs to help patients achieve lasting results.
Our clinic offers compounded semaglutide formulations that are customized to meet each patient’s individual needs and sensitivity. This helps maximize tolerance and weight loss benefits.
We start with a comprehensive health evaluation and only prescribe semaglutide when appropriate based on a person’s medical history and BMI. Our providers closely monitor patients throughout treatment to ensure safety.
Every semaglutide program includes detailed lifestyle counseling on nutrition, activity, and behavior change. We set realistic weight loss goals and provide accountability.
Choose our clinic if you want:
We accept most major insurance plans or can arrange affordable self-pay rates.
Let our weight loss experts design an optimal semaglutide plan to help you successfully and safely manage your weight long-term.
Contact Optimal Hormone Wellness Center today to learn more and get started!
Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication that mimics a hormone called GLP-1. It works by stimulating areas of your brain that reduce appetite, helping you feel fuller faster and for longer. It also slows stomach emptying to decrease your hunger. Simply put, semaglutide curbs cravings and decreases the urge to snack between meals. After a year, studies show most people lose 10-15% of their body weight with semaglutide.
The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, indigestion, dizziness, and gas. These tend to be worst when first starting treatment but improve over time. Speak to your doctor if side effects persist or seriously disrupt your daily life. They may be able to adjust your dosage to help minimize symptoms.
The cost of semaglutide runs around $1500 per month without insurance. However, most insurers do cover some or all of the cost, bringing your out-of-pocket expense down considerably. Be sure to check with your specific health plan about coverage details for weight loss medications. Also speak to your doctor about manufacturer savings cards or patient assistance programs that can further reduce what you pay.
Experts recommend taking semaglutide for at least 16 weeks to gauge its effectiveness for you. If desired results are seen, continuing treatment for 12-15 months tends to yield the best weight loss outcomes. Maintenance therapy may also be beneficial for some patients to sustain weight loss over the long term. Discuss your goals with your healthcare provider to decide the optimal treatment duration in your case.
Semaglutide should be avoided by those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or who have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. It also may not be suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Individuals with severe kidney, liver, or pancreatic disease are typically not candidates for this type of weight loss medication either. Tell your doctor about any pre-existing conditions to determine if semaglutide is appropriate for you.
