Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. More recently, it has shown great promise as a highly effective treatment for sustained weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1 that is released after eating. It helps regulate blood sugar and appetite by slowing digestion, curbing hunger, and increasing feelings of fullness.
Several key effects of semaglutide lead to significant weight loss in most patients:
* Suppresses appetite - Makes you feel more satisfied after eating smaller portions
* Delays gastric emptying - Food stays in stomach longer so you feel full faster
* Increases insulin production - Better blood sugar control means less fat storage
Over time, these mechanisms reinforce healthier eating habits and decreased calorie intake, leading to steady fat burning and weight loss.
Semaglutide has shown unparalleled success for substantial and sustained weight reduction when used with diet and exercise.
In clinical trials, most patients lost 10-15% of body weight on semaglutide over 12-20 weeks and continued losing more weight with longer treatment. Unlike other weight loss meds, the effects of semaglutide persist long-term.
Many patients successfully keep weight off for over 2 years while on semaglutide. It promotes developing healthy lifestyle habits that make weight maintenance easier over time.
Beyond weight loss, semaglutide provides other meaningful health improvements:
* Lowers blood pressure and LDL "bad" cholesterol
* Improves markers of heart health
* Better blood sugar control for diabetics
* May reduce risk for diabetes, stroke and other obesity-related diseases
By losing excess fat with semaglutide, you greatly lower risks for developing numerous medical conditions.
Semaglutide is a once-weekly self-administered subcutaneous injection - injected into fat under skin of abdomen, thigh, or arm.
The starting dose is 0.25 mg once weekly. The dose is increased slowly over 5-8 weeks up to the full maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly.
* 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks
* 0.5 mg weekly for 4 weeks
* 1 mg weekly for at least 4 weeks
* 2 mg weekly for at least 4 weeks
* 2.4 mg weekly - full dose
The gradual increase allows your body to adjust to side effects and develops tolerance.
The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms are usually worst at the start and improve over days to weeks in most patients.
Rarely, semaglutide may cause:
* Gallbladder problems
* Low blood sugar - greatest risk in diabetics also on insulin or sulfonylureas
* Diabetic retinopathy complications
Semaglutide has an excellent overall safety profile, especially compared to weight loss surgeries which are riskier. Still, make sure to follow dosing guidelines carefully and notify your provider about any worrying symptoms.
Semaglutide was originally developed as a treatment for diabetes, but researchers unexpectedly found it also causes significant weight loss. Further studies showed that by mimicking a hormone that makes you feel full, semaglutide enables obese patients to eat less without feeling hungry, leading to an average weight loss of 15% in clinical trials.
Here at Vitality Balance Clinic in , our experienced medical team specializes in weight management therapies, including semaglutide.
We take an integrative approach focused on establishing healthy, sustainable lifestyle habits supported by safe medical treatments.
Our comprehensive programs include:
* Nutrition optimization
* Exercise strategies
* Behavioral coaching
* Prescription medications
We partner with each patient to develop a personalized multi-pronged plan to overcome individual barriers to weight loss.
Losing weight takes time and consistent effort. Our staff provides support and accountability to empower your success long-term such as:
* Frequent provider follow-ups
* Body composition analyses
* Medication adjustments as needed
* Troubleshooting plateaus
We guide and encourage patients every step so they can transform their health for good.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit https://bioidentical-hormones.net/
today. Take control and lose weight now with Vitality Balance Clinic and semaglutide!
Excellent question! In clinical trials, people using semaglutide experienced *significant weight loss* compared to placebo groups not using the drug. For example, in one 68-week study, those taking semaglutide lost an average of 15.2% to 18.2% of their body weight from baseline. That translates to about *30 to 35 pounds* for a 200-pound person! Of course, *actual results vary* depending on factors like correct dosage, diet, exercise, and more. But consistently, between 70-80% of people using semaglutide lose at least 5% body weight. So the bottom line is you can expect major improvements if you stick with treatment!
Like most medications, semaglutide does come with some possible side effects. The most common ones are gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, indigestion. These tend to be worst when first starting treatment and often resolve within 4-8 weeks. Other risks include dizziness, headache, fatigue, back pain, reactions at the injection site, increased heart rate, kidney problems, low blood sugar, pancreatitis, and gallbladder disease. In clinical trials, though, side effects were generally mild. Talk to your doctor about managing any issues - *they can provide tips for minimizing problems*. But for most people, the weight loss benefits make it worthwhile.
Semaglutide comes in a handy prefilled, *disposable pen device* - no messy vials and needles! Your doctor will prescribe the 1 milligram or 2.4 mg dose for weight management. To take your dose, select an injection site - common spots are *the stomach, thighs, or upper arms*. Pinch some skin, insert the needle straight into the skin fold at a 90 degree angle, click the injection button, and hold for 10 seconds. Take your injection on the *same day each week* to stay consistent. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But never "double up" on doses to make up for it. Be sure to *properly dispose of pens* after each use.
To maximize semaglutide's effectiveness, implement healthy lifestyle adjustments like:* Eating more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins - less sugar, fat, carbs* Drinking 64 oz water daily* Getting 150 minutes exercise per week* Tracking food intake and activity* Meeting regularly with a dietitian or weight loss coach* Joining a fitness class or support group* Getting 7-9 hours sleep nightlyMaking these changes along with semaglutide will compound results. But *don't worry* if you slip up sometimes - just get back on track ASAP! Be patient and focus on incremental progress through sustainable adjustments.
