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!