semaglutide for LONG TERM weight management
What is Semaglutide? Weight Changer; Game Changer!
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but now FDA approved for chronic weight management in overweight and obese individuals. A BMI of 27 or more puts you right into consideration for the use of this medication, especially if you’ve struggled with maintaining a healthy weight.
How does it work?
Semaglutide (also known as Ozempic for managing Type 2 Diabetes), works by mimicking a gut hormone that causes your pancreas to release insulin, blocks your liver from releasing sugar, and slows down how fast food leaves your stomach.
It is believed to cause weight loss by exerting its effect on the hypothalamus and the area postrema in the brain, improving appetite control which leads to reduced calorie intake.
Other medicines in the same class as Semaglutide include the oral version, Rybelsius and Wegovy, a higher dose version 2.4mg, which Semaglutide now comes as.
Who can get Semaglutide
Anyone who is overweight to obese, without type 2 Diabetes can get Semaglutide. If you have type 2 Diabetes, please see your general physician for the management of that condition with Ozempic.
Semaglutide is not for anyone with type 1 Diabetes
Semaglutide – Side Effects
Side effects that can occur from semaglutide use include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation and irritation at the site of injection although semaglutide medication is typically tolerated well.
Semaglutide and alcohol should typically not be used simultaneously. People with an allergy to semaglutide should not use semaglutide prescription medications.
Starting Treatment: The Initial Visit:
At your initial visit with the Dr, we get some basic information from you such as:
1. Baseline weight and waist measurement
2. BMI
3. Lab Requisition: Complete Metabolic Profile and Lipid profile, Fasting blood sugar and Hemoglobin A1c
4. Thyroid Function Tests
We set your goals with you to get you to within a healthy weight range.
We then go over the risk vs benefit profile of Semaglutide and show you how to perform the sub cutanous injections on your stomach or thigh. Your first shot is done in the office.
Your visits are once a month with the Dr and we will check your labs again in 6 months – expect your cholesterol, triglycerides and HB A1c to all improve over the course of time.
Expect to lose anywhere from 10-20% of your starting body weight your 1st year, depending on how well you adhere to a daily exercise routine and whether or not you are making dietary changes and sticking to it. These LIFESTYLE changes are a must for best outcomes on this program