Did you know that obesity is a leading cause of death and chronic medical conditions in the U.S.? People struggling with obesity have an increased risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health issues.
When used in conjunction with improved diet and exercise, semaglutide has already proven very effective at helping to combat obesity.
If you’re living with obesity and thinking about starting your weight loss journey, semaglutide might be exactly what you need to start shedding excess weight. Let’s talk about semaglutide treatments and whether they’re the right fit for you.
What are semaglutide injections?
Semaglutide is a common diabetes medication that works by increasing the amount of insulin in your bloodstream and reducing blood sugar levels. It’s important to note that semaglutide is not insulin but rather a medication that helps insulin do its job properly.
Although originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, semaglutide can also be used as part of chronic weight management programs. The GLP-1 hormone present in the medication:
- Slows down how fast your stomach moves food through
- Makes you feel fuller longer and discourages binge eating
- Prevents the liver from releasing sugar into the bloodstream
- Stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin, reducing blood sugar
What do semaglutide treatments involve?
Semaglutide treatments start with a full medical assessment, including a physical exam, medical history workup, and lab work to review your allergies, medications, body weight, history of weight loss attempts, medical conditions, and body mass index (BMI).
Once you’re medically cleared, treatment begins with a subcutaneous injection of a low dose of semaglutide. The initial dosage is deliberately low to avoid potential side effects, such as a sudden drop in blood sugar, and to evaluate your body’s response to the new medication. From there, the dosage gradually increases over a period of time until you’re receiving a full dose of semaglutide. You receive weekly injections on the same day and time each week. Most of our patients self-administer the medication in the comfort of their own home.
The Vitalyc team will work with you throughout this time to develop weight loss management strategies to supplement your semaglutide treatments. For example, pairing a healthy diet, exercise regimen, and social support with semaglutide treatments can help you achieve optimal results.
Does semaglutide have any side effects?
Any semaglutide side effects are manageable under a practitioner's supervision. The most common side effects include heartburn, nausea, loss of appetite, and signs of dehydration. There is also potential for inflammation of the pancreas, gallbladder issues, low blood sugar, kidney injuries, and elevated heart rate.
What type of results can someone expect?
Research shows that patients who take semaglutide weekly lose approximately 6 percent of body fat by week 12 and 12 percent by week 28. You can expect to see results by the end of the first month; however, a larger amount of excess weight will then come off, with peak weight loss occurring between weeks 8-28.
Who is a good candidate for semaglutide?
Ideal candidates for semaglutide are adults with a BMI that’s greater than 30 or a BMI of 27 or higher with one or more weight-related medical problems. Weight-related medical problems include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, polycystic ovary syndrome, or any chronic condition that prevents or limits physical activity.
You should avoid semaglutide for weight loss if you’re at risk of developing a thyroid C-cell tumor or have a family history of thyroid tumors. Additionally, you’ll want to steer clear of semaglutide if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to the medication.
The Vitalyc team can make a personalized recommendation on whether or not you’re a good candidate after completing your consultation and medical assessment. Schedule your consultation to find out if semaglutide weight loss treatments are right for you.
