Semaglutide is an innovative new medication used for weight loss and appetite control. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the effects of a hormone called GLP-1 that is released naturally by the body after eating. Semaglutide was originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes but was also found to have strong weight loss effects.
Semaglutide helps lead to significant weight loss in patients through the following mechanisms:
Table 1: Key weight loss actions of semaglutide
| Mechanism | Result |
|---|---|
| Decreased appetite signals in brain | Reduced hunger and calorie intake |
| Slower stomach emptying | Earlier and prolonged feeling of fullness |
| Improved control of blood sugar | Promotes loss of fat mass while preserving muscle mass |
There are many advantages to using prescription semaglutide for weight loss, especially compared to alternative medications or procedures:
If reaching a significant weight loss goal is a priority for improving your health, semaglutide may be the most effective option currently available.
To determine if semaglutide is appropriate, testing of the following hormone levels is needed:
Table 2: Necessary Lab Testing Before Semaglutide Therapy
| Test | Normal Range | What it Checks For |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting glucose | 70-100 mg/dL | Prediabetes, diabetes risk |
| HbA1c | <5.7% | Blood sugar control over past 3 months |
| TSH | 0.5-4.5 mIU/L | Normal thyroid function |
| Free T4 | 0.8-2.0 ng/dL | Thyroid hormone levels |
| Fasting insulin | <25 mIU/L | Insulin resistance |
These laboratory tests help us prescribe the optimal dosage and provide the best care during your weight loss program. We can offer discounted testing if needed.
Monitoring progress involves periodic weighing, waist circumference measurements, and checking for any side effects. This data will be used to adjust dosage up or down to maximize weight loss progress and safety.
The step-by-step process for being prescribed and starting semaglutide therapy is straightforward:
We also provide nutritional counseling and fitness recommendations customized to your needs and preferences to enhance your weight loss success.
Most patients remain on semaglutide for 6-12 months to achieve maximum, sustainable results before transitioning to alternative maintenance plans.
Here we dispel some common myths about semaglutide therapy with facts:
Concern: "The injection will be painful like getting a shot at the doctor's office"
Fact: The needles used to inject semaglutide are very small, and the medication itself is pH-neutral to avoid stinging or irritation. Nearly all patients find the weekly injections are not painful.
Concern: "I'll experience nausea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal side effects"
Fact: Gastrointestinal side effects do occur in some patients initially but generally improve within 4-6 weeks. Starting with a lower dose and increasing slowly prevents most symptoms. Antinausea medication can also alleviate any issues.
Concern: "I won't be able to exercise normally."
Fact: Exercise is encouraged as it speeds up weight loss progress. We tailor exercise plans to your individual needs and limitations so that you avoid injury. Even light walking provides cardiovascular benefits.
Do not hesitate to bring up any other worries or questions you may have to our weight loss experts!
To get the maximum benefit from your semaglutide treatment in terms of both weight loss and improving related health conditions like high cholesterol or blood pressure, we recommend patients make the following 3 core lifestyle changes:
We individualize detailed nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle plans after thoroughly understanding patient preferences and constraints around job and family responsibilities.
Small steps forward sustained over months transform into huge progress you can feel proud of!
At Rejuvenate Clinic, we specialize in supervised medical weight loss utilizing cutting-edge pharmaceutical tools like semaglutide paired with pragmatic lifestyle changes. With over 15 years of experience helping thousands in our community lose weight sustainably, our proven protocols deliver unmatched results.
What sets us apart is not just our expertise prescribing advanced medications, but surrounding patients with a comprehensive support plan so you feel equipped, encouraged, and energized to reach your health goals long-term. We partner with a team of nutritionists, personal trainers, and mental health counselors to provide customized guidance.
Conclusion
In summary, semaglutide is an extremely promising new advancement for treating obesity, offering unmatched weight loss of over 10-15% sustained over 6-12 month treatment courses. There are also wider benefits to blood sugar, cholesterol, liver health, pain levels, mobility, and more that improve quality of life.
If you have struggled to lose weight or keep weight off with other approaches, injectable semaglutide therapy may be that missing piece paired with Rejuvenate Clinic customized medical and lifestyle support. We consider it our top priority to help patients feel their healthiest and most confident selves long-term.
