Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used together with diet and exercise for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. Also known under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, semaglutide helps people feel full sooner after eating, reduces hunger, and results in decreased calorie intake and weight loss.
As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, semaglutide mimics a hormone called GLP-1 that is released naturally by the body. By acting like GLP-1 and targeting receptors in the brain, it reduces appetite and food cravings.
Semaglutide has been extensively studied and approved by the FDA as a safe and effective weight loss medication when combined with lifestyle therapy. In clinical trials, most patients lost 10-15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
There are several ways that semaglutide helps with weight loss:
By attacking weight loss on multiple fronts, semaglutide injections provide robust and sustainable results for chronic weight management.
Semaglutide is approved for adults aged 18 years and older with:
It is not recommended for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid semaglutide due to lack of safety data. Patients with severely reduced kidney function may need dose adjustments.
Overall semaglutide has an excellent safety profile and is appropriate for most patients struggling with excess weight or obesity.
Starting semaglutide is a straightforward process but does require some patience at first:
With the right dose and some perseverance, most patients achieve great weight loss success with semaglutide.
The recommended protocol for semaglutide administration is:
- 0.25 mg subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks
- Increase to 0.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks
- 1-2 mg subcutaneously once weekly
- Inject into thigh, abdomen or upper arm
- Rotate injection sites each week
- Use provided pen device for easy injection
- Store pens refrigerated until first use
By following the dosage schedule properly and using aseptic injection technique, side effects can be minimized for the best treatment experience.
Semaglutide is an exciting new advancement for sustained weight management but does require commitment on the patient's part as well:
With realistic expectations about treatment, most patients have great success losing significant weight with semaglutide and keeping it off long term.
Successfully losing excess body weight has numerous evidence-based health advantages:
For patients struggling with their weight or obesity-related medical issues, semaglutide represents an excellent first-line treatment option with lifelong benefits.
Most patients lose 10-15% of starting body weight over about a year- Results vary based on dosage, diet, activity levels- Average weight loss around 25 lbs but can be much more
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (mostly early treatment)- Headache, fatigue, dizziness- Gallstones, low blood sugar (rare)
No, semaglutide is among most the expensive options- Cost is around $1500/month without insurance- Providers can help patients seek coverage or discounts
Here at Hormone Health Center in South Dos Palos, we offer a comprehensive medical weight loss program centered around semaglutide:
With our integrated, team-based approach, Hormone Health Center helps patients achieve robust fat loss of 15-25% and equips them with tools for long term weight maintenance.
We accept most major insurance plans or can work with you on discounted cash pricing. Let us help you reach your weight loss goals today!
For obese or overweight individuals struggling to lose excess fat, semaglutide represents an exciting new advancement in medical weight loss. By acting on multiple physiological pathways regulating hunger and satiety, once weekly injections of semaglutide leads to marked and sustained reductions in food consumption and weight.
With few side effects, excellent safety data, and proven long term performance for weight maintenance, semaglutide is an excellent first-line treatment option for most patients. Combined with lifestyle therapy and behavioral support, significant improvements in health and quality of life can be achieved.
Here at Hormone Health Center in South Dos Palos, we provide customized semaglutide regimens integrated into our comprehensive medical weight loss program. With a multidisciplinary team supporting your journey to better health, we empower patients to lose 15-25% of their starting weight and keep it off long term.
Don't struggle any longer with excess weight or obesity-related health issues. Reach out today to learn more about adding semaglutide to your weight loss plan!
