Weight Loss

GLP-1 is a vital hormone that plays a significant role in regulating blood sugar. It stimulates insulin secretion, promoting sugar absorption by cells, glycogen storage, fat formation, and muscle development. Additionally, GLP-1 inhibits the release of glucagon, slowing the release of sugar into the bloodstream, thus encouraging fat burning. It also delays gastric emptying, creating a sensation of fullness, and reduces the desire for food intake.

GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide not only help manage blood sugar but also contribute to weight loss. Primarily, Semaglutide decelerates the rate at which your stomach empties food, enhancing the feeling of fullness. Furthermore, it inhibits a hormone responsible for sugar release (glucagon), resulting in decreased appetite and reduced food consumption.

Yes, Semaglutide is believed to have appetite-suppressing effects. It extends the feeling of fullness by slowing gastric emptying, while also influencing the regulation of appetite directly through GLP-1.

With Semaglutide, gradual progress is key. As you work your way up to the target dosage, you’ll observe the most substantial weight loss. Clinical trials demonstrated that participants, after having their doses adjusted, reached the optimal 2.5 mg dose over time. In a 20-week phase 3 trial, most individuals reached the full dose and continued to lose weight as their dosage increased. Remember that achieving significant weight loss takes time, and the best results are achieved when Semaglutide is combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. If the medication doesn’t yield the desired results or if side effects become challenging to tolerate, your healthcare provider can explore alternative options or adjust the protocol to better suit your unique needs.

Currently, Semaglutide is FDA-approved for managing obesity, blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes, and reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in individuals with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease. If you are prescribed Semaglutide for any of these purposes, adhere to your healthcare provider’s recommendations as it is essential for managing chronic conditions. If you do not have type 2 diabetes and are considering Semaglutide for weight loss, it is important to await the FDA’s review of data for this new indication. Data from studies indicate that participants were treated for approximately 68 weeks (about 1.5 years) during each of the four trials conducted by the company.

No, Semaglutide is not a form of insulin or a replacement for it. While Semaglutide triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas in the presence of glucose (sugar), it relies on your body’s natural insulin production. As such, Semaglutide is not used when the pancreas cannot produce insulin, as in individuals with type 1 diabetes.

No, Semaglutide is not a stimulant. Unlike certain weight loss medications like phentermine, which have stimulating effects that suppress appetite, Semaglutide operates differently (as explained above).

Yes, Semaglutide is considered safe and effective when used as directed. However, it’s important to note that safety does not equate to a lack of risks. Semaglutide carries a boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodents (with unknown human risk). Semaglutide should not be used by individuals with a history of specific thyroid cancers or type 1 diabetes. Additionally, caution is advised for those taking other blood sugar-lowering medications.

No, Semaglutide is typically not covered by insurance for individuals without type 2 diabetes. However, you can obtain this medication through our Semaglutide Weight Loss Program.

Once enrolled in the program and assessed, we will arrange for the medication and supplies to be conveniently delivered to your home or our practice. The cost of the medication is included in the program.

Yes, Semaglutide has received FDA approval.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation

• Prolonged vomiting, potentially resulting in gastroparesis, where the stomach’s movement slows and leads to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. If vomiting persists for more than a day, discontinue Semaglutide and seek immediate medical attention.
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), characterized by severe, persistent abdominal pain, with or without vomiting. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience such symptoms.
• Changes in vision. Notify your healthcare provider of any vision changes during Semaglutide treatment.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), particularly when Semaglutide is used alongside other medications that can induce low blood sugar. Symptoms may include dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion, shakiness, weakness, headache, rapid heartbeat, and jitteriness.
• Kidney problems, which can be exacerbated by dehydration resulting from diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
• Serious allergic reactions, characterized by facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe rash, fainting, rapid heartbeat, itching, or dizziness.