Millions of people across the country are unhappy with their weight. When trying to lose weight on your own, it can certainly prove to be quite the challenge, especially when it comes to knowing how or where to start. Let our experts help you begin your journey to a slimmer, healthier you through our Wellness Program!
Argyle Med Spa now offers a Wellness Program for people who are looking to achieve a happier, healthier quality of life. Our team of providers works diligently to ensure your comfort, safety, and satisfaction during your experience with us. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about this exciting treatment option!
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists, or GLP-1 RAs. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, released in the gut in response to eating.
One role of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood sugar (glucose). For that reason, health care providers have used semaglutide for more than 15 years to treat Type 2 diabetes.
But GLP-1 in higher amounts also interacts with the parts of the brain that suppress your appetite and signal you to feel full. When used in conjunction with diet and exercise, it can cause significant weight loss — and a reduced risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease — in people who are obese or overweight.
Semaglutide injections for weight loss
Currently, semaglutide is only approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. The typical dose for weight loss is 2.4 milligrams, administered weekly as subcutaneous (under the skin) self-injections.
But as interest in semaglutide for weight loss continues to grow, health care professionals are finding ways to manage the demand. Many prescribe other brands of semaglutide, such as Ozempic and Rybelsus, off-label (using a drug that is FDA-approved for a different reason).
How effective is semaglutide for weight loss in non-diabetics?
There have been several anti-obesity medications that help suppress appetite and achieve weight loss. But semaglutide performs on a new level.
An early study of 2,000 obese adults compared people using semaglutide plus a diet and exercise program with people who made the same lifestyle changes without semaglutide. After 68 weeks, half of the participants using semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight, and nearly a third lost 20%. Participants who incorporated only lifestyle changes lost about 2.4% of their weight.
Since then, additional studies have shown similar results. But they’ve also revealed that participants tend to regain the weight lost when they stop taking semaglutide.
“The fundamentals of obesity management will always be changes to diet and exercise,” Dr. Surampudi says. “But having anti-obesity medications is another tool in the toolbox — depending on the person’s clinical history.”
What are the side effects of semaglutide injections?
The side effects of semaglutide are typically mild — especially when compared to the complications associated with overweight and obesity.
People taking semaglutide for weight loss may experience:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation and gassiness
- Headache
- Stomach issues, including nausea, vomiting, pain or distension (bloat)
Gastrointestinal issues are the most common complaint among people just starting semaglutide. But you may be able to reduce the side effects by beginning on a lower dose and then slowly increasing the amount you take.
Who should (and should not) take semaglutide for
weight loss?
The FDA recommends Wegovy for weight loss if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 27kg/m2 or greater and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol
- Have a BMI of 30kg/m2 or greater
Avoid semaglutide if you have:
- History of medullary thyroid cancer
- History of gallbladder disease
- History of pancreatitis
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
If you’re considering semaglutide for weight loss, your first step should be consulting your primary care physician (PCP). They know your personal and family medical history and can guide you in the best treatment for your condition. If you have diabetes and already take a different medication, talk to your physician about acceptable (and safe) combinations of diabetes medication.
Achieving a Healthy Body Weight
It goes without saying that everyone is different and a healthy body weight can be different from person to person. Numerous factors to consider when determining such is body shape, height, and gender among others. Regardless, maintaining a healthy body weight — modeled after your distinctive qualities– is perhaps one of the greatest measures we can take in preventing severe conditions or illnesses like:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Stroke
Why Consider our Wellness Program
Our weight loss experts are passionate about helping our patients live happily and healthily. When you schedule a consultation with us, we will discuss with you your goals in mind for this exciting program as well as inquire about some aspects of your lifestyle in order to chart a course for your weight loss journey.
Not only do we aim to help you achieve your desired weight, we want to create a long-term means of helping you live a healthier life. Our Wellness Program includes:
- Guidance on improving your dietary habits
- Promoting a healthier mindset towards weightloss
- Recommendations toward a fitness regimen for supplementary weight loss success
Candidates for our Wellness Program
Virtually anyone looking to lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle may consider our excellent program. If you would like to learn more about our Wellness Program and are ready to take the first step in your weight loss journey, contact us today! Our team would be happy to answer any of your questions. We look forward to hearing from you!