Semaglutide is an injectable medication used for weight loss and diabetes management. It mimics the effects of a hormone called GLP-1 that helps control blood sugar levels. Semaglutide works by:
When used specifically for weight loss, studies have shown that people lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks when also following a reduced-calorie diet and increasing physical activity.
Semaglutide is typically prescribed for people with:
Table 1 summarizes the key weight loss effects of semaglutide:
| Effect | Result |
|---|---|
| Decreases appetite | Less overall food intake |
| Slows stomach emptying | Feel fuller faster and longer |
| Lowers blood fats | Supports fat loss |
| Increases insulin production | Better blood sugar control |
The key groups that may benefit from semaglutide injections include:
Talk to your doctor to find out if semaglutide is appropriate for your weight loss goals and health status.
Using semaglutide specifically for weight reduction offers many worthwhile benefits:
In clinical trials, people lost up to 15% of their body weight on average with 68 weeks of treatment. This amount of weight loss can lead to meaningful health improvements.
Semaglutide enhances insulin secretion so blood sugar is better controlled. This helps prevent or manage type 2 diabetes.
The amount of weight lost with semaglutide also lowers LDL "bad" cholesterol and blood pressure in many people. This reduces cardiovascular risks.
Semaglutide directly decreases appetite by affecting areas of the brain involved in food intake. People eat less without constantly feeling deprived.
After the first month, semaglutide injections are only needed once weekly. This is more convenient than most other weight loss medications.
Table 2 summarizes the main benefits of using semaglutide for weight reduction:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Significant weight loss | Up to 15% over 68 weeks |
| Better blood sugar control | Improved insulin production |
| Healthier cholesterol & blood pressure | From loss of body fat |
| Less hunger & cravings | Directly decreases appetite |
| Weekly dosing | After first month |
If you and your doctor decide semaglutide is right for your weight loss plan, here is an overview of what to expect:
Treatment begins with the semaglutide starter pack which slowly increases the dosage over 5-6 weeks. This helps avoid initial GI side effects. You'll also discuss lifestyle changes to boost results.
Work with your healthcare provider to define realistic weight loss goals based on your starting weight and health status. Evaluate progress at regular intervals.
Making dietary changes is key to long-term success. Reduce calories, limit sugar/refined carbs, eat more vegetables, increase protein, and drink water.
Add regular exercise to burn additional calories. Start slow and work up towards 150-300 minutes per week of moderate activity.
After the first month, give yourself semaglutide injections once weekly. Rotate injection sites each time. Side effects are usually mild.
Meet with your doctor regularly to monitor progress, adjust dosing if needed, and refill prescriptions. Report any concerning side effects promptly.
With commitment to the treatment plan, support from your health provider, and some lifestyle adjustments, semaglutide can be an excellent aid for losing weight and boosting health.
Like any medication, semaglutide does have some potential side effects to be aware of:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, especially at the start. These improve over time for most people.
Some people report headaches, tiredness, dizziness and stomach pain. These also tend to be temporary.
Research shows an average increase of 2 to 4 beats per minute. This is usually not significant, but your health provider will monitor closely.
A few cases of gallstones or inflammation requiring gallbladder removal have been reported. Risk seems low overall.
Table 3 summarizes common temporary and long-term side effects of semaglutide:
| Temporary Side Effects | Long-Term Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Increased heart rate (usually mild) |
| Vomiting | Gallbladder problems (rare) |
| Diarrhea | |
| Constipation | |
| Headache | |
| Fatigue | |
| Dizziness |
In clinical trials, side effects were mild overall and rarely caused people to discontinue treatment. But be sure to discuss all possible semaglutide risks and benefits with your doctor.
If you and your doctor determine semaglutide is medically appropriate for weight loss or blood sugar control, here is an overview of how treatment will begin:
- Medical history & physical exam - Height, weight, BMI, waist circumference - Vital signs: blood pressure, pulse - Lab tests: A1C, lipids, liver enzymes
Your doctor will prescribe: - Semaglutide 2.4 mg/1.5 mL injection - needles for subcutaneous injection
For the first 30 days: - Week 1: 0.25 mg (1 mL) injection - Week 2: 0.5 mg (1 mL) injection - Weeks 3-4: 1 mg (1 mL) injection - Target maintenance dose: 2.4 mg (1.5 mL)
- First follow-up visit in 4 weeks - Repeat weight, BMI, vitals - Review side effects - Refill prescription
The starter regimen helps minimize GI issues as your body adjusts. Your health provider will then regularly monitor your response and progress.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of semaglutide treatment:
Aiming to lose 1/2 to 2 pounds per week is a sustainable target for most people. The amount and pace of weight loss varies individually.
Keep a food log, use a calorie tracking app, and weigh yourself weekly. Auditing your diet supports weight goals.
Practice listening to hunger/fullness cues. Use smaller plates. Stop eating when satisfied instead of overfull.
Limit heavily processed foods, sugar, refined grains and unhealthy fats. Focus on lean proteins, fruits/veg and whole grains.
Regular exercise complements semaglutide's effects. Aim for 150-300 minutes per week of brisk walking or activities you enjoy.
Share your weight loss plans with family and friends. Enlist them as cheerleaders. Join an online or in-person support group.
It takes time to change lifelong eating patterns and drop excess pounds. Allow at least 16 weeks to accurately gauge semaglutide's impact.
With realistic expectations about the pace of weight loss, commitment to developing healthier nutrition and exercise habits, and support from your healthcare provider, semaglutide can help you successfully reach and maintain your goals.
Navigating weight loss and deciding on the most effective route to take in order to shed unwanted pounds and maximize your health can feel overwhelming and confusing. That is why choosing the right weight loss clinic to provide guidance, care and accountability makes all the difference.
Here at Rejuvenate Clinic weight loss clinic in Hollis, New Hampshire, we specialize in supervised programs for shedding pounds quickly and safely with semaglutide treatment. Our highly qualified healthcare team offers a compassionate and supportive environment focused on your specific needs.
We partner with you each step of the way, providing:
At Rejuvenate Clinic, your success is our top priority. We're passionate about guiding people towards achieving and maintaining better health. Our wellness advisors, nurses, dietitians and medical weight loss doctor work closely together, drawing on the latest scientific evidence and best care practices.
We also understand that shedding excess weight requires changes in daily habits and mindset as well. That's why our weight management approach addresses all key aspects – medical, nutrition, movement and motivation. We'll coach, encourage and support your transformation physically, mentally and emotionally each step of the way.
Don't let frustration, confusion and slow results hold you back any longer. Experience the difference that comprehensive medical weight loss care at Rejuvenate Clinic makes. We can't wait to celebrate your progress!
Semaglutide outperformed all other prescription obesity medications in comparative clinical trials. Key advantages include:
Candidates for semaglutide treatment typically meet at least one of the following criteria:
Semaglutide is a promising and highly effective medication for achieving significant weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. By mimicking GLP-1 hormones, it helps reduce appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, and facilitate fat loss. At Rejuvenate Clinic, our dedicated team provides comprehensive medical weight loss programs utilizing semaglutide injections. With close monitoring, personalized nutrition and exercise guidance, and ongoing support, we empower clients to reach their goals and transform their health. If you've struggled with weight despite dieting, semaglutide may be the solution you need to finally break through plateaus and experience lasting results.
