Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. More recently, a higher dose of semaglutide was approved specifically for chronic weight management in patients with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.
When used for weight loss, semaglutide works by activating receptors in the brain that reduce appetite, leading to decreased food intake and supporting weight loss. It also slows digestion and impacts hormones involved in metabolism. Together, these effects can result in significant weight reduction.
Using semaglutide specifically for weight loss and obesity management provides several advantages:
With lifestyle changes, semaglutide can enable substantial, clinically meaningful weight reductions with excellent safety, tolerability, and sustainability.
Semaglutide injections may be an appropriate weight loss treatment option for patients that meet the following criteria:
Ideally, semaglutide should be used alongside lifestyle modifications, like making healthy diet and exercise changes, for optimal, sustainable results.
The process for getting started on semaglutide for weight management is straightforward. Here is an overview of what to expect:
First, schedule a consultation with a med spa weight loss specialist. During the semaglutide shots intake appointment, the provider will:
This thorough evaluation ensures semaglutide is appropriate and safe.
If found to be a suitable candidate, testing such as HbA1c, fasting glucose or lipids may be ordered if clinically appropriate prior to prescription. Some patients may also require additional clearance from their primary care provider.
Semaglutide comes in a user-friendly injection pen designed for self-administration. The healthcare team will provide in-depth training on proper injection technique.
The first dose is typically taken under clinical supervision to ensure tolerability. After that, injections are self-administered once weekly.
Patients return periodically during the course of treatment for vital sign checks, refills, and to assess progress. Lifestyle recommendations for nutrition and fitness maximize results.
With excellent care from knowledgeable providers and some commitment to healthy behaviors, most patients can achieve remarkable weight loss with semaglutide.
Semaglutide was originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but researchers discovered it also caused significant weight loss as a side effect. Further studies found that non-diabetic obese people taking semaglutide lost on average 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks compared to placebo.
To provide a brief overview, here are the key details about the semaglutide prescription protocol:
This standardized protocol implemented by obesity medicine experts optimizes weight loss outcomes.
In high quality clinical trials, over 68 weeks participants taking semaglutide achieved:
These results show most patients can achieve double-digit weight loss percentages with semaglutide.
Improvements were also seen in related health parameters like waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose and lipids.
However, results vary individually based factors like adherence to treatment and healthy lifestyle changes.
Semaglutide has an excellent safety profile when prescribed appropriately and taken as directed. The most common side effects are generally mild gastrointestinal issues like:
These typically resolve within a few days to weeks as the body adjusts. Other less common side effects like injection site reactions, dizziness, fatigue or gallstones may also occur.
Rare, serious risks like pancreatitis, worsening kidney function, diabetic retinopathy, suicidal behavior and severe low blood sugar are unlikely, but require prompt medical care if concerning symptoms arise.
Overall, the safety profile of semaglutide is favorable for most patients who follow dosing instructions and stay under close clinical supervision.
A few other factors for those exploring semaglutide weight loss treatment:
Exact out-of-pocket expenses for semaglutide vary greatly between insurance plans. Specific coverage details should be verified with the insurance provider in advance of starting treatment.
Many plans do cover some portion, since obesity itself is considered a chronic disease. Free discount cards from the manufacturer can also significantly reduce costs for eligible patients.
While often prescribed for 68 weeks based on clinical trials, some patients who respond well continue semaglutide longer term for weight loss maintenance under medical supervision.
Others may discontinue early if treatment goals are met, intolerable side effects occur or weight loss plateaus. These variables are evaluated during periodic appointments.
The amount and pace of weight loss can vary considerably between patients depending on individual factors.
While exceptional results are possible for some, aiming for realistic targets often prevents frustration. Patience and persistence lead to the best outcomes.
In addition to personalized semaglutide weight loss plans, Second Spring Hormone Clinic specializes in optimization of hormone levels to enhance wellness, vitality and body composition goals.
Services include:
An underactive or overactive thyroid (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism) negatively impacts weight management and energy levels. Getting thyroid hormones balanced through testing, supplements and medication optimizes metabolic function.
Abnormally low testosterone, or low T, is prevalent in individuals struggling with excess weight and associated conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Testosterone therapy provided by licensed hormone specialists may aid weight loss efforts in testosterone deficient patients when used alongside semaglutide and lifestyle interventions under medical guidance.
Custom nutritional and fitness counseling based on lab testing and health history supports patients in making impactful diet and exercise modifications to augment pharmaceutical and hormone treatments.
With cutting-edge therapies and high-touch support, the experienced practitioners at Second Spring Hormone Clinic help patients control weight, restore wellness, reignite vitality and build confidence.
Second Spring Hormone Clinic establishes long term relationships with clients to provide intensely personalized care that enhances results and exceeds expectations.
Our clinic director Dr. E. Expert is board certified in obesity medicine and leads an integrative provider team with specialty training in bariatrics, nutrition, functional health and regenerative therapies.
In addition to gold standard medications like semaglutide, we also offer body sculpting and skin tightening packages featuring Emsculpt, CoolTone, Weight Loss IV Therapy, and dermal fillers to address trouble spots.
The convenience of on-site blood draws, DXA body composition scans, supervised wellness rooms and massage therapy create an inviting atmosphere dedicated to client wellbeing.
Nestled along the Matanuska River near the Chugach Mountain range, the serenity of our setting in Elmendorf enhances the therapeutic experience and promotes healing.
In summary, semaglutide is an highly promising new therapy that enables substantial weight reduction and improvements in obesity-related disease risk factors.
Under expert medical guidance customized with ancillary services at Second Spring Hormone Clinic, most overweight or obese patients can achieve remarkable progress towards better health.
With patience and commitment to treatment protocols, positive lifestyle changes, and hormone balance support as needed, people find renewed vibrancy, confidence and vitality.
To learn more or schedule a consultation aboutkick-starting weight loss with semaglutide, contact Second Spring Hormone Clinic today at or . Our knowledgeable team looks forward to helping patients in the Elmendorf area optimize wellness and feel their best.
