Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, as well as treat obesity. It is in a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Semaglutide works by slowing digestion and reducing appetite, which helps people feel full and eat less.
When taking semaglutide for weight loss, it activates areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation. This leads to reduced hunger and calorie intake. It also slows stomach emptying so you feel fuller longer after eating. Together, these effects result in better blood sugar control and potential weight loss.
Some benefits of using semaglutide can include:
Clinical studies have shown that people using semaglutide lose significantly more weight compared to placebo. Weight loss differences averaged 4-13% across various major trials.
Improvements in blood sugar and weight occur because semaglutide affects appetite regulation pathways in the brain and slows stomach emptying time. This dual mechanism makes it quite effective for diabetes and obesity treatment.
To determine if you are a candidate for semaglutide shots, your The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic clinic provider will take a full medical history and perform lab testing. We will review your current health conditions, diabetes status, BMI, previous weight loss efforts, and personal goals.
Some key factors we assess include:
Having a BMI over 30 meets the definition for obesity. Individuals in this BMI range tend to see good weight loss responses from semaglutide injections for obesity when combined with lifestyle efforts.
Patients with prediabetes, diabetes or metabolic disease often get major improvements in HbA1c and glycemic control while using semaglutide. This can translate into reduced diabetes medication needs.
We will discuss how much weight you aim to lose, over what timeline, and your willingness to incorporate lifestyle changes. Having clear objectives helps us develop an appropriate semaglutide dosing schedule.
Evaluating these parameters lets us advise you on whether adding semaglutide for weight loss may be a beneficial option as part of your overall care plan.
If deemed an appropriate treatment, standard dosing of semaglutide starts at 0.25 mg weekly by subcutaneous injection. This low dose minimizes temporary nausea and vomiting side effects. After 4 weeks, you increase gradually up to 1.0 - 2.4 mg weekly.
Most patients end up on the 1 mg dose of semaglutide for optimal balance of weight loss and side effect management. However some tolerate the higher 2.4 mg dose well for enhanced responses.
We teach you how to self-administer your semaglutide shots during office visits. The steps are quite simple:
The once weekly injection schedule and excellent tolerability make this one of the easiest weight loss medications to incorporate long-term.
When starting treatment, it generally takes 6-12 weeks to notice more substantial effects of semaglutide weight loss. However, reduced appetite and fullness may kick in within days to weeks.
Over the first 3-6 months is when most patients achieve the bulk of their results. Weight loss then plateaus, but taking semaglutide for weight loss long-term helps sustain improvements and prevent weight regain.
Below we break down typical timelines and what to expect when using semaglutide:
This initial period is mostly about acclimating to side effects and establishing consistent dosing. Nausea with semaglutide is very common early on but diminishes over time. Stay hydrated and consume lighter, blander foods to minimize discomfort.
You’ll also notice increased fullness and reduced hunger levels. However, weight loss in the first weeks is generally modest.
This is when accelerated fat burning kicks in and becomes quite noticeable. Many patients lose 10-15 pounds per month during this peak phase. You’ll likely need to tighten your belt and buy some temporary smaller clothing.
Weight continues dropping steadily but at a decelerated pace. Monthly losses diminish to about 5-10 pounds. Stay motivated and keep up solid nutrition and activity patterns.
Most patients achieve maximal loss at 6 months, then plateau over the next half year while taking semaglutide. Focus on sustaining weight and building healthy lifestyle routines to prevent regaining pounds later on.
While exact responses vary between individuals, semaglutide’s weight loss effects do not diminish much over time. Taking it 1-2 years is very reasonable from both a safety and efficacy standpoint.
Be sure to follow up regularly so your The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic provider can make dose adjustments and provide support. This helps optimize your treatment plan over both the short and long-term course.
Semaglutide is structurally very similar to the human hormone GLP-1. When injected weekly, it helps lower blood sugar and A1C levels in a unique way by slowing digestion and decreasing appetite. Despite these metabolic effects, semaglutide does not appear to significantly increase the risk of hypoglycemia or many common side effects of other diabetes medications.
Getting an accurate diagnosis of any suspected health condition is crucial for determining appropriate therapies. The same applies when evaluating options for treating obesity or poorly controlled blood sugars.
Here at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic, we complete necessary testing to pinpoint when adding semaglutide might help you feel better, lose weight and reduce complications of excess body fat or metabolic disease.
Making lifestyle modifications is always beneficial. However, research shows even dedicated diet and exercise regimens rarely lead to more than 5-10% weight reduction for most people.
That’s why we offer adjunctive treatments like semaglutide injections - providing more significant and sustainable improvements in weight, Hba1c and cardiovascular health.
We also want to prevent exacerbation of any existing conditions. Obesity and diabetes often gradually worsen over time when left untreated, leading to long-term issues.
Getting evaluated promptly is key, as earlier intervention with appropriate therapies slows disease progression and helps resolve symptoms faster.
Do not hesitate to book an appointment if you have signs of struggling metabolic health. Our knowledgeable staff can determine if semaglutide shots might be one piece of an effective care plan for you.
Although semaglutide for weight loss provides considerable benefits on its own, making healthy lifestyle choices optimizes your improvements. We advise all patients on evidence-based ways to enhance wellness during treatment.
Focus on incorporating nutritious whole foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, lean proteins and high-fiber carbs. Limit sweets, fried items and processed snacks. Portion control is essential as semaglutide amplifies feelings of fullness. Smaller meals feel quite substantial which aids weight loss.
Aim for 150-300 minutes per week of moderate exercise like brisk walking or gentle cycling. This elevates caloric deficit supporting fat burning. Our lovely Bridge City parks provide perfect outdoor settings for staying active. We also recommend local gyms and recreational centers facilitating exercise.
Make sufficient sleep, relaxation and positive social connection points a priority. Emotional health impacts hormone balance, metabolism and healing capability.
Bridge City offers lovely locations supporting inner peace like trails, hot springs, yoga studios and soothing massage. Destress and rest well for optimal wellness.
Check back regarding your progress after starting semaglutide injections. Review bloodwork, address side effects, obtain refills, adjust dosing schedules and find encouragement to stay on track. We tailor ongoing support to your needs.
Let our exceptional staff guide you each step so you successfully reach wellness goals through treatment here at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic!
