With the use of this powerful yet safe prescription drug, individuals can reduce hunger hormones and regulate their appetite, enabling them to make healthier dietary choices and pursue a regular fitness routine with greater ease.
Unlike other drugs on the market, Semaglutide makes it possible for individuals to realize dramatic results while avoiding expensive and potentially painful procedures.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a powerful medication for weight loss, obesity management and blood sugar level control.
It is an injectable prescription medication designed to target specific use cases. It was created to support weight loss and energy in those who must follow a reduced-calorie diet, as well as aid with blood sugar regulation and associated cardiovascular risks in type two diabetes patients.
It works on the body’s natural pathways; by increasing the release of insulin, decreasing glucagon, delaying gastric emptying, and reducing appetite.
No one medicine can effectively address all issues with weight loss, food management and diabetes. But with the help of semaglutide, those suffering from obesity, diabetes or other metabolic health conditions have another convenient tool that can be used alongside the traditional methods of exercise and proper nutrition for more comprehensive results.
Popular Semaglutide Brands
Product | Administration | Approval | Dosage | Weight Loss | Special Conditions |
Ozempic | Once-weekly injection | Type 2 diabetes with heart disease Potential kidney benefits | Any time of day Same day each week | 8-10 lbs | N/A |
Rybelsus | Oral, once daily | Type 2 diabetes | First thing in the morning With no more than 4 ounces of water | N/A | Not approved for heart-related benefits |
Wegovy | Once-weekly injection | Weight loss in adults and adolescents BMI ≥ 30 mg/kg² (adults) BMI ≥ 27 mg/kg² with one or more weight-related health conditions (adults) BMI at or above 95th percentile (adolescents) | Any time of day | 15% (adults) 16% (adolescents) |
Source: GoodRX
How Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?
Unlike similar drugs, semaglutide works by going beyond just releasing insulin and targeting multiple points in the body’s physiology. It increases insulin release to regulate blood sugar levels, reduces glucagon production to control hunger, delays gastric emptying so you feel full after each meal, and helps reduce overall appetite making it easier to stay on your diet.
By targeting these natural functions of the body, Semaglutide can help individuals take control of their weight management and wellness journey.
Patients, particularly those living with type two diabetes, are able to monitor their health more closely by paying attention to their own diet and maintaining healthier levels of blood sugar compared to other diabetes medications.
However, these effects are not suitable for people with type 1 diabetes and they should avoid this medication.
How to Use Semaglutide
At your doctor’s direction, semaglutide injection is a solution that can help to control diabetes and promote weight loss. It’s supplied in a prefilled dosing pen which should be injected subcutaneously once every week, without being subject to the timing of meals.
For optimal results, try to stick to injecting on the same day each week – although you can change this day but at least 48 hours must have elapsed since you last used the medication.
If prescribed by your doctor, begin with a low dose for four weeks and then increase it depending on how well your body responds.
Gradually introducing this drug may give the best chance of positive long-term results for controlling diabetes and achieving healthy weight goals. Don’t stop taking semaglutide injection without first consulting your doctor; continue even if you’re feeling well or no improvement is seen early on.
Recommended Foods To Eat or Avoid With Semaglutide
Type of Food | Recommended | Benefits |
Fruits and vegetables | Yes | Can improve overall health and help with weight loss, reduce risk of obesity, heart disease, and some types of cancer |
Lean protein | Yes | Helps with weight loss, provides full source of dietary protein, reduces risk of obesity, heart disease, type II diabetes, and some forms of cancer |
Whole grains | Yes | Promotes weight loss, high in fiber and essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, reduces risk of obesity and heart disease |
Low-fat dairy products | Yes | Good source of calcium, promotes satiety, contains healthy fats for hormone production and mitochondrial function |
High-fat foods | Avoid | High in calories, can lead to decreased energy levels, poor sleep quality, and inadequate nutrient absorption |
Alcohol | Avoid | Can interact with semaglutide |
Many types of sugar | Avoid | Can interact with semaglutide |
Note: Always consult your doctor for a specific food list to follow while taking semaglutide.
Who is a Good Candidate for Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a weight loss injection medication prescribed to adults who have obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30, or overweight individuals with a BMI greater than 27 and weight-related medical problems such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
It is not meant for people with a personal or family history of certain endocrine or thyroid tumors, specifically medullary thyroid cancer.
This injection medication is promising but not guaranteed to work in helping adults reach their weight loss goals. In semaglutide clinical trials, 13% of adults with obesity didn’t lose any weight while taking the medicine.
Still, potential benefits may include improved metabolic health, quality of life, and reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This all adds up to more reasons to talk to your doctor if you have obesity and are thinking about taking medications to help with your weight loss.
How Long Does it Take to See Results with Semaglutide?
Semaglutide may take up to eight weeks to experience the full effects for diabetes; however, some people have seen results with lower doses, and others might need a higher dose to reach their goals.
Research has shown that those on semaglutide achieved more than a 2% reduction in body weight within just the first four weeks of beginning treatment — so it’s important to stay consistent and assess your progress over time to find the best dosage for you.
When it comes to taking semaglutide, be sure to monitor your health and see how you’re responding. This medication can take up to two months to show its full effects, but some people find success with lower doses sooner than others — so adjusting your dosage can help you get the most out of this treatment program.
Semaglutide Potential Side Effects
Potential side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
In some patients, semaglutide may also cause large, hive-like swellings on the face or on other areas of the body such as the hands, legs or feet.
Pain in the stomach or abdomen may also occur along with a decreased appetite and weight loss. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can be additional side effects for individuals taking semaglutide.
People who take semaglutide should consult with their doctor if any of these effects appear or become worse over time. For example, those with a history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 are more prone to suffering from these adverse reactions and should follow up closely with their medical provider.
Individuals taking semaglutide should be aware of the risk associated with hypoglycemia and anti-semaglutide antibody development and monitor carefully for signs of cholelithiasis (gallstones), acute kidney injury, worsening of chronic renal failure, increased heart rate and hypotension after beginning treatment. Individuals taking this medication should strongly consider reporting to their doctor if they experience dizziness, burning feeling in chest or abdomen pain too.
Nourish the beauty within with our personalized treatment plans to help you look and feel your best!
Book nowWhat Will Happen If You Quit Taking Semaglutide?
While medications like Wegovy and Ozempic may bring sudden improvements to those with diabetes and obesity, the full benefits won’t be reaped unless the treatment is ongoing.
A recent study found that patients who stopped taking the drugs after their initial success saw two-thirds of their lost weight reappear after a year, and their blood pressure, lipids, HbA1c levels, and other risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases also reversed.
Understandably, this reinforces the importance of continued medication to ensure lasting results – something that mustn’t be overlooked if you’re seeking optimal improvements in your health.
Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Washtenaw County, MI
CosMedic LaserMD in Washtenaw County, MI is a leading provider of semaglutide for weight loss. Semaglutide has been prescribed as an effective weight-loss medicine, providing long-term benefits with sustained use.
It helps suppress appetite, improves feelings of fullness and satiety, and increases fat burning for those who need to lose weight quickly and safely.
With CosMedic LaserMD, you can be sure that you are getting the highest quality care from experienced professionals in the field that know how to effectively administer semaglutide to help you reach your goals.
Don’t delay – make an appointment today to find out if semaglutide is the right weight-loss solution for you!