What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide was first approved in 2017 as a treatment for managing glycemic levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The drug works by boosting insulin secretion and reducing the secretion of glucagon, which ultimately achieves blood sugar stabilization. Studies have shown that Semaglutide can reduce appetite, minimize food cravings, and create a glycemic balance in the body. Patients who take Semaglutide see the most benefits when they combine the treatment with a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.
How does semaglutide work?
Semaglutide matches GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a unique hormone in the body that is responsible for regulating appetite and the rate of food consumption. When this hormone works at an optimal capacity, the brain is “tricked” into feeling satisfied after eating a smaller amount of food.
Semaglutide instructs the pancreas to release a certain amount of insulin when elevated blood sugar levels are detected. It then causes the passage of food through the stomach to slow down, which causes a drop in appetite. This process is known as “gastric emptying.”
Who is a candidate for Medical Weight Loss?
Not all patients are considered eligible, so the consultation process is incredibly important. Typically, an ideal candidate for semaglutide is someone who has attempted other weight loss strategies in the past, and has not been successful. Your current BMI may also be factored in to determining if you are a good candidate for the treatment.
During your complimentary consultation, we review the patient’s medical history to ensure that Semaglutide is a safe and viable option for them. Patients with a history of endocrine or thyroid tumors, or certain types of cancer, should refrain from using Semaglutide. Patients are required to disclose all recent medications to the practitioner prior to undergoing the treatment, as certain substances can interact with Semaglutide and lead to complications.
Potential side effects of semaglutide
While most patients have no issues with Semaglutide, there is the possibility of developing certain side effects. That said, these symptoms typically resolve after just a few weeks.
There are also some rarer side effects, such as headaches, upper respiratory tract infections, UTIs (urinary tract infections), nasopharyngitis, and heightened pancreatic enzyme levels. We follow up with our patients throughout their recovery process to make sure that things are going smoothly.
Semaglutide instructs the pancreas to release a certain amount of insulin when elevated blood sugar levels are detected. It then causes the passage of food through the stomach to slow down, which causes a drop in appetite. This process is known as “gastric emptying.”
What are the benefits of Semaglutide?
- Jumpstarts weight loss
- Tolerable for most patients
- Mitigates appetite and hunger pangs
- Causes patients to feel full faster
What does the treatment entail?
Semaglutide is distributed in the form of a weekly injection, typically starting at a dosage of 0.25mg. If needed, this dosage can be increased gradually overtime. Injections are typically administered in areas such as the midsection, upper arm, or thighs.