Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. More recently, it has shown great promise as a weight loss aid when prescribed in higher doses than what's typically used for diabetes.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. It sends signals to the brain to reduce appetite and food cravings, allowing people to eat less without feeling deprived or hungry.
There are a few key ways that semaglutide promotes weight loss:
Numerous studies have shown that people using semaglutide lose significantly more weight compared to placebo. Some lose up to 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
If you have struggled to lose weight or keep weight off with diet and exercise alone, semaglutide shots could be an effective medical aid.
Semaglutide is especially helpful for those with obesity-related health issues like diabetes, high cholesterol or blood pressure. Losing even 5-10% of excess weight can dramatically improve these conditions.
You may be a good fit for semaglutide if:
Talk to your doctor about whether prescription semaglutide is appropriate for your health history and weight loss goals.
Semaglutide is injected under the skin once weekly, ramping up to a maintenance dose over 5-7 weeks. Most people tolerate it well, but some experience temporary GI issues like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea when first starting.
Here is the typical semaglutide dosing schedule:
During treatment, you’ll meet regularly with your medical provider to discuss progress and any side effects. Most people stay on semaglutide for 6 to 12 months, then switch to lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss.
For optimal results, semaglutide shots work best paired with dietary changes and increased physical activity. Our physicians and nutritionists can provide customized guidance based on your health profile.
We also offer members:
Losing weight improves nearly every aspect of health. With semaglutide and tailored medical and lifestyle support, you can finally achieve lasting results.
Semaglutide is structurally similar to a human hormone called GLP-1 that helps control blood sugar. When injected weekly, it mimics the effects of GLP-1 leading to better blood sugar control, weight loss, and lower cardiovascular risks in a novel way compared to older diabetes medications.
At Hormone Harmony Clinic in , we specialize in hormone therapies and weight management. Our experienced physicians have already helped many patients lose weight safely with semaglutide.
We perform comprehensive lab testing to identify any underlying issues, then craft integrated treatment plans to help you reach your goals. Patient education and collaboration are central to our approach.
We accept most major insurance plans. Call now to take the first step toward a healthier you!
Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Semaglutide mimics a hormone called GLP-1 that is released naturally by your gut after meals. It works by stimulating the release of insulin when blood sugar is high, slowing digestion to reduce spikes in blood sugar, and suppressing appetite.
Semaglutide comes as a prefilled, disposable pen device that you use to give yourself injections under your skin (subcutaneous injections). Your doctor will prescribe a dose of either 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg to be taken once weekly. You'll start with 0.25 mg for 4 weeks before increasing to 0.5 mg. It's important to follow your doctor’s dosing schedule and inject semaglutide on the same day each week. Before injecting, allow the pen to come to room temperature, then inject it into your thigh, stomach, or upper arm while pinching the skin.
Some common side effects of semaglutide can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, decreased appetite, indigestion, and constipation. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to happen more frequently when first starting treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Let your doctor know if any side effects become severe or don’t go away.
Yes, semaglutide can be taken safely with other diabetes medications like metformin. Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you’re taking, as some may need dosage adjustments when combined with semaglutide. Avoid taking semaglutide with other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Since semaglutide slows stomach emptying, it can affect absorption of oral medications - be sure to take other oral meds before injecting semaglutide.
In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide saw significant improvements in their blood sugar levels and average HbA1c reductions of around 1-2%. Many also lost weight, with average weight loss around 6-13 lbs over the course of treatment. However, results can vary from person to person depending on dosage, diet, exercise and other factors. It’s important to use semaglutide as prescribed by your doctor, follow a healthy diet and exercise plan, and monitor your blood sugar to track your personal response. Most notice improvements in blood sugar control within the first 3-6 months.
