Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. More recently, it has shown great promise as an effective weight loss treatment when prescribed in higher doses than what is typically given for diabetes.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Specifically, semaglutide:
Numerous clinical studies have now demonstrated that, in addition to managing blood sugar, semaglutide facilitates substantial weight loss for most patients.
There are many excellent reasons to consider semaglutide if struggling with excess weight or obesity:
In clinical trials, most patients lost 10-15% of their body weight on semaglutide. Some studies showed average losses up to 20 pounds or more. This amount of weight loss can greatly improve health and quality of life.
Semaglutide appears more effective for weight loss than other prescription medications like phentermine or orlistat. The only medication that compares is Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient.
By spurring significant fat loss, semaglutide can lead to major gains like reduced blood pressure and cholesterol, better glycemic control, improved mobility, and more. These translate to big health rewards.
Semaglutide is administered just once weekly via a simple injection. Compare this to three daily doses for similar medications. The once-weekly protocol makes compliance much easier.
Semaglutide may be an appropriate weight loss treatment if:
Keep in mind that semaglutide is still quite new for obesity and weight management. Make sure to consult closely with a knowledgeable medical provider to determine if it is suitable for your situation.
Here at Hormone Harmony Clinic in Piedmont, California, we specialize in cutting-edge hormonal and metabolic therapies for weight loss and wellness. Our experienced practitioners stay on top of the latest advancements like semaglutide and carefully evaluate which solutions may be right for each patient.
We fully guide and support clients through every aspect of treatment to help ensure the best possible outcomes. This includes:
Do not struggle with excess weight any longer. We invite you to book a consultation to learn more about how semaglutide and our other therapies may help you successfully and safely reshape your body.
Semaglutide is an injected medication that mimics a hormone called GLP-1. It works by reducing appetite and slowing digestion to promote weight loss. Specifically, semaglutide activates receptors in the brain that reduce appetite and food cravings. It also delays stomach emptying so you feel fuller longer after eating. Over time, these effects can lead to eating less and subsequent weight loss.
Most people lose between 5-15% of their body weight when using semaglutide. In clinical trials, people lost an average of 12-16 pounds over 68 weeks when combined with diet and exercise. However, weight loss results can vary quite a bit from person to person. Generally speaking, the more excess weight you have to lose, the greater your potential weight loss.
The most common side effects of semaglutide are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, dizziness, and low blood sugar. These tend to be mild-moderate and improve over time. More serious side effects like pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and severe allergic reaction are possible but rare. It’s important to speak with your provider about your medical history before starting this medication.
Yes, some weight regain after stopping semaglutide is very likely. Like most anti-obesity medications, semaglutide promotes temporary metabolic changes that lead to weight loss. However, it does not cure the underlying drivers of weight gain like genetics, diet, and activity levels. To keep weight off long-term, adopting healthy lifestyle changes regarding your nutrition and physical fitness is key. Most experts recommend continued medical monitoring and support for weight maintenance once you achieved your goal weight.
The typical out-of-pocket cost for semaglutide ranges from $900 to $1500 per month in the Piedmont area. Since the drug is so new, it’s usually not covered by insurance yet for weight loss purposes. However, manufacturers and providers do offer savings programs to help offset costs. Long-term, insurance coverage will likely improve as more safety and efficacy data becomes available. Be sure to check with your provider about current pricing and financial assistance options in your area.
