Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, recent studies have shown that semaglutide can also be highly effective as a weight loss treatment.
When used specifically for weight management, semaglutide works by controlling appetite and reducing food cravings. This makes it easier to eat less and lose excess weight. In clinical trials, people using semaglutide lost on average 12-15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
Some key benefits of using semaglutide for weight loss include:
Keep reading to learn more about how semaglutide promotes weight loss, who is a good candidate for treatment, and what to expect when getting semaglutide at Optimal Hormone Wellness Center clinic in Manhattan.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the effects of a hormone called GLP-1 that is released naturally by your body after eating. Specifically, semaglutide:
Together, these effects make it much easier to eat less, control cravings, and lose excess fat.
Most people notice a significant reduction in hunger and increased feelings of fullness within a few weeks of starting semaglutide treatment. However, weight loss results can vary from person to person.
Semaglutide may be a good weight loss option for patients who meet the following criteria:
Semaglutide is approved for chronic weight management and should be used along with diet and increased physical activity. It is not for short-term weight loss like before a wedding or event.
Contraindications where semaglutide would NOT be appropriate include:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid using semaglutide.
Talk to your Optimal Hormone Wellness Center provider to see if you might benefit from adding semaglutide injections to your weight loss plan.
The process for getting started on semaglutide for weight loss at Optimal Hormone Wellness Center includes:
During your first appointment, we will:
Once approved for treatment, you will receive a prescription for semaglutide. We offer convenient options for getting your medication through our in-house specialty pharmacy.
Our nurses will also provide hands-on training for mixing semaglutide powder with liquid solution and injecting it under your skin using small pen needles. Most patients find the injections relatively painless.
The typical course of semaglutide for weight management is 12-24 months. Studies show most weight loss occurs within the first 18 months.
Maintaining healthy behaviors is key for preserving weight loss after finishing semaglutide. We provide resources to support long-term lifestyle modifications.
Semaglutide was originally approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but researchers discovered it also causes significant weight loss. In 2021, a higher dose formulation called Wegovy was approved specifically for chronic weight management in obese or overweight adults.
Semaglutide comes as a powder that you mix with sterilized water to create a liquid solution. It is self-administered once weekly using an easy-to-use prefilled pen similar to insulin pens used by diabetic patients.
Most people start semaglutide on a dose of 0.25 mg injected subcutaneously (under the skin). The dose is gradually increased every 4 weeks until reaching a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg per week. If undesirable side effects occur, your provider may stop dose increases temporarily or lower your dosage.
Here is a typical starter schedule:
The medication comes in a 4-week supply package. Most insurance plans cover some portion of semaglutide costs for chronic weight management similar to other injectable diabetes drugs. Talk to us about your payment options.
In large clinical trials, people using semaglutide 2.4 mg for obesity treatment lost 14-17% of their starting body weight, on average. However, results can vary based on the individual.
Some additional facts about weight loss with semaglutide:
Maintaining some weight loss after stopping semaglutide injections is possible with continued healthy lifestyle behaviors. Talk to your Optimal Hormone Wellness Center provider about expectations tailored to your unique characteristics.
The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal in nature due to the slowing of digestion it causes. These usually decrease over time and can be minimized by slowly increasing the dosage.
Possible semaglutide side effects include:
Rare but serious risks associated with semaglutide include:
Optimal Hormone Wellness Center providers monitor patients closely and adjust treatment regimens as needed if any concerning or serious side effects develop.
If you have struggled to lose weight successfully through traditional means, adding injectable semaglutide could be a game-changer. The knowledgeable healthcare professionals at Optimal Hormone Wellness Center have extensive experience using semaglutide and other medications to help patients achieve sustainable weight management.
Some advantages of getting your semaglutide for weight loss prescribed by Optimal Hormone Wellness Center include:
Do not put off getting expert medical help to gain control over your eating, hunger levels, and weight. Our personalized plans incorporate semaglutide injections plus diet, activity, and behavior changes for safe effective weight loss.
Manhattan offers an exciting backdrop for your weight loss journey with semaglutide treatment. As a pedestrian-friendly urban location, it provides plenty of opportunities for walking and other physical activities. The public parks and green spaces scattered across the borough also encourage being outdoors and staying active.
Some ideas if undergoing semaglutide weight loss injections while living or working in Manhattan:
Having a strong support community can be invaluable during your weight loss efforts. Consider joining local weight management MeetUp groups in Manhattan for inspiration. Our doctors and coaches at Optimal Hormone Wellness Center are also here provide accountability, troubleshooting, or just to listen without judgment.
Do not hesitate to ask us questions about adjusting to semaglutide treatment while enjoying everything the exciting borough of Manhattan has to offer!
Semaglutide is the newest FDA-approved medication option for chronic weight management. How does it compare to other prescription anti-obesity drugs available?
Some key differences include:
Oral weight loss pills like Contrave, Qsymia, and Wegovy also often show smaller reductions in body weight than semaglutide. However, they may be better options for patients wanting to avoid self-injected medications.
Optimal Hormone Wellness Center providers are happy to discuss benefits and downsides of all pharmaceutical and natural weight loss aids. Finding the right one or combination to meet your needs and preferences is key.
Do not hesitate to ask us questions to determine if newer treatments like semaglutide are preferred over traditional interventions for helping you finally achieve healthy stable weight reduction.
Losing excess weight and keeping it off long-term is a challenging journey - both mentally and physically. The supportive healthcare providers at Optimal Hormone Wellness Center make the process easier through tailored medication plans, coaching, education, and compassion.
Some special advantages our weight management patients enjoy:
Use semaglutide with other medications? Our obesity medicine experts will create personalized regimens using semaglutide, Contrave, Saxenda, or other drugs to help you lose weight safely based on your health profile.
Enhance weight loss efforts with helpful adjuvants like metformin, thyroid medications, vitamin B12, MIC ALA shots, glutathione, and other specialty supplements.
Identify problematic foods exacerbating weight gain through cutting-edge IgG blood marker panels, genetic testing, and personalized elimination diets.
Track and visualize your progress via DEXA scans, basal metabolic rate calculations, body part measurements, and other detailed body comp assessments.
Stay motivated with regular weigh-ins, personalized health coaching, support groups, progress tracking apps and more. Our staff becomes your accountability partners!
Do not just settle for a printed handout and prescription when seeking semaglutide for weight loss. Take advantage of Optimal Hormone Wellness Center' full suite of services for individualized support. Contact us today to start your health transformation!
