Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, as well as promote weight loss in overweight or obese adults. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels and appetite. It slows digestion and prevents the stomach from emptying completely so you feel fuller longer. It also decreases appetite by impacting areas of the brain that regulate food intake. The end result is better blood sugar control and often significant weight loss for most patients using the drug.
There are several ways that semaglutide promotes weight loss:
Most patients using semaglutide for weight loss purposes lose between 5-15% of their starting body weight over the course of treatment. However, results can vary from person to person. Those who closely adhere to lifestyle changes like diet and exercise tend to lose more weight on the medication.
Semaglutide is administered via a simple once-weekly injection using an automatic pen injector device. Most patients find the injections easy to self-administer after a short teaching session. Here is an overview of the semaglutide injection protocol we use at Balance Hormone Clinic:
Overall the process of using semaglutide is very straightforward. Patients can conveniently self-administer injections at home after an introductory teaching session. Consistency with weekly dosing is important for safety and optimal medication effects.
Semaglutide offers several compelling benefits and advantages over other weight loss approaches:
In clinical studies, semaglutide has shown superior weight loss compared to placebo shots and other anti-obesity medications. Most patients lose between 10-15% of starting weight when combining semaglutide with diet and exercise. For someone weighing 200lbs, that equates to about 20 to 30lbs of weight loss. Notably, these major improvements in weight occur WITHOUT drastic changes to diet or exercise routines.
Beyond weight loss, semaglutide favorably impacts major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The drug lowers bad LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar in diabetics. This is a major advantage for obese patients facing elevated cardiac risks. The medication may provide protective cardiovascular benefits above and beyond weight loss alone.
Despite being an injected drug, semaglutide demonstrates a very favorable safety profile. The most common side effects - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea - tend to dissipate within 4-8 weeks for most patients as the body adjusts. Due to the gradual dose escalation protocol, many experience no side effects at all. Avoiding widely fluctuating blood sugar levels with semaglutide injections promotes steady energy levels and avoids sugar crash symptoms.
Unlike most weight loss drugs requiring multiple daily pills, semaglutide is a simple weekly injection. The ease of a once-weekly self-administered shot at home promotes better adherence and outcomes. Carrying pen injectors when traveling is easy as well. Many patients appreciate trading daily dieting efforts for a quick weekly injection assisting with weight control 24/7.
In addition to obesity, semaglutide is FDA approved for treating type 2 diabetes. The medication lowers blood sugar and HbA1c levels while also assisting with weight issues commonly affecting diabetics. Semaglutide addresses dual problems of diabetes and excess weight with a single weekly shot.
With unmatched weight loss results, highly favorable safety, and convenience of once-weekly self-dosing, semaglutide offers obvious advantages over alternative weight loss approaches for the right patients. Balance Hormone Clinicians can advise if semaglutide is suitable based on one's unique medical history and needs.
While semaglutide handles much of the "heavy lifting" for weight control, certain lifestyle measures can augment results:
- Lower glycemic index diet - Emphasize "slow carbs" like whole grains, beans, fruits and minimize added sugars, refined carbs. This helps maintain steady blood sugar levels optimized for semaglutide effects. - Higher protein intake - Consuming more satisfying protein sources helps boost satiety further contributing to reduced calories. - Portion control habits - Practicing proper portion sizes with meals trains the mind and stomach for maintained weight once finishing semaglutide.
- Start slowly, focus on consistency - Rigorous exercise is not mandatory. Simply going for regular short walks provides benefits. Slowly increase duration and intensity over time. - Daily movement - Take more steps each day, use a fitness tracker. Park farther away, take the stairs whenever possible. Move more! - Strength training - Building/maintaining muscle with basic strength training helps achieve a toned physique. This supports long term weight maintenance.
- Smoking cessation - Quit smoking to enhance heart health and augment semaglutide results - Stress reduction - Employ stress relieving strategies - meditation, yoga, massage, socializing. Chronic stress contributes negatively to blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight. - Routine health visits – Follow-up regularly on key metrics like blood pressure, cholesterol panels, kidney function etc. We offer comprehensive lab testing at Balance Hormone Clinic supporting overall wellness on semaglutide therapy.
While semaglutide performs the brunt of weight loss duties, thoughtful lifestyle adjustments better support long term success. Our clinicians provide personalized suggestions tailored to your needs and goals.
Semaglutide was originally developed as a treatment for diabetes, but clinical trials found an unexpected side effect - significant weight loss. Further research showed semaglutide acts on receptors in the brain to reduce appetite and calorie intake, leading to approval in 2021 as the first injectable drug for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight.
The warm sunny climate and abundance of outdoor recreational activities make Lutz, Florida an ideal location for enjoying semaglutide assisted weight loss. Here are some favorite local spots and establishments for Balance Hormone Clinic patients on semaglutide therapy:
Convenient blood testing services just minutes from our Lutz clinic. Quest offers comprehensive hormone panels, kidney function tests, cholesterol counts, and more for proactively monitoring health on semaglutide.
Beautiful preserved parkland with hiking/biking trails winding through pine forests and marshlands teeming with wildlife. Trails range from easy 1-mile loops great for casual strolls up to challenging 18-mile mountain bike routes.
High energy indoor interval training gym offering packages tailored for cardio, strength training, and overall fitness. Certified trainers lead HIIT style classes or personal training for maximizing gym time.
Delicious Italian thin crust pizza, subs, and salads using high quality ingredients. A local favorite spot, Grove Pizza offers nutritious low glycemic options for dining out while on semaglutide therapy. Their "Protein Zone" pies and signature salmon salad provide satisfying plant-based meal choices.
We encourage semaglutide patients to take full advantage of the wonderful parks, restaurants, and amenities found right here in our Lutz community. Balance Hormone Clinic also offers a range of ancillary health services like diagnostics, nutrition planning, and counseling ensuring your needs are fully supported locally on therapy.
Many physicians focus strictly on "fixing what is broken". At Balance Hormone Clinic we take a more proactive precision health approach with advanced testing that uncovers looming issues BEFORE they cause noticeable disease. This allows prompt preventative care improving vitality, function, and longevity.
Hormone disorders rarely display overt symptoms until reaching severely deficient levels. However, hormonal cascades frequently shift for years subtly contributing to low energy, sexual dysfunction, emotional changes, weight gain, chronic diseases, and accelerated aging.
Common hormone deficiencies we identify and treat for optimal wellness include:
Detecting and treating hormone shifts EARLY allows for reversing underlying dysfunction and regaining optimal health. Balance Hormone Clinic leverages advanced diagnostic testing with cutting edge treatments personalized for your unique physiology and needs.
When considering medical weight management with prescription drugs like semaglutide, choosing an experienced hormonal health center like Balance Hormone Clinic is strongly advised.
Here are some top reasons to select our clinic for your semaglutide therapy:
Regardless if you already started semaglutide shots or are just now considering obesity pharmacological therapy, the knowledgeable medical team at Balance Hormone Clinic can guide your journey to better health.
