what is semaglutide?
Initially, Semaglutide was FDA-approved for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in 2017 and was marketed under the brand names Ozempic® and Rybelsus®. However, patients taking the medication noted weight loss benefits as well. In June of 2021, the FDA approved Semaglutide for weight loss under the brand name, Wegovy®
Semaglutide is the generic form of the brand names of the medication. We offer it to our patients for weight loss. We will also show you how to self- administer Vitamin B12 to help with some of the common side effects.
Semaglutide mimics a naturally occurring glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Your body will produce this peptide when you eat, and it helps to stop you from feeling hungry; it makes you feel satisfied.
The medication imitates GLP-1 in your body and provides the same effect as this natural peptide.
Semaglutide is the generic form of the brand names of the medication. We offer it to our patients for weight loss. We will also show you how to self- administer Vitamin B12 to help with some of the common side effects.
Semaglutide mimics a naturally occurring glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Your body will produce this peptide when you eat, and it helps to stop you from feeling hungry; it makes you feel satisfied.
The medication imitates GLP-1 in your body and provides the same effect as this natural peptide.
How does it work?
Semaglutide makes you feel full longer because it slows down stomach emptying. It also suppresses your appetite (without stimulants) and food cravings. On average, people eat 30% less. It also lowers your blood glucose levels without making your sugars too low.You eat less food because you have reduced feelings of hunger. The Semaglutide weight loss program works best when you eat a cleaner diet. Processed foods, simple carbohydrates, and sugars will make you feel bad while taking Semaglutide. Make some changes in your food choices, eat clean, and you will feel much better and more energetic. We do encourage you to drink at least a half-gallon of water per day to help prevent any kidney issues and keep you well-hydrated.
While exercise is not required when on the program, we do encourage you to start a regime, even if you start out by walking more. Exercise also gives you more energy and it will accelerate your weight loss. As you continue on the diet and your food choices change, this will help you to automatically carry these new habits forward after you have completed the program.
Semaglutide also affects the plaque in your blood vessels. Animal studies have shown that Semaglutide stopped the progression of plaque formation. This is yet another reason why the medication helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and stroke.
Semaglutide also affects the plaque in your blood vessels. Animal studies have shown that Semaglutide stopped the progression of plaque formation. This is yet another reason why the medication helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and stroke.
what are the benefits?
- Additional Benefits of Semaglutide can include:
- Higher levels of energy
- Reduced hunger and cravings
- Improved sleep
- Helps with blood sugar levels and insulin pathways
- On average, you can expect to lose up to 15% of your body weight, but this depends on how much weight you want to lose
what are the side effects?
The most common side effects occur when starting the medication initially or when the dosage is titrated (increased).
Up to 75% of patients will experience mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues while their body adjusts to the medication.
Drinking plenty of water will help. 95% of patients will continue with the diet, regardless. If you continue to have these types of side effects, we can provide you with an anti-nausea medication.
Less common side effects can include problems with your gall bladder. If you have had your gall bladder removed, this is not a risk for you.
Another less common side-effect is an allergic reaction to the medication, Vitamin B12, or any other of its ingredients.
who should not use semaglutide?
- While the majority of the population can take Semaglutide safely, there are some contraindications that exclude eligibility for our programs:
- Anyone under the age of 18.
- Hyperglycemia.
- History of pancreatitis.
- Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant.
- Men who are trying to get a woman pregnant **
- Personal or family history of thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer.
- Personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma.
- Personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Type 2 – Men.
- Prior allergic reaction to Semaglutide, Vitamin B12, or any of its ingredients.
- Diabetic retinopathy (diabetic eye disease).
- Personal history of Depression with suicidal ideations or thoughts.
- Pre-existing condition of Gastrointestinal problems (we can discuss further with you).
- ** Note: Women and Men who are intending to start a family or have a child are both contradictory to taking Semaglutide.
what can you expect?
The 4 week program is intended for patients who want to lose no more than 15-20 lbs. Patients who desire to lose more weight can repeat the program as often as needed
Prior to completing your consultation, you should have completed the following Labs: CBC, CMP, Lipids, Hemoglobin A1C, Thyroid Function ( we may request more labs if we deem this to be necessary) . You can get these labs done. on your own, as long as they are done within 90 days of your assessment. We can also order labs for you-- and you can use your insurance at the lab location.
Once your labs are completed and you fill out your paperwork, you will set up a virtual appointment with our Nurse Practitioner ($50 paid directly to he/she) . He/She will go over your lab results and health history and order your customized compounded Semaglutide medication.
Your second visit will occur with one of our nurses, and she will give your medication and instruct you how to use it, go over any potential side effects, and get you started on your weight loss program. We will weigh you and gather body measurements.
The program will cost you a total of $500 ( $450 for medications and $50 for the NP). This includes the cost of Semaglutide, Vitamin B12 injections, sample meal plans and diet recommendations.
Note that the compounded medication needs to be injected once per week, subcutaneously. The needle is very small and since the injection isn’t going into a muscle, there is no pain involved. The B12 shot is optional, and is an IM injection to be given weekly. The nurse will teach you how. to self-inject both medications.
Prior to completing your consultation, you should have completed the following Labs: CBC, CMP, Lipids, Hemoglobin A1C, Thyroid Function ( we may request more labs if we deem this to be necessary) . You can get these labs done. on your own, as long as they are done within 90 days of your assessment. We can also order labs for you-- and you can use your insurance at the lab location.
Once your labs are completed and you fill out your paperwork, you will set up a virtual appointment with our Nurse Practitioner ($50 paid directly to he/she) . He/She will go over your lab results and health history and order your customized compounded Semaglutide medication.
Your second visit will occur with one of our nurses, and she will give your medication and instruct you how to use it, go over any potential side effects, and get you started on your weight loss program. We will weigh you and gather body measurements.
The program will cost you a total of $500 ( $450 for medications and $50 for the NP). This includes the cost of Semaglutide, Vitamin B12 injections, sample meal plans and diet recommendations.
Note that the compounded medication needs to be injected once per week, subcutaneously. The needle is very small and since the injection isn’t going into a muscle, there is no pain involved. The B12 shot is optional, and is an IM injection to be given weekly. The nurse will teach you how. to self-inject both medications.
