There are approximately 70% of adults in the United States who are obese or overweight. Undoubtedly, obesity is one of the most serious health problems associated with leading causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved medication for obesity treatment. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that is administered weekly. By activating the GLP-1 receptor, it affects various areas of the brain responsible for regulating insulin secretion, appetite, and food intake. It also reduces glucagon secretion and slows down gastric emptying. Semaglutide received FDA approval in June 2021 for once-weekly injection for weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Clinical trials include a 4-68 randomized trial and a double-blinded and placebo-controlled 16-week trial. Patients enrolled in the study had an average age of 46 years, and 74% were female. Their average body weight was 231 pounds, with a BMI of 38. There was no history of diabetes. Patents who received Semaglutide, on average, lost 12.4% of their initial body weight when compared to those who received a placebo. Other brand names that Semaglutide is known as are Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy.
The incretin hormone GLP-1 plays a role in digestion and appetite. Incretins
● hormones released by your small intestine
● are sent out by your body after you’ve eaten a meal to help lower your sugar levels by triggering insulin.
It slows down the speed at which food leaves your stomach (called gastric emptying). As a result, you feel full, which reduces your appetite and results in weight loss. GLP-1 agonists are referred to as incretin mimetics since they mimic these effects.
Self-administer the injection weekly, always on the same day. Timing can be flexible, and it can be taken with or without food.
Inject Semaglutide subcutaneously into the abdomen. The objective is to minimize adverse effects while achieving a weight loss of 1-2 lbs per week. You’ll notice reduced appetite, cravings, and portion sizes. Initially, we’ll use the lowest effective dose, but adjustments may be necessary every 2-3 weeks to meet the weight loss goal.
Possible side effects primarily involve the gastrointestinal (GI) system, with nausea, constipation, and vomiting being the most common. These symptoms may intensify with a higher dose. Other common side effects include stomach pain, indigestion, and bloating. In case of severe nausea/vomiting or abdominal pain, discontinue the medication and contact us or seek emergency medical attention.
If you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MENS 2), or type 1 diabetes, please do not use this product.
Consider using ginger, Unisom, or Vitamin B6 for nausea. Keep in mind that constipation is a common side effect. Stay hydrated, maintain an exercise routine, consume a high-fiber diet, and utilize over-the-counter stool softeners like Miralax, Colace, or Senna.
An appointment with our Nurse Practitioner, Brooke, is needed prior to initiating Semaglutide. We will do a health assessment, obtain vitals and draw blood work labs to ensure you are an appropriate candidate for treatment. The dosing schedule will be given at follow-up to labs—a maximum dose of 2mg weekly. The goal is to lose 1-2 pounds per week. Our office will administer Semaglutide in the office for the first month, and then, if you choose to take it home and administer it yourself, we will teach you how to do so properly. An appointment, including a weight check in, is required for refills. Schedule an appointment today to get started on your health journey!
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