Semaglutide is an injectable medication used for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. It belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class of drugs and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Recently, semaglutide has emerged as a highly promising option for long-term weight loss due to its appetite suppressing effects. When used specifically for weight management rather than diabetes, it is sold under the names Ozempic and Wegovy.
In this guide, we’ll explore the weight loss benefits of semaglutide, its mechanism of action, dosing guidelines, expected results, side effects, and more. We’ll also highlight why Vitality Renewal Clinic makes an excellent choice for accessing compounded semaglutide injections in the Oceanside area.
Semaglutide was first approved as a diabetes medication, but researchers soon noticed it also caused significant weight loss as a side effect.
In 2021, a higher dose semaglutide injection called Wegovy became the first FDA-approved drug for chronic weight management in over 7 years. Ozempic also causes weight loss but is primarily used for diabetes.
Clinical trials show that, on average, semaglutide can lead to a 10-15% reduction in body weight over 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle intervention. For someone weighing 200 lbs, that could mean losing 20-30 lbs.
However, some people lose much more weight on semaglutide – over 20% of their body weight. This makes it one of the most effective weight loss medications available.
There are two mechanisms by which semaglutide facilitates weight loss:
The primary way semaglutide leads to weight loss is by suppressing appetite. It activates areas of the brain involved in food motivation and reward.
This leads to decreased hunger, increased fullness, and often a reduced interest in eating – especially high-calorie foods. Essentially, semaglutide helps you eat less by blunting your appetite.
Semaglutide also slightly slows digestion, meaning food stays in the stomach longer. This enhances the feeling of fullness and further contributes to eating less.
Together, appetite suppression and slowed stomach emptying promote weight loss through calorie reduction. Most experts emphasize that to get the best results on semaglutide, it’s vital to also follow a reduced-calorie meal plan and increase physical activity.
Semaglutide must be injected subcutaneously using small 32G needles into areas like the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. The once-weekly frequency makes it very convenient.
When starting semaglutide, it’s crucial to slowly escalate the dosage over 5-8 weeks based on product labeling and provider guidance. This minimizes side effects.
People using semaglutide specifically for obesity (Wegovy) can go up to 2.4 or 4.0mg weekly. Ozempic for diabetes only goes up to 1mg. Higher doses lead to increased, prolonged weight loss.
Semaglutide is structurally similar to a human hormone called GLP-1 that helps control blood sugar levels. When injected, semaglutide mimics the effects of GLP-1 leading to better blood sugar control, but an unexpected effect is that it also reduces appetite and promotes weight loss by mechanisms not fully understood.
Most people can expect to lose a clinically significant amount of weight on semaglutide, provided they also follow the accompanying diet and exercise program. However, results can vary significantly.
In large clinical trials, semaglutide has shown the following weight loss results on average:
However, many patients lose weight much faster than trial averages, dropping 20-30 lbs in just 2-3 months. Diet and exercise further boost results.
Consistency is key - stopping semaglutide usually leads to regaining 50% or more of lost weight within 12 months for most people.
Semaglutide can benefit nearly anyone struggling with obesity or wishing to lose weight. However, it shows exceptional results for certain demographics, such as:
Talk to your Vitality Renewal Clinic provider to see if semaglutide is suitable for your needs. We create fully personalized plans to maximize safe weight loss.
As with any medication, semaglutide does have some potential side effects to be aware of:
Many people report temporary GI issues when first starting semaglutide, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. These typically resolve within 4-8 weeks as the body adjusts.
In very rare cases, semaglutide may cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or gallbladder issues. It’s also not recommended in people with certain rare genetic disorders.
Always disclose all medical history to your Vitality Renewal Clinic provider so we can assess risks vs benefits. Report any concerning or serious side effects promptly.
Semaglutide can rarely cause blood sugar to drop too low (hypoglycemia), typically only in people also taking diabetic medications. Symptoms like dizziness, sweating and confusion require prompt treatment.
Providers may want to periodically check kidney function, blood sugar, electrolytes and weight when using semaglutide. No major medical testing is required, but follow your prescribing provider’s advice.
Overall, semaglutide has an excellent safety profile, especially compared to much riskier old-school weight loss drugs. Still, make sure to follow dosing instructions carefully, stay well hydrated, and report concerning side effects promptly to your Vitality Renewal Clinic provider.
Here at Vitality Renewal Clinic in Oceanside, we specialize in prescribing semaglutide for customized weight loss protocols based on cutting-edge medical research.
We provide:
Rather than sending semaglutide to an outside pharmacy, we can provide in-house injections at our Oceanside clinic for your convenience. This also ensures product quality and proper handling.
We carefully tailor semaglutide dosage for your individual needs based on factors like medical history, BMI, previous medication use, treatment goals and more.
Semaglutide works best alongside dietary and fitness changes. Our providers, nurses and health coaches can provide customized meal plans, exercise tips and behavior change support.
We spend ample time explaining how semaglutide works, proper injection technique, managing initial side effects, realistic expectations, and more.
We handle all aspects of the prescription process, including any required renewal paperwork or prior authorizations. Let us worry about the logistics so you can focus on your progress.
Overall our goal is simple: help patients achieve maximal, safe weight loss on semaglutide through fully personalized medical care and support.
