What is Semaglutide and how does it work for weight loss?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist which helps regulate blood sugar and increase feelings of fullness. It’s a peptide that reduces inflammation in the liver, blood vessels and decreases risk of stroke, heart attack, and Alzheimer’s disease. It aids in weight loss by decreasing appetite and cravings, as well as reducing fat stored in the body. It is safe for all patients except those with history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer.
With our functional medicine approach, weight is lost as a result of optimal overall health. Semaglutide has many beneficial effects on the body including reducing inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar, and inducing fat loss.
Some patients experience nausea, so to minimize this, we recommend eating very small portions, monitoring how you feel, and then proceeding to eat or not. Semaglutide slows gastric emptying, so food will spend longer in your stomach. This is a good time to choose light, high-nutrient meals in small portions to allow your system to adjust to the medicine. Focusing on protein when you are hungry is recommended.
We recommend using Semaglutide as part of a balanced lifestyle including stress management and reasonable portions. You may feel some fatigue as you increase your dosage of Semaglutide, and this is very normal. Light exercise during periods of more intense weight loss is ok and short walks are still very beneficial.
What is the recommended dosage of Semaglutide for weight loss?
Begin by injecting 5 units, and increase by 5 units weekly until weight loss is consistent around 2 lbs per week and cravings are well controlled. Maximum dose is 50 units. Most patients start to see weight loss results when they reach doses of 25 and above.
How long do I need to stay on Semaglutide?
The duration of treatment differs depending on individual goals and lifestyle. Patients with less weight to lose or those with optimal lifestyles for healthy weight may find it easier to taper down, while those still practicing consistently healthy choices may benefit from the support of Semaglutide on a more long-term low-dose.
How do I store and inject Semaglutide?
The medication will come in a refrigerated package, which can be out for up to 7 days. It should be stored in the fridge. It is administered as an at-home subcutaneous shot injected into belly or glute fatty tissue once weekly.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Weight loss varies by person but in clinical studies, patients lost an average of 14 lbs in a 20- week period.
What are the side effects of Semaglutide?
This medication mimics the body’s natural functions, so it’s considered extremely safe. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. These are minimized by skipping food if nauseas and instead sipping fruit juice. Fatigue and occasional headaches are normal and typically subside over time as the body becomes used to the medication.
When do I need to follow-up?
Please contact us with any questions throughout treatment and book a follow-up consult in 2 months to assess dosage, lifestyle and goals to optimize treatment.
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