Semaglutide is an exciting new medication used for weight loss and management of diabetes. It is an injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that helps lower blood sugar levels while also reducing appetite and aiding weight loss.
At Invigorate Medical, we specialize in using semaglutide for enhanced weight loss results as part of our personalized weight loss programs. Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1 hormones, which regulate blood sugar and appetite.
There are two key ways that semaglutide aids weight loss:
Together, these effects make it easier to eat fewer calories and lose excess fat. Studies show most people lose 10-15% of their body weight with semaglutide over about a year.
Beyond weight loss, semaglutide provides additional valuable health benefits, including:
So, in patients with diabetes or prediabetes, semaglutide helps get blood sugar under control while also facilitating healthy, sustainable weight loss.
Semaglutide may be an excellent weight loss aid for patients who:
Essentially, most overweight or obese patients can benefit from semaglutide for weight loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
At Invigorate Medical, we create fully customized weight loss programs involving semaglutide, nutrition planning, fitness guidance, and behavioral counseling as needed for optimal, life-changing results.
If you decide to pursue semaglutide therapy, here is an overview of what to expect:
We also offer convenient telemedicine appointments to make it easier to get started and stay on track with your personalized semaglutide weight loss plan.
Semaglutide comes in a prefilled, disposable pen injector for once-weekly self-administration.
Titrating the dosage slowly reduces gastrointestinal side effects, so you can better tolerate the medication. Most patients remain on the maintenance dose for 6 to 12 months to promote long-term weight loss and then wean off.
As with any medication, semaglutide does have some potential side effects, including:
However, by starting at a low dose and increasing slowly over 5-8 weeks, most side effects can be minimized.
We carefully monitor patients and adjust dosing accordingly for optimal safety and results.
Semaglutide should not be used in patients under 18 years old or during pregnancy, as the effects on fetal development have not been established.
To achieve full, long-lasting benefits from your semaglutide regimen for weight loss and blood sugar control, we recommend patients also focus on adopting healthy lifestyle changes, including:
With personalized semaglutide treatment integrated into a comprehensive weight loss program, you can lose significant weight and keep it off long-term!
There are several prevalent myths regarding semaglutide weight loss therapy.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Taking semaglutide means you can eat whatever you want and still lose weight | Semaglutide should still be combined with an overall healthy, reduced-calorie meal plan and exercise for significant, long-lasting weight loss. |
| Semaglutide is too expensive and not covered by insurance | Most insurances cover some portion of semaglutide, especially for patients with obesity-related diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure. |
| Semaglutide is just another fad diet drug that stops working over time | Unlike some older weight loss medications, semaglutide remains effective for most patients over many months to years, facilitating meaningful, sustainable weight loss and metabolic improvements. |
Table: Common semaglutide myths versus facts
"I lost 25 lbs with semaglutide and feel 20 years younger!" - Jane D.
After struggling with her weight since having kids, Jane almost gave up hope she could get back to a healthy size. She will never forget the day she stepped on the scale and saw 180 lbs at only 5'2". That was the turning point. After starting on semaglutide at Invigorate Medical, she was amazed at how quickly her clothes started feeling loose. For the first time in over a decade, she was able to implement a sustainable healthy lifestyle, including preparing home-cooked meals and regular gym sessions. And the weight kept coming off at over 2 lbs per week. In just 4 months, she achieved her goal weight of 130 lbs and also noticed incredible benefits in her energy, self-confidence, and zest for life. Semaglutide allowed her to finally reclaim control and transform not just her weight but her overall health and well-being.
Getting your hormone levels tested properly is crucial before starting semaglutide or any hormone therapy. The team at Invigorate Medical will order and interpret the necessary lab testing to accurately diagnose any imbalances or deficiencies and establish hormone baselines. We also closely monitor patients during the course of treatment to ensure optimal response and adjust dosing when needed.
The following lab tests aid in the diagnosis and ongoing management of patients on semaglutide therapy:
These tests reveal current blood sugar control and if diabetes or prediabetes is present, so semaglutide dosage can be optimized to get glucose down into the ideal range.
Total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL are essential to evaluate metabolic health, which typically improves significantly with semaglutide-facilitated weight loss.
Ensures semaglutide can be safely tolerated since it is processed through the kidneys and liver. Thyroid levels are also assessed.
Including the above lab tests at the onset of therapy, at several points throughout the program, and during the maintenance phase enables precise targeting of semaglutide treatment for the best possible outcomes. We also suggest patients learn how to monitor blood glucose at home for further personalization and engagement.
There are a few different forms and brands of semaglutide to consider:
| Formulation | Brand Name | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| Injectable solution | Ozempic | Standard injected semaglutide, easier dosing regimen than Rybelsus |
| Oral tablets | Rybelsus | First oral version but higher max dose, more pills per day |
| Injectable solution | Wegovy | Specifically FDA-approved for chronic weight management at higher doses than Ozempic |
While all utilize semaglutide as the active GLP-1 agonist, there are slight differences in indications, dosing convenience, administration method, and side effect profile. There are also several emerging combination products containing semaglutide plus other complementary diabetes or weight loss agents.
At Invigorate Medical, our medical team stays up-to-date on all the latest innovations in semaglutide therapy for weight loss and carefully considers your health history and lifestyle factors when recommending the optimal regimen for your needs. The injectable solutions tend to result in greater appetite suppression and weight reduction at lower doses. But we can match you with the right semaglutide treatment plan for safe, efficient, and sustainable results.
Semaglutide hormone therapy, combined with a comprehensive weight loss program, can be a game-changer for individuals struggling with obesity, diabetes, or other weight-related health issues. At Invigorate Medical, our experienced medical team will work closely with you to develop a personalized semaglutide treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. With our guidance and support, you can achieve sustainable weight loss, improved metabolic health, and an overall enhancement in your quality of life.
