Semaglutide is an injectable medication used for treating obesity and controlling high blood sugar in diabetes. It is similar to a hormone found in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Semaglutide helps lower blood sugar levels by telling the pancreas to make more insulin when needed. It also tells the stomach to empty more slowly so less food is absorbed, which can aid in weight loss.
Semaglutide was originally approved as a once-weekly injection called Ozempic. More recently, a higher dose version was approved called Wegovy specifically for chronic weight management. Both are brand name drugs made by Novo Nordisk pharmaceutical company.
Compounded semaglutide offers similar benefits but at a lower cost since it is mixed specially by a compounding pharmacy. It allows flexibility in dosing and can be customized on an individual basis as prescribed by a hormone specialist.
There are several key benefits that make semaglutide an appealing obesity and diabetes treatment option:
In studies, people lost on average 15-18% of their body weight over 16-20 months on semaglutide. Some even lost up to 25%. This level of weight loss exceeds that of most other medications.
Beyond just weight, semaglutide improves cardiometabolic parameters like waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, lipids, and blood sugar. This indicates reduced risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes complications.
Unlike weight loss surgery, semaglutide is administered through simple subcutaneous injections under the skin. After initial dose titration, it only requires one injection per week. This makes it convenient compared to more intensive programs.
Common short-term side effects include mild GI issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These tend to resolve within 4-8 weeks on therapy. Semaglutide has an overall favorable safety profile based on clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance data.
Semaglutide helps with weight loss through several mechanisms of action working together:
It tells the stomach to empty food more slowly into the intestines. This promotes fullness, curbs appetite, and allows less calories to be absorbed from food.
It activates areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation, inducing feelings of fullness and reducing hunger cues. People tend to eat less because they feel satisfied on smaller portions.
It stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin when blood sugar rises after a meal. The additional insulin boost helps stabilize blood glucose and facilitates glucose uptake into tissues.
Preferential loss occurs in dangerous visceral fat deposits deep in the abdomen around internal organs. This belly fat is strongly linked to metabolic abnormalities, so reducing it confers health benefits.
After medical examination and lab testing to rule out contraindications, semaglutide therapy can commence. It begins with a 4-week dose titration phase to minimize side effects:
The maintenance dosage is individualized based on the degree of weight loss observed and side effect tolerance. Most remain on 1-2 mg weekly long-term for sustained results.
Semaglutide comes as a solution that patients inject subcutaneously using very small insulin-type needles into the abdomen, thigh, or arm. The injections are virtually painless. Most people can easily self-administer at home. However, staff can provide injection training if needed.
Patients partaking in a medically supervised weight loss program require periodic monitoring for efficacy and safety. This typically includes:
Dose adjustments occur if necessary based on degree of weight loss, side effects, or lab metric changes. More frequent visits may be needed initially when starting treatment.
Although semaglutide promotes weight loss directly through its mechanisms of action, adjunctive lifestyle efforts can enhance overall results:
Work with a nutritionist to reduce caloric intake by 500-1000 calories daily focusing on high protein, high fiber, low glycemic index choices. Low carbohydrate or ketogenic diets are reasonable options. Portion control is key.
Aim for 150-300 minutes weekly of moderate intensity workouts (e.g. brisk walking) along with some strength training sessions. Outdoor activities like hiking nearby nature trails can help relieve stress.
Poor sleep and obesity commonly coexist. Try to get 7-9 hours nightly and practice good sleep hygiene habits like limiting electronics before bed. Consider melatonin if needed.
Chronic stress can sabotage weight control efforts via neuroendocrine pathways. Employ relaxation practices like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or Tai Chi which can be found locally.
Cognitive behavioral therapy designed for weight loss provides tools to navigate challenges via group or individualized counseling. We facilitate access to these services.
If struggling with weight or obesity-related health issues, promptly consult a hormone specialist skilled in medical management. Delays can allow progression to complications like:
Early intervention offers the best opportunity to lose weight and avoid obesity-related disorders before they take hold through treatments like semaglutide compounded injections. Our integrative wellness center specializes in modern medical weight loss augmented with nutrition, exercise and stress reduction. We personalize care plans tailored to the unique needs of residents in Frankfort and surrounding communities.
Here at Wellness Hormone Clinic in Frankfort, we offer cutting edge non-surgical solutions for sustained weight loss and metabolic optimization such as compounded semaglutide. Our comprehensive program includes:
We thoroughly evaluate obesity-related risk factors, pertinent labs, past weight loss attempts, lifestyle habits and health goals. This enables us to map out a customized game plan.
Weekly semaglutide transforms how the body handles food intake, glucose regulation and fat metabolism to induce considerable fat reduction.
Instead of extreme dieting, our nutrition experts coach patients on a sustainable low glycemic diet within caloric targets for controlled weight loss.
We help craft achievable fitness regimens catered to current ability levels and physical limitations with referrals to local gyms, pools, walking trails and recreation leagues.
Psychologists adept at cognitive behavioral approaches provide tools, insights and support to overcome ingrained habits sabotaging weight control.
Frequent weigh-ins, waist measurements, blood testing, blood pressure and side effect checks occur under licensed medical supervision to monitor progress and safety while on semaglutide therapy.
We also offer stress reduction training and sleep hygiene guidance since managing these factors optimizes metabolic health long-term. Weight loss plateaus and regain are common with other quick fix methods, but our intensive lifestyle reshaping resources delivered alongside semaglutide sets patients up for enduring transformation.
Safe, ethical and evidence-based care is our practice philosophy. We utilize a team-based approach across specialties to empower people struggling with excess weight. Our goal is not just short-term results, but lifelong healthy practices that become second nature.
If interested in learning more about medical weight loss tailored to your unique needs, contact Wellness Hormone Clinic in Frankfort to schedule a risk factor assessment and program consultation today. New patient appointments are readily available, and semaglutide initiation can begin promptly once deemed clinically appropriate. Now is the optimal time to take control of your health destiny!
