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What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used for weight loss and to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.

Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that helps control blood sugar and appetite. It sends signals to the brain to reduce appetite and food intake, resulting in potential weight loss. It also slows digestion and keeps blood sugar levels steady.

Semaglutide shots can lead to substantial weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide lost on average 12-15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.

Who is a Good Candidate for Semaglutide?

Semaglutide may be a good option for weight loss if you:

  • Are overweight or obese (BMI ≥27)
  • Have failed to lose weight through diet and exercise alone
  • Do not have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • Do not have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2

It is also FDA-approved as an adjunct treatment for type 2 diabetes, as it can lower A1c levels significantly.

Talk to your doctor to find out if prescription semaglutide injections are appropriate for your needs.

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Ask your doctor about semaglutide for weight loss.

How Semaglutide Injections Help with Weight Loss

There are several ways that semaglutide for weight loss is believed to work:

  • Appetite suppression: It sends signals to the brain leading to reduced hunger and calorie intake
  • Slowed stomach emptying: It slows digestion so you feel full for longer after eating
  • Blood sugar control: It keeps blood sugar steady, preventing energy crashes and cravings

By influencing appetite, food intake, and blood sugar, semaglutide promotes weight loss while helping regulate energy levels.

Dosing and Administration

Semaglutide shots should be injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The starting dose is 0.25 mg weekly, increased gradually up to the 1 mg dose for maximum weight loss benefits.

Semaglutide comes in a prefilled, disposable pen device. The pen makes injections straightforward with easy-to-follow instructions. Your healthcare provider will show you how to properly inject your medication.

Most people build up to taking semaglutide 1mg injection once weekly. It should be taken on the same day each week. If a dose is missed, it can be administered within 5 days.

What to Expect with Semaglutide Therapy

Many patients notice the effects of semaglutide injections after just 2-4 weeks, with maximal benefits seen after 12-16 weeks. However, weight loss results can vary significantly from person to person.

Over the course of treatment, possible semaglutide results may include:

  • 12-15% weight loss on average
  • Decreased BMI by 4-6 points
  • 3.5-4.5 inches lost around the waistline
  • Lowered blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Improved A1c and fasting glucose levels

As with any medication, there are some possible side effects to be aware of:

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea - usually mild after the first month
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Stomach pain
  • Burping
  • Heartburn
  • Changes in enzyme levels (monitored with blood tests)

Talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect and closely monitor any side effects.

Ask your doctor about semaglutide for weight loss.

Effectiveness Compared to Other Weight Loss Drugs

In head-to-head clinical trials comparing various prescription medications for obesity, semaglutide consistently ranks among the top performers for weight loss efficacy.

Comparative Analysis of Weight Loss Medications After 68 Weeks

Drug Average Weight Loss
Semaglutide 2.4 mg 17.4%
Liraglutide 3.0 mg 12.0%
Phentermine topiramate ER 10.2%
Naltrexone bupropion ER 7.8%
Orlistat 7.3%

The table above demonstrates the superiority of semaglutide injections over other common weight loss drugs. Participants also demonstrated better adherence over the 68-week study period compared to the other medications.

Lifestyle Changes That Enhance Semaglutide Results

While semaglutide can produce meaningful weight loss on its own, making certain lifestyle adjustments may enhance your results:

  • Follow an overall healthy, balanced diet - emphasize lean proteins, fruits/veggies, whole grains
  • Reduce consumption of processed foods, sugary beverages, alcohol, salt
  • Stay adequately hydrated - aim for 64 oz water daily
  • Exercise at least 150 minutes per week - mix cardio and strength training
  • Get enough high-quality sleep each night

Adopting healthy daily habits provides the foundation for successful, long-term weight management with prescription semaglutide.

Benefits Beyond Weight - Diabetes Management

In addition to obesity treatment, semaglutide injections are FDA-approved for improving blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.

Key semaglutide benefits for diabetes patients include:

  • Lower average blood glucose levels
  • Reduced glycated hemoglobin (A1c) by 1-2%
  • Decreased risk of diabetes complications
  • Less reliance on other blood sugar lowering medications
  • Weight loss resulting from appetite/calorie reduction

For those struggling to reach their target glucose or A1c levels through other means, adding semaglutide shots to the treatment regimen can get diabetes under better control.

Monitoring Safety and Tolerability

It is important to monitor labs and health markers to ensure semaglutide is well-tolerated:

  • A1c - provides average blood sugars over a 3-month span
  • Fasting glucose - blood sugar upon waking before food/drink
  • Lipid profile - monitors cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Blood pressure - decreased BP is common with semaglutide
  • Kidney function - eGFR and creatinine are followed
  • Thyroid function - due to rare risk of thyroid cancer

Schedule follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider every 3-6 months and report any concerning or prolonged side effects promptly.

Risks and Drawbacks to Consider

While the efficacy of semaglutide injections is well-proven, there are some risks to consider:

  • Potential side effects - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Unknown long-term cardiovascular risks
  • May increase heart rate 1-2 beats per minute
  • Risk of developing thyroid tumors
  • Requires lifelong commitment to healthy habits
  • Cost may be prohibitive depending on insurance

Carefully review the benefits and potential risks of semaglutide with your doctor before starting treatment.

Accessing Semaglutide and Affordability Concerns

Brand name Ozempic is often prescribed but can be costly without insurance coverage. The good news is there are ways to obtain semaglutide shots more economically:

  • Apply for drug copay or patient assistance programs
  • Explore using FDA-approved generic semaglutide
  • Use prescription discount cards and coupons when possible

Ask our staff about the most affordable way to start your weight loss journey with semaglutide injections.

Our Clinical Expertise in Semaglutide Treatment

The physicians at Restore Health Clinic specialize in customized weight management protocols centered around prescription semaglutide.

With extensive training in obesity medicine and endocrinology, our practitioners offer:

💉 Specialized expertise in semaglutide drug therapy 💉 Individualized treatment plans for optimal, safe results 💉 Comprehensive lab testing and medical monitoring 💉 Convenient telehealth options to start treatment from home 💉 Compassionate, judgement-free care focused on your wellness

We also provide nutritional counseling, fitness guidance, group support, and access to related specialists that complement your care.

With our patient-first approach, Restore Health Clinic aims to make proven semaglutide injections accessible and affordable to qualified candidates for obesity and diabetes in the area.

Finding the Right Semaglutide Specialist for You

If you have struggled with being overweight or have uncontrolled high blood sugar, it may be time to explore semaglutide. As an injectable weight loss medication, it offers sizable benefits but requires close medical supervision.

Tips for Finding a Qualified Prescriber:

  • Search for an endocrinologist or bariatrician with expertise in medications like Ozempic and Wegovy
  • Confirm the provider is board-certified in obesity medicine or a related specialty
  • Ask about their depth of experience with semaglutide specifically
  • See if they offer appetite/metabolism testing to personalize treatment
  • Make sure regular follow up and lab monitoring will be required
  • Check that insurance authorization assistance is provided

Take your time researching to find an experienced, reputable semaglutide injection clinic that makes your health their top priority. Schedule a consultation with our specialists to learn if prescription semaglutide for weight loss or diabetes is your "missing piece" on the path to better health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take Semaglutide to work for weight loss?

Most patients begin noticing gradual results within 2 to 4 weeks after starting regular semaglutide injections, with maximal weight loss effects occurring around 12-16 weeks. However, there is significant individual variation in timelines and overall efficacy.

Are there any special requirements or restrictions with Semaglutide?

Due to the potential risk of thyroid cancer, your thyroid health will need to be monitored closely with lab testing every 3 months. Women who could become pregnant also require birth control during treatment, and semaglutide cannot be used if planning pregnancy soon or breastfeeding. Lastly, individuals with severe kidney, liver, or pancreatic disease may not be candidates.

What happens when you stop taking Semaglutide injections?

Like most obesity pharmacotherapy, relapsing weight gain is unfortunately common when stopping semaglutide - especially if major lifestyle interventions are not sustained. Generally keeping as much lost weight off long-term requires the lifelong adoption of healthy eating, activity habits, and often ongoing medical treatments. Our clinic focuses on promoting lifestyle changes to complement semaglutide so any future weight-loss is as lasting as possible.

What are the main differences between Semaglutide vs Saxenda vs Wegovy?

The drugs Saxenda and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as the diabetes medication Ozempic. So there are no major clinical differences, only variations in FDA-approved indications and dosing. Wegovy and Saxenda were brought to market specifically for chronic weight management, at double the dose that Ozempic is prescribed for blood sugar control. All utilize the same injector pen device system.

Conclusion

At Restore Health Clinic, we specialize in supervised programs centered around innovative medications like semaglutide and comprehensive lifestyle optimization coaching. By addressing the underlying drivers of weight gain and elevated blood sugar, we aim not just for rapid improvements but lifelong solutions so you can live well.

Now accepting new patients for telehealth appointments or in-clinic care. Contact us today to find out if prescription semaglutide combined with our clinical expertise can help transform your health!

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