Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used for weight management and to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
When used for chronic weight management in adults, semaglutide has been shown to produce significant weight loss compared to placebo. In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide lost an average of 12-16% of their body weight over 68 weeks when combined with diet and exercise. This amounted to an average weight loss of 30-50 pounds.
Some key points about weight loss with semaglutide:
- Weight loss results vary between individuals. Some lose more and some less than the trial averages. Many factors impact individual results including diet, activity levels, baseline weight, genetics, etc.
- Weight loss is gradual, occurring consistently over 16 months in trials. It is not a rapid or dramatic weight loss medication.
- The maximum recommended daily dose is 2.4 mg. Higher doses have not been shown to increase weight loss but may increase side effects.
- Weight plateaus or small regains may occur during the course of treatment. Adjustments to diet and lifestyle are often needed to reinitiate weight loss.
- Some weight regain after stopping semaglutide is common, underscoring the importance of lifestyle changes during treatment.
How Semaglutide Promotes Weight Loss
Semaglutide helps induce weight loss through the following mechanisms:
- Suppression of appetite - It acts on appetite centers in the brain to promote feelings of fullness and satiety. People tend to eat less because they feel satisfied on fewer calories.
- Slows gastric emptying - It slows down the rate at which food empties from the stomach which enhances feelings of fullness.
- Increases insulin sensitivity - It can lower blood sugar by improving the body's sensitivity to insulin. This encourages glucose uptake by cells for energy rather than fat storage.
Who is a Good Candidate for Semaglutide?
Semaglutide may be an appropriate weight loss option for adults if:
- BMI is 27 kg/m2 or higher (overweight or obese)
- Diet and exercise changes alone have not produced significant long-term weight loss
- There are no contraindications to GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy
- Committed to making lifestyle changes during treatment for maximum results
Side Effects and Warnings
As with any medication, semaglutide does have some potential side effects including:
- Nausea - Most common side effect, especially when first starting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Low blood sugar (rare)
Though generally well-tolerated, semaglutide is not appropriate for everyone due to risks like thyroid tumors and gallbladder problems.
Hormone Wellness Center provides complete medical oversight including lab testing and nutritional guidance to promote safe and successful weight loss on semaglutide.
To learn more or determine if semaglutide for weight loss is right for you, please contact
Hormone Wellness Center to schedule a consultation with one of our weight management specialists. Call or visit www.Hormone Wellness Center.com today to take the first step toward achieving your weight loss goals!