Semaglutide Rapid Weight loss- New Year, New You!

Semaglutide is a medication used to treat type 2 Diabetes and is now approved for use in weight loss. It is a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists and is involved in regulating appetite and calorie intake.

It contributes to weight loss by appetite suppression by slowing the stomach emptying and acting on the brain to increase feelings of fullness. It also regulates blood sugar, which reduces cravings and erratic eating behavior.

Semaglutide is administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection. The treatment starts with a low dose to minimize side effects of slow gastric emptying, like heartburn, burping, and feeling bloated. The dose is then titrated up to the patient’s target dose. At the target dose, the patient should lose 1-2 pounds or more in a week with only mild GI side effects.

Medical supervision and Safety. Semaglutide requires a prescription. Our clinic specializing in Semaglutide provides direct access to our MDs and PAs, who are healthcare professionals who can safely prescribe and adjust the dosages. Unlike only focusing on diet and exercise, the goals are more easily met with the medical intervention from Semaglutide.

The criteria we use to decide if our patient is an appropriate candidate for our program are BMI (Body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or higher or the presence of one or more weight-related conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, fatty liver or metabolic syndrome. Candidates are those who have tried weight loss unsuccessfully through diet and exercise alone. A health assessment is to make sure there are no contraindications of semaglutide, like a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or MEN2 or a known allergy to semaglutide. Willingness to commit to lifestyle changes, including initially daily food logs. Once success begins with the medication, we offer coaching on a healthy diet and exercise lifestyle for long-term weight loss.

The results from our program can be significant, but they vary from person to person. Results are based on factors like baseline weight, adherence to the medication regimen, lifestyle changes, and individual metabolic factors. Committed and compliant patients can expect an average weight loss of 10-15% of their body weight in 3 months. At the end of the program, we repeat blood work, and individuals who lose this amount of weight can expect lower blood pressure, decreased cholesterol levels, and better blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.

The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal in nature and are worse when patients eat too much or too quickly. Mild symptoms are heartburn, bloating, burping, nausea, or intense fullness. If severe, they can be vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These side effects are more common at the beginning of the program and decrease as the patient gets used to the medication and new eating portions. Rare but serious side effects are pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, low blood sugar in combination with diabetic medications, kidney problems which are intensified with dehydration, diabetic retinopathy worsening, and thyroid cancer warnings based on animal studies. There are no studies on pregnancy and breastfeeding, and therefore, we do not treat women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The long-term effects of semaglutide weight loss are best when combined with lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. We find that our patients who have success and joy from their weight loss are more willing to embrace these lifestyle changes to continue at their new weight!

Yes! Before starting on any weight loss prescription medication, we need to evaluate your health status, medical history, family history, and any potential contraindications to the medication. This ensures that semaglutide is a safe, effective, and appropriate treatment option for you.

The duration of a typical weight loss program can vary depending on the individual, response to the medication, and the protocols of various clinics. At Dr. Monica Scheel Dermatology, we have found that patients will lose 20-30 lbs in a three-month clinic. If patients need to continue the medication for more weight loss, we recheck labs and health status, and if qualified, they can remain on the program for a discounted price of $150 per week. They must meet with a health care provider and have quarterly blood work to continue the program for additional weight loss or help with maintenance.

Yes! Dietary and lifestyle recommendations are integral to a semaglutide treatment program for weight loss. While semaglutide can reduce appetite and food cravings, its benefits are enhanced when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. We recommend nutrient-dense whole foods like lean proteins, vegetables, healthy fats, healthy whole grains, and fruit. We also recommend portion control, hydration, and limiting processed foods. For lifestyle recommendations, we focus on regular physical activity, keeping a food log, measuring portions, sleep, and stress management. Consistency and persistence combined with these changes will help achieve and maintain weight loss.