Semaglutide is an FDA-approved injection prescription weight loss medication that is a derivative of a natural hormone released from your body. Your body typically produces this hormone when you consume carbohydrates and proteins.
Originally developed and approved as a type 2 diabetes medication, Semaglutide can help regulate your blood sugar, slow down your digestion, and communicate with the center of your brain that regulates your appetite.
Semaglutide is also recommended for patients with known cardiovascular disease. A major study found that taking Semaglutide can contribute up to a 20% reduction in cardiovascular death, as well as non-fatal heart attacks and strokes.
Novo Nordisk, the makers of Semaglutide, have discontinued the use of body mass index (BMI) as the only means for patients to qualify for this medication. This means that other important metabolic parameters, such as waist circumference or percent fat mass, are now evaluated to assess eligibility for Semaglutide.
Semaglutide works best in conjunction with adequate high-quality protein consumption and balanced nutrition.
Its main side effects are nausea, indigestion, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, which go away with time.
Semaglutide may also be combined with other anti-obesity medications. Please note that at this time all anti-obesity medications are not approved for those who are planning to conceive or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Semaglutide is a synthetic version of a natural hormone in our body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is only active for a few minutes when naturally secreted from your body in response to food. However, the medication has an extended effect, helping you feel fuller between meals.
Semaglutide helps regulate the production of the appropriate amount of insulin secretion in response to food intake, thereby counteracting insulin resistance.
It also communicates with our gut to slow down digestion, resulting in increased satiety and effectively reducing your appetite.
The weight loss from taking Semaglutide can eliminate or reduce the severity of chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, elevated cholesterol, or heart disease, as well as reduce the risk (or minimize the severity) of weight-related cancers.
You are eligible for treatment with Semaglutide if you are diagnosed with obesity, or pre-obesity plus any chronic medical condition associated with weight, such as elevated blood pressure. Semaglutide treatment should be approached with caution and avoided if you have the following medical conditions.
Moreover, other medical conditions may influence the use of semaglutide. It is crucial to inform your healthcare professional if you have:
Women who are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding should not take Semaglutide.
You may experience some side effects after receiving your first few doses of Semaglutide. These side effects are typically related to your gastrointestinal tract and are usually mild. They tend to improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
Common side effects of semaglutide include:
Side effects may be most prominent at the start of treatment and when your dosage is increased. Medical attention is rarely required as these symptoms resolve with time.
However, if you notice any of the symptoms listed below, it is crucial to seek immediate medical advice:
At Apex Weight Solutions, we prescribe the following Semaglutide injections.
Ozempic® is an FDA-approved prescription medication for those with type 2 diabetes. It enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar levels which can offer significant benefits for managing type 2 diabetes.
In addition to improving your diabetes, Ozempic® reduces your risk of death from a heart attack, as well as the occurrence of non-fatal heart attacks or strokes.
Wegovy® is a Semaglutide specifically approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in those who are not diabetic. It is approved to treat patients with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) or overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) and weight-related medical conditions.
Wegovy® can be an important component of your weight loss journey. It is most effective when accompanied by optimized nutritional intake and physical activity. Currently, Wegovy® is approved for adults and children aged 12 years and older.
Both Wegovy® and Ozempic® injections are given subcutaneously, under your skin, in areas such as the belly, thigh, or upper arm once weekly.
Wegovy® and Ozempic® are identical medications with distinct FDA indications. The mechanism of action, side effects, and contraindications of Wegovy® are the same as that of Ozempic®.
At Apex Weight Solutions, we recognize that every weight loss journey is unique. We embrace a holistic approach to weight loss, prioritizing not only weight but also your long-term health and well-being.
Our team offers personalized weight loss plans tailored to your goals and health conditions. To schedule your consultation, request an appointment online or call us at 708-797-3541.
