WHAT IS SEMAGLUTIDE?

Semaglutide is an injectable peptide that was initially developed to treat Type-2 Diabetes. In 2021, the FDA approved injectable peptides to treat patients diagnosed with obesity, or patients who are overweight with at least one other            co-morbidity, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Semaglutide works by mimicking natural hormones, more specifically the “glucagon like peptide-1” or “GLP-1”. 
GLP-1’s lead to weight loss by: 
• Suppressing appetite
• Stabilizing blood sugar levels
• Controlling cravings
Semaglutide regulates insulin and blood sugar balance, which is a common root cause of weight gain and difficulty losing weight. Because GLP-1's do not cause low blood sugar, they can be used in people who do not have diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Side effects with this class of medication tend to be gastric in nature, such as nausea, constipation, mild abdominal pain, and heartburn. Some patients have reported fatigue and headaches. Most people tolerate the medication just fine. As you progress in dosing, the side effects tend to fade. 
You should not take this medication is you have a history of pancreatitis, untreated gallbladder disease, Type 1 Diabetes, poorly controlled Type 2 Diabetes, gastroparesis, diabetic retinopathy or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer. 

IS SEMAGLUTIDE SAFE?

Yes, this medication has been safely used since 2005 and have shown “positive benefits on cardiovascular parameters, including reductions in blood pressure, lipids, and weight”.

WHY IS IT SO POPULAR?

GLP-1 medication has shown greater weight loss results than any other prescription weight loss medication available. 
Studies show that the average weight loss with prescription injectable peptides is 15% of body weight with one year of use. Most users lose 1-2 lbs per week. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF I STOP TAKING SEMAGLUTIDE?

The medication works by forcing you to eat less. 
Unlike a “diet”, this medication takes over the daily thought process involved in dieting and stops the feelings of hunger and deprivation common with a decrease in calorie intake. This allows you to stick with a low calorie intake for an indefinite amount of time resulting in weight loss success. 
Once you reach your weight loss goals, it is possible to maintain your weight loss on your own. Your stomach will have shrunk and your eating habits will have changed. So with a conscious effort, you can successfully maintain your weight loss. 
Those who have struggled with weight issues for years will often choose to stay on the medication long term at a "maintenance dose." There are other oral medications that we can transition to once you meet your goal, to help fight the urge to overeat or binge eat.