Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. More recently, semaglutide has been found to promote significant weight loss when used specifically for that purpose. This article provides an overview of using semaglutide for weight management, including how it works, expected results, lifestyle recommendations, and more.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the effects of a hormone called GLP-1 that is released naturally by the body after eating. GLP-1 slows digestion and suppresses appetite, which promotes feelings of fullness and reductions in food intake.
Specifically, semaglutide:
By activating GLP-1 receptors, semaglutide blunts appetite and enhances satiety (feelings of fullness). People taking semaglutide for weight loss often report significantly reduced hunger and cravings.
Semaglutide also slows the rate at which food empties from the stomach into the intestines. This contributes to increased satiety and reductions in portion sizes.
In addition to effects on appetite and digestion, semaglutide has been shown to beneficially impact glucose and lipid metabolism. This may further promote reductions in body weight.
Through these mechanisms, semaglutide use consistently generates 5-15% body weight loss when combined with lifestyle intervention over 6-12 months. For some, losses of 15% or more are achievable.
Most people using semaglutide specifically for weight management can expect to lose around 12-15% of their body weight over 6-12 months. However, weight loss responses do vary significantly from person to person.
The first 4 weeks involve ramping up the semaglutide dose to reach the full treatment dose. Some initial weight loss of around 2-5 pounds is common during this time. Appetite suppression strengthens over this period.
This is typically when the most rapid weight loss occurs. Losses average around 1-3 pounds per week, but can be higher initially in some people. Total losses around Month 6 can reach 15 pounds.
Weight continues to come off for most people during Months 7-12, but often more slowly than earlier on. Total 12-month losses when combined with lifestyle intervention average 12-15% of starting weight.
After the first 12 months, semaglutide can be continued alongside lifestyle changes to maintain weight losses long-term. Regular provider follow-up is important during this phase.
While semaglutide drives weight reduction through effects on appetite/satiety and metabolism, committing to certain lifestyle changes can maximize results:
Creating an ongoing calorie deficit of 500-750 calories daily promotes steady fat loss. Very low-calorie diets generally aren’t required.
While not mandatory for semaglutide to work, adding 225-300 minutes per week of brisk walking, jogging, cycling or other aerobic exercise enhances overall calorie deficit. Strength training also helps maintain lean mass.
Eating high-protein foods like seafood, poultry, eggs and Greek yogurt helps preserve metabolic rate and lean tissue during weight loss. Fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains promotes satiety.
Getting enough sleep and keeping stress levels low sustains motivation for weight loss efforts. Consider relaxation practices like yoga, mindfulness meditation or massage.
Semaglutide was originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but researchers unexpectedly found it also caused significant weight loss as a side effect. Further studies showed that by adjusting the dose, semaglutide could be an effective medication for chronic weight management in obese patients without diabetes.
Alongside driving significant weight reduction for most people who use it, semaglutide treatment over months does require some medical, emotional and lifestyle support and preparation.
Like other GLP-1 drugs, semaglutide use can contribute to some gastrointestinal issues, especially early on. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Most side effects resolve or lessen substantially with time. Staying well hydrated and modifying diet/lifestyle helps manage them.
As semaglutide can lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels, periodic monitoring for people not diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension is prudent. Dose adjustments based on these readings may sometimes be required.
Regular visits with the healthcare provider managing semaglutide treatment are key to success. Weights, side effect reporting, medication adherence and progress on lifestyle change get reviewed at follow-ups. Dose titration or adding adjunctive medicines occurs if needed.
Letting family, friends and coworkers know about the use of semaglutide for weight loss engenders needed social support. Updates on progress, as well as any challenges faced, become easier to share.
Components like medical weight management counseling, fitness coaching, mental health therapy and registered dietitian guidance are extremely helpful for many people using semaglutide. Ask providers for referrals.
If semaglutide is appropriate to trial after medical assessment, certain medication administration and dosing protocols get followed. Key features include:
Semaglutide for weight management is a physician-prescribed injectable drug requiring training on proper injection technique. Storage conditions must also stay ideal. Compounded semaglutide solutions may have less oversight.
Patients are taught to self-inject semaglutide subcutaneously once per week on an ongoing basis. Abdomen, thighs and upper arms represent common injection sites with rotation important between doses.
Semaglutide starts at a low dose for a month before escalating up to reach the 1.0mg or 2.4mg final maintenance dose, which then continues. This dosing ramp-up reduces side effects.
The typical full treatment duration is 6-12 months for maximal weight reduction, but can extend longer if still losing and tolerating the drug well. Lifestyle habits critical for keeping weight off get reinforced over time.
Between the need for prescription authorization and costs not fully covered by all insurance plans, accessing semaglutide therapy requires some financial planning.
A prescription written by a licensed medical provider is always needed to start using pharmaceutical-grade semaglutide. Blood tests and medical clearance precede approval.
While many major insurance plans cover some GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide, approval criteria for weight loss and coverage details differ greatly between providers. Expect some out-of-pocket costs.
People struggling with affordability despite insurance approval may qualify for manufacturer compassionate care programs offering certain discounts or coverage assistance. Clinic staff can share details.
As an alternative for improved affordability over branded pharmaceutical semaglutide, compounded semaglutide solutions with similar therapeutic effects can get prescribed.
Alongside semaglutide injection treatment through Renewed Balance Clinic, Mayo offers great options to further boost weight management success before, during and after drug therapy.
Lab testing for baseline health metrics, treatment progress and safety monitoring is key. Nearby sites like AnyLab Diagnostics offer comprehensive panels and superior phlebotomy skill.
One underrated local gem lies along the Zumbro River. Beautiful designated pedestrian trails here provide miles of woodland paths conducive to walking, jogging or cycling for cardio exercise.
For strengthening both physical and mental fitness, classes at The Open Lotus Studio receive rave reviews. Instructors adeptly train beginners through advanced yogis in practices spurring lasting lifestyle change.
Making sustainable nutritional shifts is central to weight loss maintenance long-term. Services like PrepKitchen offer healthy, delicious, dietitian-designed prepared meals catering to specialized needs.
Recognizing semaglutide's impressive weight loss effects, acting promptly on indications of excess weight driving health decline is vitally important. Quick action leads to better outcomes.
Reaching and sustaining even 5-10% weight reduction markedly cuts risks for many weight-related conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and dementia according to research.
After initial success losing weight, statistically most people tend to gradually regain due to biological factors. Early semaglutide therapy interrupts this.
Beyond improving health parameters, successfully losing excess fat profoundly enhances self-image, emotional health, social functioning, sexuality and career trajectory for most patients.
If signs of unhealthy weight gain are present, meet with a knowledgeable medical provider sooner rather than later to discuss treatment options like semaglutide. The Renewed Balance Clinic weight care program stands ready to help patients in the Mayo area struggling with obesity or overweight. Call to learn more and get started.
Here at Renewed Balance Clinic, we take an integrative approach to obesity and overweight treatment consistent with the latest medical evidence. Visit our welcoming Mayo offices to learn more.
Our entire friendly staff appreciates the sensitivities around struggling with excess weight. We listen first and support patients physically and emotionally each step of the treatment journey.
Rather than rigid programs, our physicians develop fully customized plans blended from safe/effective medical, nutrition, fitness and mental health interventions for optimum, lasting weight loss.
Where appropriate after thorough evaluations, we skillfully prescribe advanced pharmaceuticals like semaglutide supporting weight loss alongside intensive lifestyle guidance. Ongoing optimizing occurs based on response.
We realize maintaining weight loss poses challenges after initial progress. Our maintenance phase prioritizes prevention of weight regain through mindfulness, executive health coaching and accountability.
Renewed Balance Clinic stands prepared to fully support the weight loss journey of those in the Mayo region determined to regain health, confidence and quality of life. Call today to arrange a visit and consultation.
