Semaglutide is an incretin mimetic injection used for improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. More recently, a higher dose of semaglutide has been approved by the FDA specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight.
When used for weight loss, semaglutide works by controlling appetite and reducing hunger. This helps people eat less and lose significant weight safely over time.
In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide lost around 15% of their body weight on average after about 16 months. Some even lost up to 25% of their initial weight.
Below we will discuss more about how semaglutide promotes weight loss, its results, safety, costs, and how to get started on semaglutide shots for obesity treatment.
Together, these effects mean that people naturally eat less without having to feel hungry or deprived. Over time, this calorie deficit leads to accelerated and substantial weight loss.
Clinical trials have shown that semaglutide is very effective for weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes:
This amount of weight loss is greater than what is typically seen with just lifestyle interventions alone.
People also lost weight rapidly in the first 16-20 weeks. But importantly, the weight loss was sustained over 2 years in those who continued treatment.
Furthermore, semaglutide helped overweight and obese study participants lose significant fat mass. People taking it were also more likely to lose ≥15% and >20% of their initial weight.
So real world results show that with semaglutide, losing upwards of 15 pounds or more is quite achievable for most adults struggling with excess weight and obesity.
Semaglutide has been very successful for weight loss and could be an option for you if:
Semaglutide is appropriate for use by both men and women. If you fit the above criteria, semaglutide shots may help you finally overcome barriers to losing weight!
The endocrinology experts at Vitality Hormone Center carefully screen each patient to determine if semaglutide for weight loss is appropriate.
During your consultation, we will review your full medical history, weight loss goals, and expectations. Any contraindicated conditions or interactions with medications you take will also be assessed.
Our personalized approach helps ensure treatment success and safety. We will take the time to determine if semaglutide is the right weight loss injection to help you meet your needs.
Starting semaglutide treatment requires getting set up with teaching injections and adherence planning. Then comes a dose escalation period to improve gastrointestinal tolerance. Finally, the maintenance phase aims for steady enhanced weight loss at the full dose.
Initially, semaglutide comes as a prefilled pen device used to self-inject just under skin. A nurse will provide hand-on training for preparing and injecting doses properly.
We also make a weight loss adherance plan catered to your lifestyle to promote compliance. This includes healthy eating guidance plus exercise and behavioral goal-setting.
Ramping up doses gradually gives the body time to adjust and helps minimize temporary GI issues.
Once at 1 mg weekly, most patients stay on semaglutide for at least 12 months. Extending treatment beyond 1 year and a half helps sustain weight loss results over the long term.
Every 3-6 months, patients undergo an efficacy assessment. We may modify diet/lifestyle aspects of the adherance plan to further boost weight loss at this time if needed.
Overall, closely monitoring progress and providing support improves adherence and gives semaglutide the best chance to promote successful, maintained weight loss.
-Nausea is the most common adverse effect, reported by up to 40% of patients on semaglutide. Thankfully, it is usually mild to moderate and temporary during the dose escalation phase.
-Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal effects like constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain can also occur. These symptoms often resolve on their own with some diet modifications after a few weeks.
-Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may uncommonly occur in those with type 2 diabetes also taking insulin or sulfonylureas. Monitoring carbohydrate intake and coordinating medication adjustments prevents hypoglycemic episodes.
Rare but serious risks requiring prompt medical care include:
-Pancreatitis - severe abdominal pain with or without nausea/vomiting
-Gallbladder problems - severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, jaundice
-Allergic reaction - swelling, rash, breathing difficulty, very low blood pressure
Semaglutide is not recommended if you/your child have:
Inform your Vitality Hormone Center provider if you have a personal or family history of:
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Warnings: Semaglutide has not been studied for safety in pregnancy. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discontinue breastfeeding for at least 2 months after the last dose.
Please discuss your full medical history and all medications with your Vitality Hormone Center provider to allow proper screening for risks before starting.
Most insurance plans cover some portion of semaglutide weight loss treatment. With insurance coverage, your out-of-pocket monthly cost may range from $25 to $150 each month.
For the uninsured, retail cost is over $1500 per month currently. However, the Vitality Hormone Center billing team can research available financial assistance options that may reduce your self-pay costs.
Ultimately costs will depend on your specific insurance plan. We help patients minimize expenses so that the benefits of semaglutide can be accessible despite high retail pricing.
To get started with semaglutide for obesity/weight loss in Mediapolis, MN, please call to schedule a new patient consultation at Vitality Hormone Center.
During the first visit, our endocrinology specialist will:
We also coordinate any prior authorizations needed to ensure insurance covers these new semaglutide shots whenever possible.
Here at Vitality Hormone Center, your weight loss goals and comfort during treatment are our top priorities! We look forward to helping guide your journey with semaglutide.
Being significantly overweight comes with substantial health consequences over time. Obesity notably increases risks for:
-Heart disease - 1 cause of death in the U.S.
-Diabetes mellitus - high blood sugar damages organs
-Certain cancers - esophagus, pancreas, colon etc.
-Osteoarthritis - wears away joints causing chronic pain
-Sleep apnea - interrupted breathing during sleep
Additionally, dealing with obesity may lead to:
Don't wait to get treatment. The endocrinology specialists at Vitality Hormone Center help patients take control over their weight sooner rather than later. Successfully losing excess fat can reverse and prevent myriad health conditions while also improving mental health.
Visit Vitality Hormone Center today to learn about science-backed, safe options tailored to your unique needs! Take advantage of our expertise to give you the best chance at long-term weight loss success.
-> Over 15 years of experience providing individualized obesity pharmacotherapy
-> Cutting-edge non-invasive testing to uncover root causes of weight gain
-> Compassionate support focused on your whole health during treatment
-> Meticulous follow-up and medication adjustments for optimal outcomes
Come to the experts at Vitality Hormone Center! We go beyond the standard to offer proven medical therapies so you can finally accomplish your weight loss goals.
