Medical Weight Loss with Semaglutide
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you are reading this, you are probably interested in weight loss!
Some of you are looking for a jumpstart to lose the 10-40 lbs you have gained over the past few years and others have struggled with obesity for your entire life and are looking for help outside of surgery.
Many of you have watched the commercials for Diabetes and have heard the names: Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy. These are brand names but the generic name is Semaglutide. This medication is intended to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke in TYPE II DIABETES. It is not Insulin.
In studies for diabetics, one of the common side effects across the board for this class of medication was WEIGHT LOSS. It is also noted to improve HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels.
Semaglutide has not been approved by most insurances yet for obesity and while it can be prescribed, the out of pocket cost is very high.
However, a compounded formulation is available through our Medical Director, Dr Heather Evans at our medical spa, Tensegrity Health & Aesthetics. We are proud of the fact we are able to help people with their weight and overall health!
SEMAGLUTIDE FAQs
How Does It Work?
Semaglutide is a medication that helps people lose weight by reducing their appetite. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1_analogues. GLP-1 is a hormone that is released when you eat food. It signals to your brain that you are full and reduces your appetite.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1 by binding to the same receptors in your brain as GLP-1. Semaglutide allows you to feel full sooner and therefore not consume as much food as you may be used to. It also slows down the emptying of your stomach which makes you stay full for a longer period of time.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1 by binding to the same receptors in your brain as GLP-1. Semaglutide allows you to feel full sooner and therefore not consume as much food as you may be used to. It also slows down the emptying of your stomach which makes you stay full for a longer period of time.
How is it Dosed?
Some institutions will give you your medication without adjustments on a monthly basis. Here at Tensegrity, we appreciate a more personal relationship and prefer to monitor more closely so we can manage your dose specific to you and your requirements. We have learned that each person has their "sweet spot" which weight will just start to reduce. The first 4 weeks is spent letting your body get used to this medication with only slight adjustments as side effects can be difficult. In the second month we start to ramp up as tolerated and by month 3-4 we are expecting to meet your requirements for successful loss.
What are the Side Effects?
20% of people get nausea and constipation. 11% get fatigue (the less you eat the less energy you have - so it is important to get adequate nutrition on this medication!) 9% get constipation or diarrhea. 2% get gallbladder symptoms evidenced by stomach pain, jaundice and clay stools. 2% get kidney symptoms which are secondary to dehydration from lack of water intake or diarrhea and vomiting - stay hydrated!
Also, there is a rare chance of Pancreatitis. This is a serious medical condition with symptoms of upper abdominal and back pain. Again this is why we closely monitor dosing.
Also, there is a rare chance of Pancreatitis. This is a serious medical condition with symptoms of upper abdominal and back pain. Again this is why we closely monitor dosing.
Is it Worth?
If your BMI is over 30 you probably think it is especially if you are reading this. Symptoms are managed primarily through personalized dosing with our knowledgeable staff. Zofran can be used for nausea if needed. This is an oral antiemetic and works quite well for the transient nausea you may get initially or with dose increases. We also recommend increasing your water intake and taking a stool softener.
Who Should not use SEMAGLUTIDE?
If you are a diabetic, we recommend that your medications be prescribed and monitored by your PCP.
If you have or have had a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, this medication should NOT be used.
Do I have to take this Forever?
Maybe. If you are severely overweight, this may be a life-long medication for you. Studies show that weight gain is to be expected if you discontinue the medication UNLESS you have modified your lifestyle with exercise and healthier eating habits and continue to do and eat exactly as you have while on the medication. Remember - the appetite suppression will be gone once this medication is stopped.
We can assist you on this journey of weight loss, but it is best accomplished in addition to lifestyle change!!! We recommend other support systems for learning how to eat healthy such as programs like Weight Watchers or a nutritionist, as well as learning lifelong healthy exercise habits!
We can assist you on this journey of weight loss, but it is best accomplished in addition to lifestyle change!!! We recommend other support systems for learning how to eat healthy such as programs like Weight Watchers or a nutritionist, as well as learning lifelong healthy exercise habits!
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Medical Weight Loss
Semaglutide
To be successful, YOU will have to be the “captain of your ship”. For the clients who just need incentive to drop a “few” then be on their way, this will be possible with the correct mental fortitude and habits. The body needs time to adapt to your new weight. We are working on ways to wean people gently once at goal weight with bi-weekly injections as the half-life of this medication lasts 10-14 days.