If semaglutide sounds familiar, that is because, before it was approved for use for long-term weight management, it was the active ingredient in medications used to treat Type 2 Diabetes. In 2017, Ozempic, an injectable medication with the main ingredient of semaglutide, was approved by the FDA for treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. It was followed in 2019 by the approval of Rybelsus, an oral pill with the main ingredient of semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes. 

People began to notice that while Ozempic and Rybelsus increased insulin production by stimulating the pancreas, which helped to lower blood sugar levels, it had another unexpected side effect – weight loss. 

After conducting numerous clinical studies, the manufacturers of Ozempic and Rybelus, Novo Nordisk, created a new drug known as Wegovy which uses semaglutide for weight loss. In 2021, this revolutionary weight loss medication gained FDA approval and has since helped thousands of people lose weight. 

Just how much weight have people lost with the use of semaglutide? Clinical studies showed that many people were able to lose 15% to 20% of their starting weight with the use of semaglutide.

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 agnostic. It is commonly known by its much shorter name of GLP-1 agonist. GLP-1 is a natural hormone that is produced by the gastrointestinal system to help with insulin production by stimulating the pancreas, but it can also help signal to the brain a feeling of fullness.

Semaglutide is designed to mimic the natural hormone of GLP-1. When it is consumed or injected, the body reacts to it as if it naturally produced the GLP-1.

Semaglutide for weight loss slows the emptying of the stomach by binding to the receptors that are located in the lining of the stomach. The slower emptying of the stomach sends a signal of fullness to the brain. This helps reduce your food intake and decreases your appetite, two things that are necessary for weight loss, because you feel full and are less likely to want to eat.

By combining insulin production, which encourages the body to break down foods and fats more efficiently, with the feeling of fullness that comes from the slower emptying of the stomach, you can see dramatic weight loss results with the use of semaglutide.

When using semaglutide for weight loss or weight management, it can only be administered as an injection. The injection is administered on a weekly basis.

With VitaMedics's semaglutide program, you will be closely monitored to help determine what dosage is right for you. Since you are being closely monitored on a weekly basis, we can make adjustments to your semaglutide dose on an as-needed basis. This helps you see optimum results as your program is tailored to meet your unique needs.

Considering that semaglutide works directly with the gastrointestinal system, it is no surprise that the most common side effects are gastrointestinal in nature. Some of the most common side effects experienced by those who use semaglutide for weight loss include:

• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Gas
• Diarrhea

Even though there are some side effects with the use of semaglutide, it is still extremely safe to use for weight loss. In fact, it has fewer side effects than other weight loss medications available on the market.

While side effects from semaglutide are rare, they can still happen. Your comfort is important to us, which is why with the VitaMedics semaglutide program, our physician may prescribe oral Zofran on an as-needed basis which can help with nausea. 

Our weekly monitoring also helps control side effects. We start you out at a low dosage and slowly increase it over time. If you experience side effects, your clinician at VitaMedics can adjust the dosing as needed.

Semaglutide for weight loss is intended for use by individuals who are diagnosed as obese or overweight. A diagnosis of "obesity" is usually made with a BMI of greater than 30, while an "overweight" diagnosis is made with a BMI of greater than 27.

In addition to a diagnosis of overweight (BMI of 27), there also must be at least one weight-related medication condition present. Weight-related medical conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol or Type 2 Diabetes.

While semaglutide is safe to use, it is not intended for use if you have any of the following:

• Family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) - a rare form of thyroid cancer
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome Type 2
• Known allergy to semaglutide
• Currently breastfeeding or have a plan to breastfeed
• Currently pregnant

If you’re looking for a quick way to get started on shedding those extra pounds, then semaglutide might just be what you need! If you are ready to start your weight loss journey call (281) 305-8955 or complete the online Semaglutide Questionnaire and Consult Form above to determine eligibility. Our initial consultation is free and we can help you determine if you could benefit from using our semaglutide program. We look forward to helping you with all of your wellness needs!