Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. More recently, a higher dose of semaglutide has been approved by the FDA specifically for chronic weight management.
How Semaglutide Promotes Weight Loss
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog that works by stimulating insulin production and suppressing appetite. It helps patients feel full sooner while eating less overall.
Specifically, semaglutide:
Over time, these effects promote significant weight loss for most patients.
Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that semaglutide is highly effective for weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
On average, people lose 15-18% of their body weight over 68 weeks on semaglutide. Some lose even more. This amount of weight loss can greatly improve obesity-related health conditions.
In head-to-head clinical trials, people lost 2-5 times more weight on semaglutide compared to other weight loss medications like phentermine or liraglutide.
Few other obesity medications lead to more than 10% weight loss, but it's common with semaglutide.
In addition to significant short-term weight loss, studies show most patients keep the weight off long-term while on semaglutide.
Maintenance of weight loss lasting 2 years or more gives semaglutide an advantage over most other weight loss methods.
Semaglutide may be an option for adults who meet the following criteria:
Having a BMI (body mass index) of at least 30 is required to qualify for semaglutide. BMI of 30 or more indicates obesity.
Candidates must be willing to improve their eating habits and physical activity levels for best results. Semaglutide enhances weight loss most when combined with these lifestyle changes.
Losing a significant amount of weight on semaglutide provides many health advantages including:
Studies show semaglutide often helps patients achieve diabetes remission through weight loss and better blood sugar control.
Up to 70% of people with type 2 diabetes before starting semaglutide no longer met the diagnostic criteria after one year of treatment.
Obesity is a major contributor to unhealthy cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
But semaglutide-assisted weight loss typically leads to marked improvements in lipid profiles and lowered blood pressure.
The beneficial health changes brought about by losing weight with semaglutide means many patients are able to stop some medications for conditions like diabetes, blood pressure, or cholesterol.
Surveys of semaglutide patients indicate greater physical mobility, energy levels, self-confidence, professional opportunities, and satisfaction enjoying activities previously impacted by obesity.
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 confirmed its effectiveness for weight loss in obese patients without diabetes, leading to FDA approval of a high dose semaglutide injection called Wegovy specifically for chronic weight management.
The following key steps make up the standard treatment protocol when starting semaglutide:
Initiating semaglutide requires an appointment with a healthcare provider for complete medical history review and examination.
They determine if semaglutide is appropriate and rules out reasons not to use it.
Thorough education ensures patients fully understand how semaglutide works, what side effects may occur, the need for lifestyle modifications, and what monitoring is involved.
Treatment starts with 0.25 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. The dose increases gradually over 5-8 weeks up to the 1–2.4 mg range needed for weight loss effects.
Patients return for repeat weigh-ins and refills every 4 weeks initially. Healthcare staff address medication side effects and reinforce lifestyle changes. Monitoring intervals extend over time.
Maximizing weight loss while on semaglutide requires adjustments like:
Working with a nutritionist to improve meal planning, caloric intake, and diet composition sets the stage for greater success. Focusing on whole foods over processed options offers health advantages too.
Increasing daily movement through steps, exercise, standing, or sports burns more calories. Building muscle through strength routines further elevates metabolism. Just 30-60 minutes daily makes a significant difference.
Addressing habits around emotional eating, stress, screen time, alcohol, or inadequate sleep promotes weight loss as well. Counseling assists with motivation and overcoming obstacles.
Small boosts across lifestyle areas combine to amplify semaglutide’s effects. Our staff provides guidance to make this sustainable.
To support healthy lifestyles during treatment, we suggest these Sea Bright establishments:
This versatile local gym offers personal training, group classes, strength and cardio equipment, and indoor cycling.
For hormone, cholesterol, A1C, and nutritional testing services, we recommend this nearby office.
Their cold-pressed juices, acai bowls, and salads make healthy, convenient meal options.
The Benefits of Balance & Renew Clinic
As a specialized hormone clinic focused specifically on weight management, the knowledgeable healthcare professionals at Balance & Renew Clinic offer trusted guidance regarding:
Obesity causes cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and depression.
The health risks rise as more excess weight accumulates over time. Years taken off one’s life span is not uncommon.
This poor long-term trajectory makes early intervention with semaglutide so valuable - sustained weight loss helps prevent or reverse these obesity-related illnesses.
Our clinic offers streamlined access to this life-changing prescription therapy assisted by a customized treatment approach.
Known for its small-town charm and beautiful beaches, Sea Bright also offers amenities conducive to health including:
Pedestrian-friendly streets overlooking Sandy Hook Bay provide plenty of options for low-impact cardio while enjoying ocean views. The ocean breeze can re-energize the daily step goal.
Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and open-water swimming supply no-impact alternatives to raise activity levels, all with built-in resistance training. Yoga classes on the sand further elevate heart rates. Surrounded by opportunity, it’s easy to stay active in Sea Bright year-round.
Long strolls on essentially empty beaches during off-season provide stress relief through outdoor tranquility. Watching the sunset over the water enhances mental health. With ample Zen moments, Sea Bright enables the lifestyle balance vital for weight loss.
So for those needing extra motivation on their path to fitness, the inspiring backdrop of Sea Bright supplies it. Let our clinic guide the way.
