Semaglutide for weight loss
Semaglutide is a once a week injection medication that was initially developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it has also shown promise as a weight loss medication in recent studies. The brand name for the weight loss formulation of semaglutide is "Ozempic" or "Wegovy." Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. By activating the GLP-1 receptors, semaglutide can reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness, and slow down the emptying of the stomach.
In clinical trials, semaglutide has demonstrated significant weight loss effects. In one study called the STEP trial, participants who took semaglutide along with lifestyle interventions achieved greater weight loss compared to those who received a placebo. On average, participants taking semaglutide lost around 15% of their body weight. It's important to note that semaglutide should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional and is currently approved for weight management
Like any medication, semaglutide can have side effects. The most common side effects reported in clinical trials include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These side effects are generally mild and tend to improve over time.
If you're interested in semaglutide for weight loss, we can assess whether it is a suitable option for you and provide guidance on the appropriate dosage and monitoring. It's important to remember that weight loss medications should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to weight management, which includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and lifestyle modifications. Our program is $595 for the first 2 1/2 months which includes drug supply, then approximately $450-$550 a month which includes drug supply & medical monitoring (Great savings when compared to $1000-1200+ for the drug alone when not covered by insurance)
Looking to contour and remove bulges or the muffin top rapidly? Consider checking out our Liposuction page , as Dr Varano has performed over 3000 liposuction procedures . Non invasive/ non surgical options check out our Coolsculpting or Cooltone pages
CLICK TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT/FREE CONSULT
Frequently Asked Questions
GLP-1 medications such as Semaglutides ( ozempic/wegovy) work by several mechanisms:
- GLP-1 Receptor Activation: Semaglutides binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptors, which are mainly located in the pancreas, brain, stomach, and other tissues. This activation triggers various physiological responses.
- Glucose Regulation: By activating GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, Semaglutides enhances insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose levels. This helps lower blood sugar levels by increasing the amount of insulin available to transport glucose into cells.
- Suppression of Glucagon: Semaglutides also suppresses the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. By reducing glucagon secretion, it helps prevent excessive glucose production in the liver.
- Slowing Gastric Emptying: slows down the emptying of the stomach, which can contribute to increased feelings of fullness and reduced appetite. This effect can aid in weight management.
- Brain Signaling: Activation of GLP-1 receptors in the brain affects the central nervous system and influences appetite regulation which helps reduce hunger and increase satiety signals, leading to a decreased desire to eat.
The initial cost of the program is $595 which includes the initial evaluation. This also includes the first 2 1/2 months of medications/supplies required for the injections. Followed by $195/ monthly plus the cost of medication (approximately $250-375 /month). This is a greatly reduced cost when the medication is not covered by insurance. Insurance typically only covers patients with pre existing diabetes.
1. Education
Our medically supervised staff will provide personalized support and direction.
Our staff will instruct you how to inject and use the Semaglutide. You will have an initial assessment and attend scheduled appointments in person or by telephone with our staff to assure that you are on you way to meeting your weight loss goal. Once that goal is reached, we will make sure each client understands how to maintain their new weight. We will review your medical history to make sure the treatment requirements are safe and effective for each individuals existing medical/health conditions
2. Medication
We will provide medication that suppresses your appetite and will help you stick to a low-calorie diet. If you are hungry, and your willpower gets depleted and susceptible to temptation then mediation and adjustments can be made. We can individualize and tailor each treatment regimen for each client. As you start losing weight and start getting healthier, your success will be positive reinforcement We will also prescribe proper supplemental nutritional requirements and which OTC vitamins can be purchased to maintain proper health.
3. Support
We will provide you the necessary support and monitor for any potential side effects, including our staffs email addresses, and contact information should you get off track or have any additional questions. We will adjust, titrate and refill the medication when it is needed
For those patients who are looking to spot reduce fat bulges we offer non surgical , non invasive Zeltiq Coolsculpting For larger areas of body contouring also offer the Slimlipo Laser Liposuction.
Some common side effects are: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue, heartburn, fatigue, hair loss. Our staff will monitor if you have any symptoms and adjust your dosage or prescribe any necessary additional medications to hel with symptoms.
- You have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Semaglutides such as Ozempic has been associated with an increased risk of thyroid tumors in animal studies. In Humans the risk of semaglutide induced thyroid relevance of rodent Thyroid C cell tumors has not been determined.
- You are allergic to semaglutide . Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and may require immediate medical attention.
- You have a history of severe gastrointestinal disease or have gastroparesis. it can slow down stomach emptying, and its use may exacerbate these conditions.
- You have a history of pancreatitis or decreased kidney function. There have been reports of pancreatitis in individuals using Semaglutides, and caution should be exercised if you have a history of this condition.
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breast feeding. The safety during pregnancy has not been established, and it is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy.
- Have a history of diabetic retinopathy
- You have history of severe depression or thoughts of suicide
83% of adults lost 5% or more of their body weight
66% of adults lost 10% or more of their body weight
48% of adults lost 15% or more of their body weight
* Disclaimer: As with all medical treatments Individual Results May Vary, No Guarantees.