Semaglutide (the main active ingredient in Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, and Wegovy®) is a medication for weight management that has become all the craze among Hollywood stars and the rich and famous. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analog. GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the small intestine that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion, thereby lowering blood sugar. Unlike many other weight loss medications, this medication can be used for long-term weight loss management.
What are the effects of semaglutide?
Studies show that semaglutide helps with:
- Slowing stomach emptying
- Control of cravings
- Improves control of eating
- Reduces appetite
- Increasing insulin release
- Improves glycemic control
According to Robert Kushner, MD, professor of medicine and medical education at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago “Semaglutide is the most impactful medication for the treatment of obesity, with 32% of participants losing at least 20% of their initial weight…It could be a game changer for those who struggle with obesity, which affects over 40% of American adults.” (1)
It is most effective as part of a comprehensive weight loss program that may include exercise, behavioral changes, calorie restriction, and diet changes as determined by your medical provider.
Who can use semaglutide?
If you are healthy and not pregnant or lactating, or do not have a known allergy to any of the ingredients, you should be able to use it safely. However, make sure to discuss with your physician any other medications you are taking or any allergies or chronic health conditions you have prior to using semaglutide.
Patients with the following conditions usually do not qualify for this medication: eating disorders, pregnant/breastfeeding, BMI < 27, gallbladder disease, recent bariatric surgery, diabetic retinopathy, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer or with a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
How is semaglutide taken?
Typically, it is a once-weekly injectable, but your particular dose and protocol will be determined by your prescribing provider. You can come into Balanced Medical Solutions for your injections or you can receive instructions on how you can inject at home.
What can I expect from a medical weight loss evaluation at Balanced Medical Solutions?
For only $99 you will have a consultation and exam with our medical specialists and we will run labs to check your hormone levels, thyroid function and other tests related to underlying causes of weight gain and inability to lose weight. Based on those results and your personal goals and experiences shared with our team, the medical team at Balanced Medical Solutions will tailor a weight loss treatment plan unique to your body type and circumstances and if semaglutide is a good fit for you, it will be recommended. We also monitor and are with you every step of the way with free follow-up visits.
Make an appointment today to access the secrets of the rich and famous and start your weight loss journey under the care of caring and experienced physicians who have helped thousands of patients reach their health and weight goals.
Request an appointment now through our online calendar, click here.
