Everyone’s talking about semaglutide for weight loss. Better known by brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, these once-weekly semaglutide injections are changing how millions of people approach weight loss. But what is semaglutide, and does it really work?
Semaglutide is an innovative and safe compound approved by the Federal Drug & Food Administration (FDA) for use in drugs that treat weight loss and type 2 diabetes. Study after study has shown that semaglutide injections lead to considerable weight loss— up to 15% without any change in exercise.
Add diet and exercise to semaglutide treatment, and you’ll be on your way to a fitter, happier, healthier you very soon.
Semaglutide is Easy to Take & Effective.
Semaglutide is a once-weekly self-administered injection used to treat general weight loss, obesity, and even diabetes. A patient taking Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg injection) for a full year can experience total body weight loss of up to 15% more than diet and exercise alone.
How Semaglutide Works for Weight Loss.
Semaglutide is in a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1-based therapies mimic certain hormones in the gut. These hormones enhance insulin production, slow stomach emptying, reduce appetite, and regulate blood sugar levels.
What’s the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy, two popular semaglutide brands, are prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, respectively.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that both Ozempic and Wegovy are effective for obesity management and weight loss, with the active ingredient semaglutide showing clinically effective results at 3 and 6 months in individuals who are overweight.
Ozempic Treats Diabetes. It’s Also Used Off-Label for General Weight Loss.
Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, but it may also be prescribed off-label for weight loss. When other medications fail to control sugar levels adequately, Ozempic is used alongside diet and exercise programs to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy Is A Proven Weight Loss Treatment.
Wegovy is a higher dose of semaglutide with specific FDA approval for weight loss. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone and directs its effects toward brain regions responsible for controlling appetite and food intake. Clinical trials have indicated that Wegovy (semaglutide) can achieve a weight loss of at least 10% in approximately 70% of participants.
The suggested Wegovy dosage for weight loss starts at 0.25 mg once weekly, incrementally increasing every four weeks. The maintenance dosage is either 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg once weekly. You administer it in the privacy of your own home, and injections are virtually painless.
Semaglutide Takes Off The Weight. Let’s Keep It Off.
A track record of success indicates that using semaglutide for weight loss is a viable option, and it appears to us that semaglutide helps to maintain results for people who stick with a good diet and regular exercise. Users can expect a 10% reduction in their body weight within a year and some up to and past 15%.
So, how do we keep the results from semaglutide? Here are some tips:
- Include regular exercise.
- Prioritize strength training.
- Exercise portion control.
- Build your diet with foods that fill you up fast.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Prioritize sleep.
- Get your blood sugar levels evaluated.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help semaglutide users optimize their weight loss results and maintain them over the long term.
Let’s Take a Look at Potential Side Effects.
Semaglutide comes with potential side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Some cases present rare but severe risks, so it’s important to be aware of these potential reactions from the outset. Reports have found that in extremely rare cases, pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, and gastroparesis may be connected to semaglutide. Patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or heart disease can use semaglutide, as it has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events in people with or without diabetes.
Side Effects Get Better Over Time.
Common side effects of semaglutide diminish over time. A study has revealed that 43.9% of patients taking Semaglutide may experience nausea. Vomiting and diarrhea are less common side effects, with the duration of these symptoms varying between individuals.
In participants undergoing continuous 2.4 mg semaglutide treatment, a decrease in the prevalence of gastrointestinal issues has been observed over time.
Are You a Candidate for Semaglutide? Here are the numbers.
Adults with a body mass index (BMI) above 30 are eligible to be prescribed semaglutide for weight loss treatment. Or, if an individual has one or more weight-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, he or she is eligible, as well.
What kind of medical conditions don’t go well with semaglutide? Let’s take a close look:
- Active pancreatitis or a history of pancreatitis unrelated to diabetes.
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
- Personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome.
- Currently or planning to be pregnant.
It’s a safe, effective drug. We just have to stay vigilant and listen to our bodies.
Get Licensed Care. Avoid Off-Brands.
The FDA has issued warnings against off-brand versions due to safety issues and reports of adverse events. In the world of private insurance, coverage for semaglutide can differ based on the individual’s insurance plan.
Coverage may depend on the condition for which it is prescribed to you, whether your doctor is treating you for diabetes or using semaglutide for weight loss. Obesity treatment is often covered, but not all people in search of weight loss are obese. This is a conversation you’ll need to explore with a doctor moving forward.
Insurance Coverage Variability.
Insurance coverage for semaglutide prescriptions can vary across insurance companies and states. Some insurance companies that typically offer coverage for semaglutide prescriptions include:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
However, coverage may vary depending on the individual insurance plan. Some healthcare insurance plans may provide coverage when semaglutide is used to treat type 2 diabetes, while coverage for weight-loss purposes may be more restricted.
While Medicaid and Medicare do not cover semaglutide prescriptions for other weight loss medications, Medicare Part D may cover it when prescribed for type 2 diabetes treatment.
Want To Get Started Today? We’re Making It Easy.
Take advantage of the limited-time offer on semaglutide weight loss treatment, which includes:
- Three months of treatment
- Consultations
- Medication
- Follow-up visits
Valued at $1,500, available for $1,000 until 1/31/23.
Semaglutide Works. It’s Time to Talk to a Professional.
In conclusion, semaglutide is a powerful tool in the fight against obesity and type 2 diabetes. By regulating appetite, managing blood sugar levels, and promoting a comprehensive approach to weight management, it has the potential to transform lives.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional to determine if semaglutide is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone that targets an area of the brain that regulates appetite and food intake, improving insulin resistance and decreasing appetite. These actions result in weight loss, which can be maintained with lifestyle changes due to diet and exercise.
Semaglutide, in the form of Wegovy, is approved for long-term weight management in adults who are obese or who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition. Studies have found that semaglutide leads to significant weight loss: after 68 weeks, half of the participants lost 15% of their body weight, and nearly a third lost 20%. Overall, semaglutide has been shown to be effective in aiding weight loss.
People with a history of medullary thyroid cancer, gallbladder disease, or pancreatitis should not take semaglutide. Always talk to your doctor before trying new medications, particularly if you have a chronic condition.
