Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. More recently, it has shown great promise as an effective weight loss treatment when prescribed in higher doses and combined with counseling on diet and exercise.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication that mimics the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. It works by slowing digestion and suppressing appetite, which promotes eating less without feeling increased hunger or cravings. Specifically, semaglutide:
Together, these effects make it easier to consume fewer calories while still feeling satisfied. Over time, this calorie deficit can lead to substantial fat burn and weight reduction.
Study data has shown that semaglutide can be highly effective for losing weight and keeping it off long-term when combined with lifestyle interventions. Compared to placebo, it approximately doubles the amount of weight loss achieved through diet and exercise alone.
Additional benefits of using semaglutide for weight loss include:
With regular use, semaglutide empowers patients to more easily establish and sustain healthy lifestyle habits that support ongoing weight management.
In order to prescribe semaglutide for weight loss, patients must first meet eligibility criteria based on having obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m^2 or higher. BMI provides an estimate of total body fat from an calculation involving height and weight measurements.
Patients who have overweight BMI between 25-30 kg/m^2 may also qualify if they have at least one weight-related health problem like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. These patients can substantially benefit from losing even 5-10% of their body weight.
There are certain pre-existing health conditions that may exclude someone from using semaglutide, including:
Make sure to disclose your full medical history to determine if semaglutide is appropriate for you. For some patients, the benefits of weight loss treatment can outweigh small risks with proper monitoring.
Since semaglutide is contraindicated in people with certain thyroid issues, baseline thyroid function blood tests are important prior to starting treatment:
Annual thyroid monitoring is also recommended for ongoing surveillance while using semaglutide long-term.
Semaglutide for weight loss is initiated at a dose of 0.25 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. After 4 weeks, the dosage can be increased to 0.5 mg, and then again up to the target dosage of 1.0 mg after an additional 4 weeks.
This gradual upward titration schedule minimizes side effects like nausea by allowing the body to adjust slowly. Most side effects are mild-moderate and resolve within days to weeks of continued treatment.
For best results, semaglutide should be prescribed alongside comprehensive lifestyle modification education for diet and physical activity from a trained professional like a doctor, nutritionist, or counselor. Key lifestyle change recommendations include:
Making these changes empowers the medication to work most effectively. Patients who combine semaglutide with intensive lifestyle treatment lose two to three times more weight than with placebo.
Patients using semaglutide for weight management should plan to continue treatment for at least 12 months as long as they are benefiting from and tolerating the medication. Staying on semaglutide helps sustain weight loss results over time instead of regaining weight after stopping treatment.
Maintenance therapy can be continued long-term for years given semaglutide’s favorable safety data. Appropriate follow-up care includes regular weigh-ins, refills of medication, bloodwork monitoring, and ongoing counseling.
The primary mechanisms of action of semaglutide that drive weight reduction include:
Together, these effects make establishing a calorie deficit easier in order to burn stored fat and lose weight over the long run.
The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal in nature due to the delay in gastric emptying promoting an early feeling of fullness:
These side effects are usually mild-moderate in intensity if experienced at all. They tend to emerge early on during treatment but improve significantly with dose escalation. Taking semaglutide with food or half the dose for the first month can further minimize nausea.
Rare but serious side effects requiring prompt medical care include problems with diabetic retinopathy complications, kidney function decline, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or severe allergic reaction. Hypoglycemia risk is low since semaglutide does not directly stimulate insulin secretion.
Semaglutide is available under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Both are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, but only Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management. Out-of-pocket costs range widely depending on individual insurance plan coverage:
Many major insurance providers now cover Wegovy for obesity with prior authorization, bringing copays down to $25-$100 per month typically. Self-pay options like prescription savings cards can also help reduce costs. Explore all options to make this effective weight loss treatment affordable.
Along with the pharmacological effects of semaglutide, making healthy lifestyle changes and addressing mental health factors can further help patients successfully manage weight long-term:
Lifestyle Recommendations
Mental Health Recommendations
Working holistically to improve physical health, mental health, relationships and overall wellness creates an environment primed for long-lasting weight management success.
Here at Revive Hormone Institute, we are fully devoted to providing cutting-edge hormone balancing solutions to help patients look, feel and perform their best. Our entire clinical team exclusively specializes in precision hormone replacement and optimization therapies.
For weight loss specifically, we offer dedicated expertise in powerful medications like semaglutide as part of customized total wellness treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs and goals.
Each person is unique, which means no single weight loss plan works universally. We take the time to thoroughly understand your health history, challenges, preferences and objectives so we can personalize an integrated plan just for you.
Our staff deeply cares about patient experiences and outcomes. We partner with you in a judgement-free environment to identify the lifestyle changes and medical interventions that will be most effective and sustainable based on your individual situation.
Successfully losing weight and keeping it off requires comprehensive knowledge about the mechanisms regulating hunger, metabolism and fat storage. We make sure to educate patients thoroughly so you understand how treatments like semaglutide work synergistically with customized nutrition, exercise and behavior modification techniques.
Knowledge is empowering and motivational. We also emphasize accountability through detailed treatment planning, progress tracking, routine follow-ups and open communication. Our goal is to equip patients with the tools and support for achieving transformative results.
Obesity and overweight impose significant health and quality of life burdens that often require medical solutions. The GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide represents an exciting new advancement for weight management when combined with lifestyle intervention.
Here at Revive Hormone Institute in Fallsington, Pennsylvania, we offer cutting-edge expertise in prescibing semaglutide for weight loss along with individually-tailored diet and activity planning. We also address the mental and emotional factors associated with weight by building self-efficacy, resilience and motivation.
Through compassionate, empowering, accountability-focused care, we aim to help patients achieve profound weight reductions that lead to genuine health improvements, confidence gains and maximal wellbeing. We urge those struggling with excess weight and obesity to explore how semaglutide could be a game-changing addition to your weight loss journey.
