Semaglutide is an injectable medication used for treating type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It helps improve blood sugar control along with diet and exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes. For weight loss, it is used together with increased physical activity, behavioral changes, and reduced calorie intake in adults who have obesity or who are overweight with weight-related medical problems.
Semaglutide works by acting like a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that lowers blood sugar levels. It also decreases appetite and food intake to aid in weight reduction.
The key benefits of semaglutide stem from its mechanism of action:
By improving insulin secretion, decreasing food intake, slowing digestion, and lowering glucagon levels, semaglutide provides better blood sugar control and supports weight loss.
Semaglutide was first approved for managing type 2 diabetes, as it effectively lowers hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels in adults.
HbA1c gives an average blood sugar reading over the past 2-3 months. Keeping HbA1c at target levels is key for reducing diabetes complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, vision loss, stroke, and heart disease.
In clinical trials, semaglutide injections lowered HbA1c by around 1-2% when used with metformin or other diabetes medications. This is a significant drop that can make a major difference in diabetes control.
For example, dropping HbA1c from 9% to 7% cuts the risk of eye, kidney, and nerve complications by 40%. Heart attack risk falls by 14% with each 1% reduction in HbA1c.
So using semaglutide provides considerable protection against diabetic complications when added to standard therapies.
In 2021, the FDA approved semaglutide for chronic weight management along with lifestyle changes. It is the first GLP-1 drug officially indicated for weight loss in adults with obesity or who are overweight with weight-related medical problems.
Semaglutide works very well for weight reduction, leading to average losses of 12-15% in clinical trials. This amount of weight loss can have profound health benefits like improving cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep apnea, mobility, and overall wellbeing.
There are two main ways semaglutide promotes weight loss:
1. Appetite Suppression
2. Slowed Gastric Emptying
Combined with lifestyle modifications, semaglutide is very effective for losing weight and sustaining results long-term.
If considering semaglutide, there are some basics to understand regarding treatment:
- It is injected under skin of abdomen, thigh, or upper arm - Self-injected once weekly using an automatic mini-pen device - Pen needles are very small (4-8 mm long) for comfort
- Starts with low 0.25 mg weekly dose - Gradually increased every 4 weeks up to 1-2 mg - Helps avoid side effects like nausea by slowly building tolerance
- Used long-term for type 2 diabetes and weight management - Discontinue if ineffective after 16-20 weeks - Requires prescription refills if benefits are demonstrated
- Most common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (usually transient) - Can also cause indigestion, stomach pain, headaches, fatigue - Rare but serious risks involve pancreatitis, gallbladder issues
Informing patients on what to expect with semaglutide helps promote safety, tolerability, and continued success.
Semaglutide is structurally similar to a human hormone called GLP-1 that helps control blood sugar. When injected weekly, it mimics the effects of GLP-1, stimulating the release of insulin only when blood sugar levels are high, leading to better blood sugar control with less risk of dangerous lows.
Being overweight and having persistently high blood sugar levels both pose considerable health risks if left unchecked. Some problems associated with excess weight and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes include:
The key is early intervention - recognizing signs of overweight/obesity and diabetes followed by swift, appropriate treatment measures.
Semaglutide injections are an excellent therapeutic option for tackling both weight and blood sugar issues simultaneously. Benefits are enhanced when paired with nutrition planning, activity increases, smoking cessation, and other positive health steps.
Here at Butterfly Hormone Center, we emphasize the significance of timely evaluation and delivery of proper treatment to improve patient outcomes. Whether managing diabetes or working toward healthy weight reduction, we help patients explore their options so they can take informed action.
When it comes to hormone-related conditions like diabetes and obesity, patients rightfully want a clinic they can trust.
Butterfly Hormone Center has provided exceptional endocrinology services to the Sweeny area for over
Our integrative methods take whole patient health into consideration when developing customized treatment plans aimed at underlying causes. We help patients make positive changes to diet, activity, sleep, and stress levels to augment medical management.
For semaglutide specifically, we handle everything from initial lab work and requisite paperwork to teaching proper injection techniques and monitoring progress. Patients appreciate our streamlined process and continuity of care.
To learn more about our practice or explore semaglutide as an option, contact Butterfly Hormone Center today to schedule a consultation. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to answer any questions and address your unique needs.
Deciding to use semaglutide injections is an important choice that requires understanding key aspects of therapy. Here is an overview of what to expect:
- Medical history - Height, weight, health conditions, prior weight loss attempts, etc. - Physical exam - Assess overall health, look for related issues - Lab tests - Check kidney and liver function, thyroid, nutrients, etc.
- Filling prescription - Use our affiliated pharmacy for best pricing - Injection instruction - Proper mixing, rotating sites, safe needle handling
- Start with 0.25 mg weekly dose - Increase gradually every 4 weeks up to 1-2 mg - Allows body to adjust and minimizes side effects
- Monitor weight, blood sugar changes, side effects - Dose tweaks if needed to improve results - Discontinue if no response after 16 weeks
- Continue if achieving desired therapeutic response - Requires commitment to healthy lifestyle changes - Refill prescriptions to sustain progress
We guide patients through every step to set them up for semaglutide success! Let our knowledgeable team help determine if this injectable treatment is right for your health goals.
Results vary, but average losses are:- 12-15% of starting weight over 12-20 months- For 200 lb person, expect 24-30 lb weight reduction
Appetite/fullness benefits in as little as 2 weeks- Weight loss noticeable after 3-4 weeks- Max weight loss by 6-9 months if adhering well
Start low dose and ramp slowly to improve tolerance- Taking medication with food helps minimize nausea- Symptoms typically peak in month 1 and subside- Call us if side effects are bothersome
Requires at least 12 months for maximal response- Continuing further boosts durability of results- Higher chance of weight regain after discontinuing- Decision to stop requires discussion
Cash price around $1500 monthly without insurance- Coverage varies - Medicare does not cover weight loss indication- We help patients navigate insurance questionsDon't hesitate to ask us any other questions about semaglutide treatment! Our team is happy to help you determine if it is a good fit for your health needs and weight loss plans.
If opting to move forward with semaglutide injections, understanding the basic protocols is key. Here is an outline of what to expect when getting started:
- Review health data, lifestyle factors, readiness to change - Set realistic outcome targets and timeline - Enhance motivation and commitment
- We send new prescription to an approved specialty pharmacy - They contact you for insurance details, co-pays, etc. - Deliver medication, needles, supplies to your home
- Schedule 1:1 teaching session with our nursing staff - Cover mixing, injecting, site rotation, needle handling - Ensure confident to self-administer properly
- Start with 0.25 mg dose once weekly x 4 weeks - Increase to 0.5 mg dose once weekly x 4 weeks - Increase to 1 mg dose once weekly x 4 weeks - Increase to 1.7/2 mg dose once weekly (max)
- Visit clinic every 12 weeks for first 6-9 months - Review response, side effects, progress to goals - Modify lifestyle plans as needed
- Continue visits every 6 months - Sustaining results with refill approvals - Alter plans if targets not being met
Let our exceptional staff guide you through the semaglutide process for the best possible treatment experience!
While semaglutide has direct therapeutic effects, making certain lifestyle changes can enhance its impact significantly. Here are our top recommendations:
- Reduce caloric intake by 500-800 calories daily - Limit processed foods, sugar, unhealthy fats - Increase fruits, vegetables, whole grains - Portion control with mindful eating habits
- Aim for 150-300 minutes weekly - Mix aerobic, strength training, flexibility - Gradually increase effort level over time - Enlist help of personal trainer if needed
- Prioritize 7-9 hours nightly - Develop calming pre-bed routine - Manage stress with yoga, meditation, socializing - Consider counseling for mood issues
- Communicate health goals with family/friends - Join weight loss support community - Celebrate small wins and milestones - Stay accountable to those around you
With commitment to positive behavior changes, semaglutide can help transform your health in incredible ways!
Getting started with a lifestyle transformation process along with semaglutide means looking for resources and outlets in your local community.
Here in Sweeny, we have some exceptional establishments to support your wellness journey:
This laboratory makes getting requisite bloodwork and tests convenient and affordable during your treatment. We work closely with Pure Health to coordinate care.
For all your healthy food, supplements, and nutrition advice needs, Wilson's Corner has you covered. Excellent selection and educated staff.
Featuring state-of-the-art equipment and energizing classes, this gym offers superb training options. Very beginner friendly.
Lean on locations like these to augment your health efforts! Our staff has great references for meal planning, home delivery food services, mental health practitioners, outdoor activity groups, and more. Just ask!
We hope this guide has enhanced your knowledge of semaglutide and how our exceptional clinic can support your treatment process. Our goal is simple - help patients achieve sustainable improvements in health.
To get started, schedule a consultation with Butterfly Hormone Center today. Let's review your needs, develop a personalized plan, and take advantage of this innovative therapy. Your best self is waiting!
