What is Semaglutide For Weight Loss?

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Semaglutide is growing in popularity as an option for weight loss.

Medical studies show benefit in taking Semaglutide for fat loss and improved body composition. Read on to learn more about the basics of Semaglutide for weight loss, how it works, and how you can receive Semaglutide treatment.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medication prescribed to help manage weight loss and diabetes. It mimics the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which increases insulin production, impacts blood sugar, and supports healthy metabolism.

Semaglutide is usually prescribed as an injection at varying dosages, depending on the patient’s needs. It’s typically a subcutaneous injection administered once a week (protocols may vary by patient).

How Does Semaglutide Work?

As we’ve discussed, Semaglutide is an analogue of GLP-1.

GLP-1 is important to overall health because it helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Cells in the gut secrete GLP-1 about half an hour after a meal. Then GLP-1 triggers the release of insulin while limiting the release of glucagon.

Insulin – Once the body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, insulin moves glucose to the body’s cells for energy. This lowers blood sugar levels.
Glucagon – This hormone is responsible for raising blood sugar, so it doesn’t dip too low into hypoglycemia.

Together, these hormones control blood sugar.

Conditions like chronic weight gain, obesity, and diabetes affect how the body regulates blood sugar and responds to insulin.

Obesity and weight gain often lead to insulin resistance, which means the cells in your body are less able to use energy from glucose in the blood. This causes higher blood sugar levels and may lead to type 2 diabetes and fat gain.

Patients with type 2 diabetes often have insufficient GLP-1 levels, while obese patients may experience fewer positive effects of GLP-1 due to insulin resistance.

Semaglutide mimics the effects of GLP-1.

This helps to manage blood sugar levels and bring the metabolism back into balance. This is crucial for weight loss as well as overall health.

Evidence also suggests that Semaglutide can control hunger and cravings. It does so by slowing down the digestive process, which can help patients feel full and satisfied for longer.

Bottom Line: Studies have shown that Semaglutide along with a healthy diet and lifestyle can lead to clinically significant weight loss.

Frequently Asked Questions About Semaglutide

Here are some other questions we receive about Semaglutide, along with our answers to help you understand the treatment.

Is Semaglutide approved for weight loss?

Semaglutide has been approved by the FDA under various brand names for the treatment of chronic weight management and obesity. The medication has demonstrated success in supporting weight loss within clinical trials.

Semaglutide is also FDA approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

How do I start taking Semaglutide for weight loss?

Semaglutide is only available by prescription. A Defy Medical provider can evaluate your symptoms, overall health, and relevant lab work to identify whether this medication is right for you. Our treatment program also requires a recent physical exam (PE) for a complete picture of your health.

Contact us today to see how you can get started.

Is Semaglutide Insulin?

Semaglutide can help manage type 2 diabetes, but it is not insulin. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonist that supports healthy blood sugar levels.

How long does Semaglutide take to work for weight loss?

Semaglutide typically reduces blood sugar levels within the first week, and patients often begin seeing weight loss at around 8 to twelve weeks. Results vary by patient, and Defy Medical creates individualized protocols to match each patient’s needs and goals.

To achieve weight loss, Semaglutide should be taken regularly. Patients usually start at a lower dose to get used to the medication, and then move up to a higher dose over time.

To maximize your Semaglutide weight loss protocol, it’s recommended to take Semaglutide alongside a healthy diet and exercise.

Is Semaglutide safe?

Studies show that Semaglutide is generally safe and well tolerated by most individuals. It’s important to follow you provider’s protocol, especially when combining Semaglutide with other treatments or therapies.

What are potential side effects of Semaglutide?

While Semaglutide has a good safety profile, there are some potential side effects. These include:

Heartburn, indigestion, and burping
Feeling bloated
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain and tenderness
Constipation

In rare instances, Semaglutide may have more serious side effects. Discuss these side effects and risks with an experienced provider to ensure you’re informed about your Semaglutide care plan.

Does insurance cover Semaglutide?

Whether Semaglutide is covered by your insurance depends on your insurance provider and plan. Unfortunately, many insurance companies don’t classify this type of service as medically necessary. If so, you may struggle to find coverage for your Semaglutide weight loss plan.

As a concierge clinic, Defy Medical offers expert care at set prices – with no insurance-related surprises. To do this, we do not accept or process insurance.

Semaglutide for Weight Loss at Defy Medical

Defy Medical offers physician-guided weight loss plans that include Semaglutide for qualifying patients.

Semaglutide is a promising potential treatment for chronic weight gain and obesity, and it has demonstrated results in improving body composition.

Since many negative health outcomes are associated with weight gain, a comprehensive fat loss plan can help improve overall health and wellness.

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What is Semaglutide For Weight Loss?

Semaglutide is growing in popularity as an option for weight loss.

What is Semaglutide?