Semaglutide is an exciting new compound used for weight loss treatment. Known by the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has shown remarkable efficacy for sustainable weight reduction in those struggling with obesity.
So how does it work exactly? Semaglutide is an injectable peptide that activates receptors in the brain involved in appetite regulation. By improving satiety signals, it helps patients feel fuller faster and for longer. Over weeks and months of treatment, this "appetite adjustment" makes it easier to reduce caloric intake and shed excess pounds.
Compared to lifestyle changes alone, semaglutide weight loss provides additional advantages:
Semaglutide is appropriate for patients that meet the following criteria:
The efficacy and safety data is strongest for those with obesity, however those who are overweight may also benefit.
Semaglutide treatment begins with a gradual dose titration over 5 weeks, eventually reaching a 1mg or 2.4mg weekly maintenance dosage. This helps patients tolerate early side effects like nausea. Most patients will self-inject semaglutide at home following some initial training.
During monthly follow-ups, patients receive:
Treatment typically continues for 6 to 12 months based on the degree of weight loss achieved and tolerance of side effects.
When it comes to medical weight management, partnering with an experienced semaglutide weight loss clinic provides the support needed to safely and effectively use this new medication.
Here at Vital Hormone Clinic in Alexandria, Virginia, we specialize in supervised programs for sustained weight reduction. Our clinical team includes knowledgeable physicians, nurses, dietitians and health coaches that guide patients through every step of treatment.
What sets us apart is our personalized, evidence-based approach that addresses the multiple complex factors behind stubborn excess weight. This includes:
In other words....we won’t just prescribe semaglutide shots and send patients off. We’ll work closely with each person to transform behaviors and habits so weight loss becomes lasting.
Struggling with obesity can feel like an endless frustrating battle. Fail to lose weight...gain it all back...repeat. It often seems easier to just accept the status quo.
But allowing excess body fat to accumulate over months and years without effective intervention comes at a real cost:
In a way, obesity could be compared to other chronic progressive conditions like heart disease or osteoporosis. Just as delaying treatment for those illnesses leads to incremental damage...so does "waiting" when it comes to obesity.
The good news? Just like innovating medications can halt the progression of other diseases...semaglutide represents a new promising option for tackling weight as well. So instead of watching your health metrics slowly deteriorate, you can take control and choose to take action.
And at Vital Hormone Clinic, our sole focus is creating individualized medical weight loss plans that work...starting with semaglutide if appropriate...so patients can finally get lasting results.
For those struggling with excess weight in Alexandria and the surrounding region, semaglutide may be the answer you’ve been waiting for.
To determine if it's right for your unique situation, contact the weight loss specialists at Vital Hormone Clinic today to schedule a private consultation.
Our entire team looks forward to helping you achieve sustainable success. Don't wait any longer...a healthier long-term you is closer than you think!
Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication that mimics a hormone called GLP-1. It works by suppressing appetite, slowing stomach emptying to increase feelings of fullness, and decreasing cravings. Ultimately, this makes it easier to eat less and lose weight. Studies have shown that people using semaglutide lost 2.4 times more weight over 68 weeks compared to placebo. It's an exciting new option approved by the FDA for chronic weight management.
To qualify for semaglutide, you must have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27-29.9 along with at least one weight-related health issue such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. You’ll need to visit a healthcare provider like a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant to get evaluated and have labs drawn to ensure it’s safe for you. They’ll review your medical history and determine if a prescription is appropriate.
On average, people lose around 12-15% of their body weight over roughly a year taking semaglutide along with diet and exercise. For example, if you weigh 250 pounds now, you might lose 30-37 pounds. Of course, weight loss varies from person to person depending on factors like your starting weight, age, gender and level of physical activity. Studies found 68-82% of people taking semaglutide lost ?5% of their body weight and 35-63% lost >10%.
The most common side effects of semaglutide are manageable gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. These tend to be mild-moderate and improve over a few weeks as your body adjusts. To minimize discomfort, inject it consistently around the same time daily with food and start with a low dose, gradually increasing. Less common side effects are gallbladder problems or worsening diabetic retinopathy. Alert your provider about vision changes or abdominal pain which could indicate complications.
Semaglutide isn’t cheap, costing $1000-1500 for a one month supply depending on pharmacy prices. However, many health insurance plans cover some obesity medications including semaglutide. Your out-of-pocket expense depends on your specific medical and prescription drug benefits. Meeting with an insurance specialist at the start of your weight loss journey can help you understand potential coverage and your total costs. Financing options may also be available to make this more affordable.
