Semaglutide

Losing weight and keeping it off can be very difficult, or close to impossible – until semaglutide was developed. Branded as Wegovy and Ozempic, semaglutide therapy can help you achieve your weight loss goals with once-a-week injections.

woman hiking after medical weight loss in Glendale

What is semaglutide?

The FDA has approved semaglutide injection for chronic weight management for patients who are obese or overweight and suffering at least one weight-related condition, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. In the past, the best option may have been bariatric surgery – but times have changed – rather than surgery, a simple, once-a-week injection allows patients to shed weight easily, quickly, and safely.

How does semaglutide work?

Semaglutide was the subject of four clinical trials lasting 68 weeks. In one study, patients lost an average of 12.4% of their weight compared to the group of subjects given the placebo. The medication mimics a peptide occurring naturally in the body called GLP-1, which affects the section of the brain that controls both hunger and appetite.

Who is a candidate for semaglutide?

Semaglutide injections are considered safe and effective on younger and older patients of all ethnicities. Patients with a BMI of 27 or higher who are experiencing at least one weight-related condition are considered likely to be good candidates for semaglutide injections. The medication has proven to be particularly effective for patients with diabetes, who are often at risk for developing cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and other health conditions. If you want to learn more about semaglutide injections, the medical doctors at Arch Medical Group have achieved excellent results with this therapy and are here to help.

What are the benefits of semaglutide?

Semaglutide has been found to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like stroke, heart attack, or death for adults with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease. Overall, Ozempic has shown promising results in improving blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events for adults with type 2 diabetes under the care of an experienced physician. The benefits include:

Improved blood sugar control

Semaglutide helps to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production in the body.

Weight loss

Semaglutide has been shown to help people lose weight by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness.

Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

Semaglutide has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes.

Easy to use

Semaglutide injections are easy to use and can be self-administered at home.

Long-lasting effects

Semaglutide injections only need to be taken once a week, which means that people with type 2 diabetes can enjoy the benefits of the medication without having to worry about taking it multiple times a day.

woman at party at semaglutide in Glendale

What is the treatment?

This life-changing weight loss therapy involves a one-a-week injection under the skin of the arm, abdomen, or upper legs. The dosage and frequency of the injections can vary depending on the individual’s weight loss goals and response to the medication. The starting dose is 0.25 mg once a week for four weeks, followed by an increase to 0.5 mg once a week for at least four weeks. The maintenance dose is 1 mg once a week, which is the highest dose. The injections are performed with a very thin needle and are not difficult to experience. Some patients experience some side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, fatigue, and some others, but continue with the therapy as the results are so rewarding.

What is the recovery time after semaglutide therapy?

After a weekly injection, patients can return to their usual schedule. Some may experience mild redness or swelling at the injection site, but these side effects are usually minor. The patient performs the injections at home once a week as directed by the doctor managing the weight loss journey.

How much weight can you lose on semaglutide (Wegovy or Ozempic)

The amount of weight you can lose semaglutide will vary based on several factors, including your starting weight, your diet, your exercise habits, and any health conditions you may have. In clinical trials, obese adults in the study lost an average of 12 to 13% of their body weight during a 68-week period, compared to only 2% to 4% weight loss for trial subjects who took the placebo. Semaglutide injections, for best results, should be in combination with a healthy diet and exercise program.

Why choose Arch Medical Group for semaglutide therapy?

At Arch Medical Group, the vision of our practice is “Heal and restore.” Our entire team is dedicated to delivering the highest quality services to help patients achieve optimum health, feeling their best. We are committed to restoring the health of our patients with excellent services that promote recovery and are both safe and reliable, including semaglutide therapy for lasting weight loss.

We are here to help you live your best life and deliver relief from chronic conditions, including pain, obesity, and issues related to sexual performance. Achieve the freedom to be the best version of yourself and experience life to the fullest with the help of a medical team that genuinely cares.

Sources

The New England Journal of Medicine: Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
National Library of Medicine: Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
JAMA: Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs. Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity