If you’re interested in losing weight and have tried exercise and dieting without success, chances are you’ve heard of celebrities and influencers using semaglutide. Initially used for insulin management, these drugs made a splash when patients diagnosed as obese shed up to 30% of their weight after using them.
Semaglutide is a medication that has been gaining attention for its effectiveness in weight loss and insulin management for individuals struggling with obesity or diabetes. This article will delve into the benefits and side effects of semaglutide, as well as its potential to help individuals optimize their metabolism and boost weight loss. With the rising popularity of second-generation weight loss medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, it is important to understand how these drugs work and whether they may be a viable option for those looking to achieve significant weight loss results.
The active ingredient is semaglutide, which August Wellness offers in a compounded form to optimize your metabolism and boost weight loss. Even though the brand names are familiar to most people, semaglutide remains relatively unknown. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand what semaglutide is, how it works, how fast it works, and if you can benefit.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a multifaceted medication that serves as a powerful tool for weight loss and insulin management in individuals with diabetes and obesity. By mimicking the body’s own appetite-suppressing hormone, semaglutide effectively curbs hunger pangs, assisting in overall weight reduction. Additionally, this medication plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, maintaining stability and promoting overall health.
Can semaglutide be compounded?
When a drug is in shortage, compounders may be able to prepare a compounded version of that drug if they meet certain requirements in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act.
Source: fda.gov
What Does Compounding Mean?
Understanding Compounding and Affordable Options
Compounding is the process of mixing and modifying drugs to cater to the specific needs of individual patients. For instance, if someone has an allergy to a particular medication ingredient, a reformulated version may be necessary. At August Wellness, we offer our proprietary compounded semaglutide with added vitamin B12. This customized formulation provides the same benefits at a significantly lower cost compared to the brand-name drugs.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
People using semaglutide eat less and feel fuller when they do eat. Semaglutide does this by targeting an area in the brain (called GLP-1 receptors) that helps regulate your appetite and how much you eat. It closely mimics a natural hormone in the body called incretin, which is made primarily in our digestive tract.
Semaglutide:
- Targets the brain centers that regulate appetite, especially after eating, which may help you eat less.
- Slows down how quickly the stomach empties, which makes you feel fuller for longer.
- Studies show that semaglutide helps people lose weight and keep it off for over a year with continued use.
The GLP-1 hormone plays an essential role in appetite regulation and weight management. It is released by specialized cells in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly after meals. This hormone acts on the brain’s appetite control center, signaling a feeling of fullness and slowing down digestion, allowing for better absorption of nutrients from food. This also helps reduce food intake as a result.
In individuals with obesity or diabetes, there is a deficiency or resistance to GLP-1, leading to increased appetite and weight gain.
Source: univrx.com
How Long Does It Take To Lose Weight With Semaglutide?
Each person’s situation is unique, and it’s challenging to offer a specific timeline once you start semaglutide injections for weight loss. You might start seeing changes within a few weeks, while others might take a bit longer. It all depends on your body, lifestyle, and commitment to the process.
It usually takes several months to see the full effects because you’ll start treatment on a lower dose. We slowly increase the dose to help lessen stomach side effects like nausea and diarrhea. It typically takes about 17 weeks to reach your final maintenance dose of semaglutide.
Studies show that, on average, adults using semaglutide lost about 35 pounds—about 15% of their body weight. In contrast, 31% of people using a placebo lost about 6 pounds, or about 2.5% of their body weight. The key to success is consistency. Stick to your prescribed dosage, maintain a healthy diet, and get moving with regular exercise.
Am I a Good Candidate for Semaglutide?
IIndividuals who have a body mass index (BMI) that is higher than 25 are eligible and have the potential to experience positive outcomes when they receive semaglutide injections for the purpose of weight loss.
However, it’s important to note that semaglutide is not recommended for everyone. Before starting semaglutide injections, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if it is suitable for you.
In addition to having a BMI higher than 25, other factors may also influence your eligibility for semaglutide treatment. Your healthcare provider will consider your overall health, medical history, and any medications you may be taking. It is important to disclose all relevant information to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment.
If you have a history of certain medical conditions such as pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, or diabetic eye disease, semaglutide may not be suitable for you. Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is crucial to discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before starting semaglutide treatment.
Your healthcare provider will also assess your willingness and ability to make necessary lifestyle changes. Semaglutide should be used as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is important to be committed to making these changes in order to achieve and maintain weight loss.
Remember, semaglutide is a prescription medication and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare
Patient Eligibility On Compounded Semaglutide For Weight Loss
As with any medication, semaglutide for weight loss is not suitable for everyone. Patients have to meet specific criteria to be eligible for this treatment option. According to the FDA’s guidelines for using semaglutide, only individuals who are either obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition may be considered candidates for this treatment. Before starting this medication, patients must discuss their eligibility and suitability with a healthcare professional.
Source: univrx.com
BMI
BMI (body mass index) measures body fat based on an individual’s height and weight. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. Patients with a BMI above this range may be suitable candidates for compounded semaglutide for weight loss since individuals with a BMI of 2 and 5 or higher are considered overweight.
Source: univrx.com
Medical History
A patient’s medical history is also an essential factor in determining eligibility for semaglutide for weight loss. Individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, or other weight-related health conditions may benefit greatly from this treatment option. However, those with certain medical conditions, such as a history of pancreatitis or thyroid disorders, may not be eligible.
Source: univrx.com
Lifestyle
Cultivating a healthy lifestyle is crucial for successful weight loss. Patients committed to making sustainable changes in their diet and exercise habits may be better suited for compounded semaglutide treatment. This is because the medication works best when accompanied by healthy lifestyle choices.
Source: univrx.com
Benefits Beyond Weight Loss of Taking Semaglutide
In addition to its significant weight loss effects, taking semaglutide can offer various other benefits that contribute to overall health and well-being. Some of the key advantages of using semaglutide beyond weight management include:
- Improved Blood Sugar Control: Semaglutide helps regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and decreasing glucose production in the liver. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.
- Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: By improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation, semaglutide can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications commonly associated with obesity and diabetes.
- Enhanced Metabolic Function: Semaglutide can boost metabolism and energy expenditure, making it easier for the body to burn calories and fat efficiently. This can lead to increased energy levels and overall metabolic health.
- Appetite Regulation: Semaglutide helps control appetite by signaling to the brain that the body is full, which can reduce cravings and prevent overeating. This can be beneficial for individuals struggling with emotional eating or food addiction.
- Gut Health Improvement: Semaglutide has been shown to have positive effects on gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing inflammation in the digestive system. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Long-Term Weight Maintenance: Unlike crash diets or quick-fix weight loss solutions, semaglutide can help individuals maintain their weight loss results over the long term. By addressing underlying hormonal imbalances and metabolic issues, semaglutide supports sustainable weight management.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Overall, taking semaglutide can lead to an improved quality of life by reducing the burden of obesity-related health conditions, increasing mobility and physical activity, and boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.
What Are the Side Effects of Semaglutide?
Managing Side Effects of Semaglutide
While some patients may experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, these can be effectively managed. Here are some easy-to-implement strategies to alleviate these discomforts:
1. Nausea: If you’re feeling queasy, try taking your semaglutide injection with a meal or before bedtime. Additionally, over-the-counter medications such as antiemetics can help relieve nausea symptoms.
2. Diarrhea: If you’re experiencing loose stools, make sure to stay hydrated and consume foods that are gentle on your digestive system, such as bananas and rice. If the symptoms persist, consider taking over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications as recommended by your healthcare provider.
3. Constipation: Increasing your fiber intake can help alleviate constipation. Opt for whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, over-the-counter stool softeners or laxatives may provide relief if necessary. It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any new medications or supplements.
Remember, these side effects are temporary, and they usually subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If you have any concerns or persistent side effects, consult your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized guidance.
By managing and addressing these side effects, you can continue your weight loss journey with compounded semaglutide effectively.
Making Lifestyle Changes
Embracing a healthier lifestyle is essential when you start taking semaglutide.
Here are a few tips:
Consume a balanced diet. Focus on nutrient-rich foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Cut back—or even eliminate—processed snacks.
Stay active. The best way to do this is to choose an exercise you enjoy. It might be hiking, dancing, swimming, or hitting the gym. Regular exercise improves your overall well-being, including your mental health.
Get plenty of sleep. Studies show lack of sleep can lead to weight gain. Try to sleep for 7 to 9 hours nightly.
Keep a positive outlook. A good attitude can help you through the more challenging times of your weight-loss journey. Be kind to yourself and celebrate even small successes.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re looking in Michigan for a semaglutide provider, our wellness specialists provide personalized care and can evaluate if you’re a good candidate for this breakthrough treatment. You can start by making an appointment at https://afqty.myaestheticrecord.com/online-booking or by calling us at (734)249-8755 to schedule an appointment.
For more information on our weight loss offerings please visit https://august-wellness.com/weight-loss.
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