Semaglutide

GrantMED Success with Semaglutide for Weight Loss

For 2024, our clinic results showed an average 10% loss of body weight for patients followed after a minimum of 6 months.

For 2024, our clinic results showed an average of 22% loss of body weight for patients followed after a minimum of 12 months!!

What is Semaglutide?

 Semaglutide is a modified molecule our bodies make, GLP1. It’s a protein made in the intestine and results in a decrease in blood sugar and appetite. A small change in the molecule allows the drug to last weeks in our bodies rather than minutes. Initially used for prediabetes and diabetes and sold under the name Ozempic®, Semaglutide is a higher dose of the same drug for weight loss.

 Semaglutide, a medication approved by the FDA designed to lower blood glucose levels, has also been proven effective in promoting weight loss. Its mechanism of action involves appetite suppression, and its efficacy can be sustained through modifications in diet and lifestyle.

 Semaglutide Injections for Obesity Management 

Semaglutide is a weekly injection that has proven effective and safe weight loss treatment. It was approved by the FDA in 2020 for managing excess weight and is considered one of the few prescription-only anti-obesity medications.

 The injection works by acting on the GLP-1 receptors, which results in decreased appetite and improved satiety. Clinical trials have shown that weekly doses of semaglutide can result in up to 10 percent weight loss within months.

How Effective is Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Non-Diabetics?

 Semaglutide is a fairly new drug treatment for weight loss in non-diabetics. A recent cohort study found that semaglutide was associated with significant weight loss outcomes compared to placebo, leading to reductions of up to 15 percent body weight among those patients taking prescription doses of semaglutide.

 The study was done without any other lifestyle modification or dietary intervention, indicating its effectiveness as a standalone treatment option. The same study also proved its safety for obese and overweight adults without diabetes, deeming it acceptable from both a patient and clinical perspective.

 Research indicates that semaglutide can effectively help individuals who have difficulty losing excess fat through diet and exercise alone.

 What Are the Side Effects of Semaglutide Injections?

 Semaglutide injections may be associated with side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, tiredness, and dizziness.

 Who Should and Should Not Take Semaglutide for Weight Loss?

 People with prior histories of pancreatitis like inflammation of the pancreas, thyroid-related cancer, or medullary thyroid carcinoma should not use semaglutide due to the potential complications.

 Anyone with Diabetic Retinopathy (a condition affecting the eyes).

 Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also not take semaglutide due to unknown risks it may pose on the growing fetus.

How Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?

Semaglutide works by suppressing appetite and reducing hunger. It slows down the release of food from the stomach and increases feelings of fullness due to its impact on digestive hormones.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action in taking semaglutide involves suppression of hunger, decreased energy expenditure, and intake, plus controlled eating patterns which can decrease depression. Using semaglutide further results in increased insulin secretion that helps reduce fat storage in the body.

Together, these effects promote a greater decrease in overall calorie consumption and improve a patient’s metabolic health for sustainable long-term weight loss goals.

Effects on Appetite And Satiety

Semaglutide has been shown to help control hunger and reduce cravings for high-fat foods. The medication works by reducing appetite and increasing fullness while having little effect on the resting metabolic rate of those taking it. 

Semaglutide does this by stimulating the release of hormones like GLP-1 and oxyntomodulin, which increase satiety. After eating a meal, these hormones cause neural signals that trigger feelings of fullness prematurely, which leads to reduced food intake and long-term fat loss.

The benefits for women trying to control their body weight are immense. Increased satiety can help decrease overeating issues often associated with emotional triggers or unhealthy cravings for fatty or sugary foods.

Impact on Glucose Control

Semaglutide is an injectable diabetes medication that has been found to effectively lower blood sugar and glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The mechanism of action of semaglutide involves increasing sensitivity to insulin, which helps reduce overall circulating glucose and ultimately lowers the average blood sugar level.

A clinical trial researching the effects of semaglutide on manageable glycemic levels in type 2 diabetics compared its efficacy to insulin. This study found reductions in fasting plasma glucose -6%, HbA1c -0.7%, and fasting plasma insulin -28%. These results indicated effective alterations in bodily chemistry among participants using semaglutide for up to 56 weeks for general metabolic health management. This proved the normalization of postprandial hyperglycemia and reduction of serum glycated hemoglobin.

After treatment was withdrawn and lifestyle interventions continued, resistance against regaining lost weight was observed in patients. This could be attributed largely to the added benefits of taking semaglutide rather than any changes implemented by lifestyle habits alone.

Comparison to Other Weight Loss Medications

Semaglutide is a relatively new weight loss medication compared to other prescription drugs. Clinical trials have demonstrated semaglutide effectiveness for weight management, with an average of 15% of body weight lost after 52 weeks of treatment in obese and overweight patients who had no history of diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease.

This was significantly higher than those taking the placebo pill and greater than three additional medications approved for long-term use: phentermine or topiramate ER, bupropion or naltrexone SR, and lorcaserin HCl.

Semaglutide appears to be overall safe for over two years of continuous use according to recent research findings reported by the JAMA Internal Medicine journal. 

Long-Term Effects and Sustainability of Weight Loss

Semaglutide has been studied as a potential weight loss medication for both nondiabetic and diabetic individuals. A two-year trial assessed the use of semaglutide in combination with lifestyle intervention therapy on 4,960 participants. Findings concluded that there was an average of 8.3 percent reduction in body weight among those taking 1mg of semaglutide per day compared to the placebo group.

While this suggests that semaglutide may be successful at helping individuals achieve significant and sustained weight loss, further research is necessary to assess its long-term effects and sustainability.

There has yet to be a study that examines how much time needs to pass before any benefits obtained from semaglutide are reversed following treatment discontinuation. A study is also needed to find if the results vary depending on an individual’s health priorities such as achieving certain BMI levels or maintaining a specific fat mass percentage.

Many patients have found success managing these adverse reactions by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and eating small and frequent meals.

Semaglutide injections may provide users with a clear path toward weight loss goals and long-term transformation.

 Real-Life Results and Transformations of Patients Who Use Semaglutide

Semaglutide injections can transform lives. It can help individuals achieve their long-term goals and improve their health.

 Clinical studies have shown that a semaglutide injection once a week can lead to baseline weight reductions of up to 5.9 percent at three months, with some individuals able to keep the lost weight off even after stopping usage of the drug.

 Due to America’s obesity epidemic, more individuals are now turning towards medical interventions such as semaglutide combined with lifestyle modifications for better health outcomes and an improved overall well-being.

 Challenges and Strategies for Long-Term Success

Patients may go back to previous behavior patterns and dietary habits, affecting long-term success. In a study on semaglutide involving non-diabetics, after 38 weeks, some participants experienced significant swings back toward their baseline BMI or even higher than their starting point. Lifestyle changes are important to maintain your weight loss results.

Individuals who want to maintain their results from semaglutide injections should address existing health issues such as hypertension and diabetes. Physical activity and positive dietary choices such as a reduced-calorie diet should also be observed.

 Maintaining mindfulness activities like meditation or yoga helps maintain mental focus throughout weight loss. Plus, getting enough sleep daily is necessary to achieve improved overall well-being and long-term weight loss maintenance.

Receiving proper social or emotional support from friends and family and setting small achievable goals over time can greatly impact a patient’s weight loss journey as well.

  The Effects of Semaglutide With Diet And Exercise 

Many individuals have seen tremendous results adding semaglutide treatment with a dietary and exercise plan. Studies show that people who practice this have lost more weight than those who make the same lifestyle changes but do not take semaglutide. Patients treated with semaglutide lost at least 5 percent of their baseline body weight compared to individuals in the control group who were given a placebo.

 Semaglutide Benefits vs. Other Weight Loss Medications 

Semaglutide stands out from other weight reduction medications by its ability to suppress appetite and promote greater results. Semaglutide can also be taken for longer periods due to its safety profile and lower risk of side effects compared to other anti-obesity medications.

 Considerations for Choosing Semaglutide

 Patients who are looking at weight loss options should consider semaglutide as it is clinically proven to be effective in improving various cardiometabolic risk factors. Plus, it’s shown to provide commercially successful results.

 The weekly injection makes it accessible for those with busy lifestyles. It makes the treatment convenient and easy to self-administer. Combining semaglutide with a low-calorie diet and habit changes yields good results, and helps people maintain their weight for longer.

 Cost And Insurance Coverage for Semaglutide For Weight Loss

 Even with the known potential of semaglutide for weight loss, many health insurance companies do not cover this medication. This means that most patients must pay out of pocket. We offer compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepagtide at affordable rates.  This compounded medication is not covered by insurance.  The cost is based on the dose and specific medication. Call 870-862-2285 for more information.

Conclusion and Summary of Semaglutide Weight Loss

 Using semaglutide as a weight-loss medication has been successful in clinical trials. It is an effective treatment, and its potential for further expanding into preventing and managing other chronic diseases, such as obesity, should not be overlooked.

 There are risks to consider, but these can be managed through regular medical care, dosage monitoring, and long-term lifestyle changes.

Please note that this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Before making any changes to your treatments, please consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the appropriateness and safety of such changes.

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In South Arkansas: El Dorado, Camden, Calion, Hampton, Magnolia, Crossett, Strong, Huttig, Junction City, Stephens, Parkers Chapel, Bearden

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We are here to help you with your weight loss goals!

Our Weight Loss Clinic team in El Dorado, Arkansas is ready to help you look and feel your absolute best.

Elevate your confidence and self-esteem levels to unfathomable new heights!

Schedule your in-person consultation in our boutique clinic in El Dorado, AR. 

Our warm and engaging team of Professionals will make you feel calm, cool, collected, and right at home throughout your entire weight loss injection journey.

Schedule Your Weight Loss Visit by calling us directly at 870-862-2285 today.