Semaglutide may seem promising when exploring solutions to aid your weight loss journey. As you weigh the benefits and risks, understanding the truth behind this medication can help you make an informed decision.
Unlike many over-the-counter options, this medical weight loss injection is a scientifically developed treatment that regulates appetite, boosts the body’s ability to burn calories and promotes long-term weight loss.
Semaglutide has sparked widespread interest and, inevitably, some misconceptions. To determine whether this treatment is for you, distinguish between myths and facts.
In the following sections, we will explore these aspects and address the common myth about semaglutide so that you can make wise choices.
Myth #1: Semaglutide Is Just Another Diet Pill
Unlike other trends in the diet industry, semaglutide is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for managing weight if you have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 and have one weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
It mimics natural hormones that regulate hunger, cause loss of appetite, reduce cravings and help you eat less without feeling deprived.
The effects of this injection make it a practical option if you struggle with obesity or are at risk of major cardiovascular events.
A study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, “Semaglutide‐induced weight loss included less appetite and food cravings, better control of eating and lower relative preference for fatty, energy‐dense foods.”
It’s administered through injections, ensuring a consistent dose that helps maintain its effectiveness over time. Unlike some diet pills, which you can take sporadically and vary in absorption, you administer this one as an injection. The injection site you choose can be the upper arm or stomach area.
Myth #2: No Need to Modify Lifestyle
While semaglutide can be an effective tool for weight loss, it’s not a standalone solution. To achieve the best results, it should be part of a broader lifestyle change that includes maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise.
The study published in Current Obesity Reports stated that sustainable weight loss and overall health improvements depend on lifestyle modifications like healthy eating and physical activity.
These lifestyle changes enhance the effects of semaglutide and contribute to long-term health benefits, such as improved heart health, stronger muscles and better metabolic rates.
Integrating weight loss injections into your daily routine without adjusting your diet or adding physical activity may have some initial positive results. However, combining medication with lifestyle changes is crucial for lasting success.
Semaglutide is a tool for weight loss, not a substitute for healthy eating. To manage your weight in the long term, eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins while limiting high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods.
These dietary choices support the efficacy of semaglutide and enhance overall health by improving metabolic functions and reducing the risk of chronic diseases associated with obesity.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that semaglutide combined with lifestyle changes led to a significant and lasting reduction in body weight.
At KC Wellness Center, our holistic weight loss program is personalized and targets underlying factors contributing to weight gain. We create a comprehensive and sustainable solution for your journey to better health.
This program helps you manage expectations and set a realistic timeline for your treatment.
Myth #3: Immediate Weight Loss Results
Achieving weight loss with semaglutide requires time and patience. While semaglutide can start appetite regulation after the first injection, observable weight loss results typically show over several weeks to months.
Semaglutide targets brain receptors responsible for appetite control and helps to manage blood glucose levels. This action gradually decreases hunger and caloric intake. The effects build over time, supporting sustainable weight management rather than providing an immediate drop in weight.
Managing expectations is crucial when starting semaglutide. Following a regular schedule for your injections and lifestyle changes ensures the best results, as this medication is not a quick fix but part of a comprehensive, long-term strategy to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
This slow and steady approach ensures that the weight loss is more likely permanent, reducing the risk of rebound weight gain.
Myth #4: Rapid Weight Rebound Post-Treatment
Maintaining the weight loss achieved with semaglutide requires a continued commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
The goal is to use semaglutide to establish healthier routines, such as improved dietary choices and increased physical activity, that can continue to manage weight even after the treatment has ended.
Thinking that weight will automatically return after stopping semaglutide overlooks the medication’s role in helping individuals learn portion control and better understand their body’s hunger cues. If these new habits are maintained, the likelihood of rebound weight gain diminishes significantly.
Myth #5: Solely for Diabetes Patients
Novo Nordisk created semaglutide under the brand name Wegovy for individuals struggling with chronic weight management. However, semaglutide has also been FDA-approved for use in non-diabetic patients.
This broader use makes it a valuable option for those seeking help with obesity and related metabolic issues.
A Complementary Treatment, Not a Replacement
Prescription weight loss injections can promote weight reduction, lower high blood sugar levels, suppress appetite and improve blood pressure. However, they are a complementary therapy rather than a replacement for other medications.
If you have heart disease, you may still require statins, beta-blockers or other medications to manage your condition effectively, and patients must remain vigilant about symptoms of low blood sugar.
Our team at KC Wellness Center is here to support and guide you throughout your experience with semaglutide.
The Importance of Medical Advice and Supervision
At our weight loss center in Kansas City, we conduct a thorough medical evaluation first to ensure that semaglutide use will have no adverse interactions with other medications, particularly if you have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts.
Continuous monitoring and necessary adjustments of all medicines, including semaglutide, help optimize results and minimize potential side effects.
Integrating Semaglutide Into a Comprehensive Health Plan
Semaglutide is safe and effective in a broader medical plan tailored to your needs.
While semaglutide offers significant benefits for managing body weight and controlling diabetes, healthcare professionals should guide patients on integrating it into a well-rounded health plan.
Myth #6: Immediate Severe Health Risks
Semaglutide’s safety profile assessment included extensive clinical trials and continuous monitoring through post-marketing surveillance.
While semaglutide is generally well-tolerated, like any medication, it can have side effects.
Per UCLA Health, the most common semaglutide side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach problems (abdominal pain and constipation).
Others also experience unusual mood changes and fast heartbeat, which often decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
However, be aware of symptoms like severe nausea and persistent upper stomach pain, as these could indicate rare but serious conditions such as pancreatitis or gallbladder disease.
Concerns about serious health issues, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma, which is a type of thyroid cancer, including the risk of thyroid tumors and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, are addressed explicitly in the medication guide for semaglutide.
Don’t use semaglutide if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma and endocrine neoplasia type 2.
Medical professionals are key in ensuring the weight loss treatment is appropriate for your health and addressing any side effects.
At KC Wellness Center, we educate our patients to recognize symptoms that require immediate medical attention and advise them to have regular follow-ups to mitigate the risks associated with their use.
Myth #7: A Substitute for Other Essential Medications
The semaglutide injection does not replace medications prescribed for other chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetic ketoacidosis or kidney problems.
Continue your prescribed treatment for these conditions alongside weight loss injections with your healthcare provider’s supervision.
During your consultation, inform your doctor about the following:
- Current Medications – Prescription, over-the-counter drugs and supplements you are taking.
- Medical History – Any conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or kidney disease.
- Previous Weight Loss Attempts – Past treatments, diets or medications you have tried for weight management.
- Allergies and Sensitivities – Any known allergies to medications or ingredients in weight loss treatments.
- Mental Health History – Conditions like depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety or a history of eating disorders.
- Lifestyle and Dietary Habits – Your typical diet, physical activity level and daily routines.
- Family Medical History – Any relevant genetic conditions or diseases in your family.
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding – If you are pregnant, planning to conceive or currently breastfeeding.
- Side Effects from Past Treatments – Any adverse reactions you’ve experienced with previous medications.
- Surgical History – Past surgeries, especially those related to weight loss or digestion.
Ongoing monitoring and adjustment of all medicines are necessary to optimize health and minimize potential side effects.
This comprehensive approach ensures that semaglutide is used safely and effectively as part of a broader medical strategy tailored to your needs.
Are there any dietary restrictions when taking semaglutide?
While taking semaglutide, following a healthy, balanced diet is essential. There aren’t specific dietary restrictions associated with semaglutide, but you should avoid high-calorie foods and focus on nutritious options to maximize the benefits of the medication for medical weight loss.
Sustainable Weight Loss at KC Wellness Center
Semaglutide is a powerful tool in medical weight loss, but it works best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes and professional guidance.
Whether you want to manage obesity, improve metabolic health or support long-term weight loss, semaglutide can complement your comprehensive weight management plan.
At KC Wellness Center, we provide expert guidance, personalized treatment plans and continuous support to help you achieve your weight loss goals safely and effectively.
If you’re considering semaglutide for medical weight loss, consult with our specialists today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident you.
Dr. Rahul Kapur, M.D. is a board-certified family medicine physician with a dedicated passion for integrative medicine and a deep knowledge of functional medicine. He was named intern of the year at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS, and has been practicing as a hospitalist for over a decade. He has successfully helped many patients in Kansas City with his specialized IV bags, ketamine therapy, hormone optimization and weight loss therapy methods.