According to the Kansas Journal of Medicine, weight management remains a significant challenge for 34.4% of Kansas adults. The study projects that the number of obese adults in the state could exceed 50% within the decade, highlighting an urgent need for practical solutions.
Semaglutide is a research-backed medication proven to help manage weight and control blood sugar effectively.
Our comprehensive guide gives you all the information you need about how this innovative drug can be used to improve your health and wellness.
How does semaglutide work in the body?
Semaglutide, also known as the skinny shot, works by mimicking the function of GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body. According to Harvard Health, this hormone increases insulin production, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite.
This prescription weight loss injection belongs to a class of medications that enhance the body’s natural response to eating. Typically, GLP-1 is released in small amounts when food enters the intestines, signaling the pancreas to release insulin while inhibiting glucagon — a hormone that increases blood sugar.
Semaglutide amplifies these signals to help manage blood sugar levels more consistently throughout the day and decrease the sugar released into the blood.
Impact on Digestive Processes and Appetite Control
Delayed gastric emptying means food remains in the stomach longer, prolonging the feeling of fullness.
This slow movement allows the food to be digested longer, leading to a more gradual release of sugar into the bloodstream, thus reducing the urge to eat impulsively.
It also influences the brain, which regulates hunger and controls the loss of appetite.
How does semaglutide compare to other weight loss medications?
Semaglutide stands out from other weight loss medications due to its unique properties and effectiveness.
1. Increased Effectiveness
Semaglutide is effective for weight management because it can mimic appetite-regulating hormones, slow digestion and increase insulin production.
2. Convenient Dosing
Unlike other weight loss injections requiring daily or multiple weekly doses, semaglutide is administered only once weekly.
3. Less Intrusive
The once-a-week injection schedule is less intrusive, which is especially beneficial for busy individuals.
4. Flexible Semaglutide Injection Sites
You can choose certain body parts as injection sites, including the stomach area, thigh or upper arm.
What are the comprehensive health benefits of semaglutide?
A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology stated, “Our results suggest that semaglutide is beneficial for promoting sustained weight loss in adults with overweight/obesity and without diabetes.”
A different research article by Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism explained, “Our findings corroborate the effectiveness of semaglutide in reducing BMI (1.54 kg/m2 from baseline) and weight (4.65 kg) among individuals with obesity, as well as lowering HbA1c levels (0.75%) in those with type 2 diabetes.”
These studies illustrate how semaglutide stabilizes blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes and facilitates significant weight loss, proving beneficial even for those without diabetes.
Furthermore, semaglutide contributes to cardiovascular health by positively affecting lipid profiles; it lowers LDL cholesterol (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol) and has potential effects on increasing HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol).
These benefits are critical in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, including conditions such as heart attack and stroke.
The American College of Cardiology reported that new clinical trials have demonstrated significant cardiovascular advantages of semaglutide. It lowered the incidence of heart failure events and alleviated symptoms of heart failure in conditions linked to obesity.
Another significant benefit of semaglutide is its ability to lower blood pressure. Many individuals struggling with obesity also face high blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for both heart disease and stroke.
By aiding in weight management and improving metabolic functions, semaglutide helps mitigate these risks.
Available Forms and Specific Uses of Semaglutide
Semaglutide is available under three different brand names, each with unique uses and forms.
- Rybelsus® is a tablet form of semaglutide that helps improve blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Ozempic® is an injectable form that not only helps with blood sugar but is also approved to reduce the risk of severe heart problems in patients with type 2 diabetes, with or without heart disease.
- Wegovy® is the latest injectable version approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss.
This FDA approval, under the brand name Wegovy, comes with strict conditions, “The drug is indicated for chronic weight management in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or greater who have at least one weight-related ailment or in patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater.”
Each brand has specific dosages and guidelines that must be carefully considered to match each patient’s needs. To ensure proper use, consult healthcare professionals and review the medication guide.
Potential Side Effects and Medical Precautions of Semaglutide
Despite its benefits, semaglutide is not without potential side effects.
The University of California and Los Angeles (UCLA) Health website lists these commonly reported side effects:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation and gassiness
- Headache
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, pain or bloating
These symptoms are usually mild and decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
However, there are more serious concerns that require careful monitoring, including the risk of gallbladder disease, indicated by severe stomach pain that can radiate to the back.
Important Medical Considerations Before Using Semaglutide
Before using this medication, Mayo Clinic advises considering how other medical conditions might affect its use. Seek medical attention if you have any of the following health issues:
- History of depression
- Type 2 diabetes (for Wegovy® users)
- History of diabetic retinopathy
- Digestive problems
- Kidney disease
- History of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis or type 1 diabetes
- Severe gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or a history of thyroid cancer
- Upcoming surgery or procedures requiring anesthesia or deep sedation
How can you maximize weight loss results with semaglutide?
Maximizing the benefits of semaglutide involves a multi-faceted approach. Here are some tips structured around key areas to help enhance the effectiveness of semaglutide for weight loss and overall health improvement.
Tip 1: Integrate a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is crucial when using semaglutide. Focus on incorporating a variety of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
Reduce the intake of processed foods and high-sugar items to complement the appetite-regulating effects of semaglutide, fostering more effective weight loss.
At KC Wellness Center, our comprehensive weight loss program includes weight loss coaching, which helps you create a diet plan emphasizing nutritional quality over quantity.
Our care team can help you understand how your body metabolizes food and what might hinder your progress.
Tip 2: Establish a Consistent Exercise Routine
Physical activity is a cornerstone of effective weight management. Regular exercise helps burn calories, improves metabolic health and enhances mood.
Find physical activities you enjoy, from yoga and swimming to brisk walking or cycling.
Enjoyable activities increase the likelihood of long-term adherence, enhancing the metabolic benefits of semaglutide.
Tip 3: Track Nutritional Intake and Hydration Levels
Maintaining a well-balanced nutritional intake and staying hydrated are critical components that can optimize the effects of semaglutide.
Proper hydration helps alleviate potential side effects such as nausea and aids in overall digestive health, which can be beneficial when adjusting to semaglutide.
Similarly, ensuring that your diet includes all necessary vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements supports overall metabolism and enhances the body’s ability to manage weight effectively while on semaglutide.
Keep a food and hydration diary to maintain this balance.
Our clinic emphasizes integrating high-quality nutritional supplements into your health regimen. We utilize pharmaceutical-grade products from Pure Encapsulations that are rigorously tested for potency and purity, ensuring that they support rapid weight loss, boost energy and effectively promote long-term health.
Tip 4: Focus on Sustainable Lifestyle Changes
Incorporate sustainable lifestyle changes that support weight management goals. These adjustments include diet and exercise, adequate sleep, stress management and avoiding triggers that lead to overeating.
Sustainable habits ensure that the benefits of semaglutide extend beyond the initial weight loss phase, promoting long-term health and well-being.
Tip 5: Maintain Regular Health Check-Ins
Ongoing support from a healthcare team is vital for sustained weight loss success.
Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider help monitor your progress with semaglutide and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
These sessions also give you the opportunity to discuss any side effects, recalibrate lifestyle changes and receive motivational support to overcome challenges.
By following these tips, individuals using semaglutide can enhance their weight loss outcomes while improving overall health and lifestyle.
Semaglutide as a Path to Healthier Living
Semaglutide offers a promising solution for those struggling with obesity and related health issues.
As with any medical treatment, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to understand the full benefits and risks.
Explore Weight Management Options at a Weight Loss Clinic in Kansas City
If you are considering semaglutide, talk to our team from the KC Wellness Center to determine whether it suits your health needs and lifestyle.
Remember, the key to successful weight management is a balanced approach that includes medication, diet and exercise.
Our weight loss programs offer comprehensive treatments, including semaglutide, and provide the tools and guidance necessary to achieve and sustain your weight loss goals. These programs are eligible for health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) spending, making investing in your health easier and more affordable.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your journey to a healthier life.
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.