Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. More recently, a higher dose formulation has been approved specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.
Semaglutide helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves glycemic control by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It also reduces appetite and food cravings leading to decreased calorie intake for weight loss.
When used specifically for weight loss, semaglutide has been shown to be very effective with an average weight loss of around 15% in clinical trials. However, it does require a doctor's prescription and comes with some side effects. This guide will provide an overview of using semaglutide shots for weight management including how it works, expected results, protocol for getting started, lifestyle recommendations, and additional information on incorporating treatment at our Renewal Hormone Clinic hormone clinic here in Hudson.
The higher dose semaglutide formulation approved for weight loss works by activating areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation. It increases feelings of fullness and reduces hunger leading to decreased food intake and calorie absorption. Specifically, semaglutide:
With calorie restriction through appetite suppression, the body starts utilizing stored fat for energy leading to weight loss. Most patients lose the most weight within the first 3-5 months with steady results continuing over about 12-15 months.
In large scale clinical trials, participants taking semaglutide experienced the following weight loss results over 68 weeks:
This compares very favorably to other prescription weight loss drugs. Expected results require adhering to the treatment regimen along with following an reduced-calorie meal plan and increasing physical activity as advised by your provider.
Here is an overview of the standard protocol for starting semaglutide:
When starting, the dose is increased slowly over several weeks to improve gastrointestinal tolerance so side effects remain manageable. Patience is required to allow your body to adjust to the higher final therapeutic dosages for weight loss.
To improve weight loss results and maintain long-term success, we advise patients on semaglutide incorporate healthy lifestyle changes including:
With appetite suppression, it becomes easier to follow a nutritious 500-1000 calorie/day deficit diet. Work with a nutritionist for meal planning.
Aim for 150-300 minutes/week of moderate activity like brisk walking or cycling. This boosts metabolic rate for extra fat burning.
Emotional eating, food addiction, poor sleep, high stress, and other behavioral factors can negatively impact weight goals. Seeking counseling or therapy can help create healthy habits.
Peer support groups, mobile apps, and other tools can reinforce commitment to achieving and maintaining weight loss through community encouragement.
While semaglutide facilitates weight loss through appetite suppression, making healthy lifestyle changes maximizes and sustains results long-term. Our clinic offers additional services like nutritional counseling and stress management to support your total wellness journey.
- Most common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (mostly temporary, often resolving within 1 month) - May also cause indigestion, stomach pain, dizziness, fatigue - Contraindicated if personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 - Can be used safely with other medications but additional monitoring may be required
- Average monthly cost ranges $1000-1500 without insurance - Many major insurance plans now cover for patients meeting medical necessity criteria - Coverage varies widely based on specific plan - we assist with approval process
- Most weight loss occurs in first 3-5 months but steady results can continue over 12-15 months - If weight loss slows later in treatment, dose can often be adjusted for continued benefit - Best chance for long term success when combined with healthy lifestyle changes
Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, was originally developed as a treatment for diabetes but has shown promise as a weight-loss aid. In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide lost 15-18% of their body weight over 68 weeks compared to 2-6% for those taking a placebo.
Our clinic specializes in medical weight loss and personalized care. We conduct extensive health screenings to evaluate treatment safety, prescribe optimal doses, provide medical oversight for improved results and safety through routine follow-ups.
In addition to connecting you with counseling, peer groups, and other support resources, our staff is available to answer your questions and address any concerns that occur throughout your weight loss journey.
We have helped many residents in the Hudson area successfully and safely achieve remarkable weight loss goals. Read rave reviews from our actual patients.
Our beautiful state-of-the-art facility provides a discreet, spa-like atmosphere for your appointments with semaglutide shots administered quickly and comfortably in-office.
If you struggle with obesity or are overweight with health issues related to excess weight, semaglutide shots can help you finally slim down through safe, physician guided medical weight loss. Contact Renewal Hormone Clinic today for your consultation and see if this revolutionary treatment is right for you!
