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There is a lot of buzz around Semaglutide (Wygovy) and the results when it comes to weight loss. You may have seen or heard of your friends or family being prescribed this type of weight loss therapy and we want to break down the process.
Semaglutide is a type of Peptide therapy and is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels and helps to reduce cravings. Semaglutide is also FDA-approved for weight loss.
While individual results will vary, in clinical trials participants taking Semaglutide lost an average of 15-20 pounds, lost waist circumference, decreased their blood pressure, decreased BMI, lowered their A1C, lowered their fasting glucose, insulin, and cholesterol levels, experienced body composition changes (specifically visceral fat) over the course of 68 weeks.
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Semaglutide helps to lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon secretion. This leads to better blood sugar control and reduced risk of complications associated with diabetes. Additionally, Semaglutide has been shown to promote weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. This is because it reduces appetite, slows down the emptying of the stomach, and increases feelings of fullness. Semaglutide has been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. Semaglutide has been shown to reduce the risk of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes. This is because it helps to lower blood sugar levels, which can cause damage to the kidneys over time. Semaglutide is administered once a week by injection, which makes it more convenient than other diabetes medications that need to be taken several times a day.
Individuals with a BMI >30 kg/sqm or >27 kg/sqm with the presence of at least one of the following weight-related comorbidities (treated or untreated): hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnoea or cardiovascular disease could be candidates for this type of peptide therapy. It should be taken into account that individuals starting Semaglutide may have a history of at least one self-reported unsuccessful dietary effort to lose body weight.
We are seeing this in our practice and use this treatment a a tool to kick-start our clients supported weight-loss journey.
Resource: Ozempic (semaglutide) dose, indications, adverse effects, interactions… from PDR.net
If a surgical procedure is planned, Semaglutide should be held 5-7 days prior to procedure and can resume 5-7 days post operatively. If you do have a surgical procedure planned, you should consult with your surgeon, primary care physician, and treating provider to ensure your surgery is not interrupted or postponed due to your Semaglutide therapy.
Our practice has instituted a 12 week program which is typical, however a longer treatment course may be considered based on results after 12 weeks. It is important to discuss your length of treatment based on your goals with your treating provider to determine the length of treatment for you.
The importance of lifestyle modifications while on Semaglutide and after your treatment injections stop is crucial to your long term success. Semaglutide works by stopping the hunger receptor in your brain therefore when the injections come to and end, the hunger receptor will come back and in full force.
If individuals did not make lifestyle changes during their therapy injection course, the weight that was lost may quickly come back on. Working with a dietician during this time is recommended so the foundation for a healthy lifestyle is built and individual success is achieved through long-term weight loss success. We want to help individuals get the weight off and keep the weight off. With this treatment plan, individuals will see their Hemoglobin A1C HbA1C (3-month indicator of blood sugars) will decrease which reduces individuals risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes or will help those with Type 2 Diabetes reduce their risk of complications and regain better control of their blood sugars.
The importance of adequate amounts of protein and strength training should be a heavy focus to reduce muscle wasting. With rapid weight loss and significant decrease in caloric intake, we can see muscle wasting. We want our bodies to use fat as an energy source rather than muscle. When our body begins to use our muscle as an energy source, we can start to see muscle wasting. This can make weight gain come back once the Semaglutide therapy is over.
Supplementation can be key during this time. When the hunger receptors are reduced, there will be a natural lack of desire to eat. Keeping up good protein intake is a challenge that should be considered and can be easily corrected with supplementation. We recommend and utilize 1stPhorm Supplements for our clients to use when they are lacking protein in their diet.
Our plan is custom designed for you, WITH you, to create sustainable lifestyle changes leading to weight loss than you can keep off. Our focus is to see you succeed in your health and wellness journey and through weight loss there are many diseases and complications that can be prevented. We will offer you weekly check-in’s and ensure your needs are met every step of the way to ensure long term success.
Each client’s weight loss and wellness journey and treatment plan is different and will be discussed on an individual basis with our healthcare practitioners.
You will be receiving your injection weekly in our clinic with a Registered Nurse.
If you are seeking more information about our program and if this treatment option would be right for you and your weight loss goals, we highly encourage you to Book Your Consult with our nurses.
