Semaglutide Overview
Casad Health and Wellness Centers is happy to announce that we are offering the Semaglutide weight loss program! You may have already heard about this program because it has been in the news lately, with good reason; Semaglutide is more effective than all prior weight loss medications.
Initially, Semaglutide was FDA-approved for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in 2017 and was marketed under the brand names Ozempic® and Rybelsus®. However, patients taking the medication noted weight loss benefits as well. In June of 2021, the FDA approved Semaglutide for weight loss under brand names like Wegovy® (for weight management) or Ozempic® (for diabetes management).
Semaglutide is the generic form of the brand names of the medication. We offer it to our patients for weight loss. It is a compounded medication that also includes Vitamin B12 to help with some of the common side effects.
Semaglutide can also be compared to Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) which is a different medication that targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors and is used primarily for type 2 diabetes but also has significant effects on weight loss.
Semaglutide mimics a naturally occurring glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Your body will produce this peptide when you eat, and it helps to stop you from feeling hungry; it makes you feel satisfied.
The medication imitates GLP-1 in your body and provides the same effect as this natural peptide.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide makes you feel full longer because it slows down stomach emptying. It also suppresses your appetite (without stimulants) and food cravings. On average, people eat 30% less. It also lowers your blood glucose levels without making your sugars too low.
You eat less food because you have reduced feelings of hunger. The Semaglutide weight loss program works best when you eat a cleaner diet. Processed foods, simple carbohydrates, and sugars will make you feel bad while taking Semaglutide. Make some changes in your food choices, eat clean, and you will feel much better and more energetic. We do encourage you to drink at least a half-gallon of water per day to help prevent any kidney issues and keep you well-hydrated.
While exercise is not required when on the program, we do encourage you to start a regime, even if you start out by walking more. Exercise also gives you more energy and it will accelerate your weight loss. As you continue on the diet and your food choices change, this will help you to automatically carry these new habits forward after you have completed the program.
Semaglutide also affects the plaque in your blood vessels. Animal studies have shown that Semaglutide stopped the progression of plaque formation. This is yet another reason why the medication helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and stroke.
Other Benefits of Semaglutide
Women and men can experience hormonal disruption or imbalances at any age. Here are just a few of the ways that hormones can become imbalanced.
- Higher levels of energy
- Reduced hunger and cravings
- Improved sleep
- Helps with blood sugar levels and insulin pathways
- On average, you can expect to lose up to 15% of your body weight, but this depends on how much weight you want to lose
Life Expectancies are Trending Down
Being overweight or obese is an underlying cause of many chronic diseases and can affect both your short-term and long-term health. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) mentions that 73.6% of adults over the age of 20 are considered overweight. 41.9% of them are considered obese. Obesity is so common that the CDC now considers it to be a national epidemic!
What is also alarming is that according to Duke University, life expectancy for Gen Xers and Millennials is going down for the first time in decades due to obesity. Being overweight or obese can directly cause or worsen chronic diseases to include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Fatty liver disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Mood problems such as depression and anxiety
- Hormone/endocrine disorders such as Insulin Resistance
- Sleep apnea
- Joint and muscle pain
- Back pain
- Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia
Contraindications
While the majority of the population can take Semaglutide safely, there are some contraindications that exclude eligibility for our programs:
- Anyone under the age of 18.
- Hyperglycemia.
- History of pancreatitis.
- Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant.
- Personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Type 2 – Men.
- Personal or family history of thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer.
- Personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma.
- Men who are trying to get a woman pregnant **
- Prior allergic reaction to Semaglutide, Vitamin B12, or any of its ingredients.
- Diabetic retinopathy (diabetic eye disease).
- Personal history of Depression with suicidal ideations or thoughts.
- Pre-existing condition of Gastrointestinal problems (we can discuss further with you).
Possible Side effects
The most common side effects occur when starting the medication initially or when the dosage is titrated (increased). Up to 75% of patients will experience mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues while their body adjusts to the medication.
Drinking plenty of water will help. 95% of patients will continue with the diet, regardless. If you continue to have these types of side effects, we can provide you with an anti-nausea medication.
Less common side effects can include problems with your gall bladder. If you have had your gall bladder removed, this is not a risk for you. Another less common side-effect is an allergic reaction to the medication, Vitamin B12, or any other of its ingredients.
Our Semaglutide Programs
Our office offers two different weight loss programs. The first is for those who want to lose up to 15 pounds. The second is for those who need to lose more weight. Patients who desire to lose more weight can repeat the program as often as needed.
Option 1
- The first option is 1 month long and is intended for patients who want to lose no more than 15 to 20 pounds.
- Labs are included in the cost. Prior to coming in for your consultation, we will issue a lab order and test CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel), Lipids, Hemoglobin A1C, thyroid function, and pancreatic function.
- Once your labs are completed and you fill out your paperwork, you will come in and see our providers. They will go over your lab results and health history and order your customized, compounded Semaglutide medication.
- Your second visit will occur with our providers, and she will give your medication and instruct you how to use it, go over any potential side effects, and get you started on your weight loss program.
- The program includes the cost of Semaglutide.
- Note that the compounded medication needs to be injected once per week, subcutaneously. The needle is very small and since the injection isn’t going into a muscle, there is no pain involved.
Option 2
- Our second option is a 3-month program and is intended for patients who want to lose greater amounts of weight.
- Labs are included in the cost. Prior to coming in for your consultation, we will issue a lab order and test CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel), Lipids, Hemoglobin A1C, thyroid function, and pancreatic function.
- Once your labs are completed and you fill out your paperwork, you will come in and see our providers. They will go over your lab results and health history and order your customized, compounded Semaglutide medication.
- The program does include the cost of the medication.
- Your second visit will occur with our providers, and she will give your medication and instruct you how to use it, go over any potential side effects, and get you started on your weight loss program.
- This program includes an additional 3 visits with our providers. They can perform your weight checks and titrate your medication dose up as needed.
- At the end of your 3-month program, we will repeat your labs and you will meet again with our providers to go over the results and your continued health goals. If desired, you can also discuss with them whether or not you would like to repeat the program.
Call our New Patient Coordinator
She can answer any questions and explain our protocols.
Contact us about your concerns.
Our practice is built on a foundation of serving, caring, and staying up to date on the latest research.
Our goal is to guide you toward optimizing your health to its fullest! We will work with you to achieve your health goals and to help you feel your absolute best.
We strive to provide excellent care in a warm and compassionate environment. Our providers are thrilled to offer the Semaglutide weight loss program to our patients!
Feeling better has never been easier.
Speak with our new patient advisor today and take the first steps towards a happier and balanced mood.
