Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. More recently, a higher dose of semaglutide was approved by the FDA specifically for chronic weight management in obese adults.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. By acting like GLP-1, semaglutide slows digestion and makes you feel more full. This reduces appetite and promotes weight loss.
Numerous studies have shown that semaglutide is highly effective for long-term weight loss and weight maintenance when combined with lifestyle changes. In clinical trials, adults treated with semaglutide lost an average of 12-15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
Benefits of semaglutide for weight loss:
Being significantly overweight or obese puts individuals at increased risk for many other chronic health conditions, including:
Losing just 5-10% of body weight can dramatically improve these obesity-related complications. However, for most people diet and exercise alone does not result in sustained, clinically meaningful weight loss.
That's why chronic weight management drugs like semaglutide can be life-changing for many people struggling with excess weight and obesity. In addition to significant weight loss, semaglutide improves cardiometabolic factors like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control.
The Vitality Health Center medical team specializes in supervised weight loss programs utilizing cutting-edge prescription medications like semaglutide. We create fully customized plans tailored to each patient's unique health profile and weight loss goals.
Our experienced physicians and nurse practitioners carefully screen patients to determine if treatment with semaglutide is appropriate. We handle all aspects of therapy - prescription, dosing instructions, monitoring, and follow-up appointments.
Our weight loss program includes:
In addition to excellent medical care, we offer nutrition advice and fitness guidance to help patients achieve sustainable lifestyle changes. Losing weight takes consistency and effort, but our team makes the process simpler with customized plans and compassionate support.
Interesting fact: Studies show better adherence and satisfaction when people utilize formal obesity medication programs overtreated with just prescription alone! Our structured, interdisciplinary approach leads to better outcomes.
Semaglutide is a new class of weight management medication known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Other diabetes medications in this class include liraglutide (Victoza) and exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon).
As mentioned previously, semaglutide helps lower blood sugar levels and body weight by activating receptors for a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The body naturally produces GLP-1 after eating to promote insulin release and suppress appetite.
By mimicking GLP-1's effects, semaglutide:
The FDA has approved two different dose strengths of semaglutide for weight management - 0.25 mg and 1 mg.
Wegovy is the 1 mg once-weekly injection specifically intended for chronic weight management. At this higher dose, semaglutide leads to increased weight loss compared to the 0.25 mg dose alone or with just lifestyle intervention.
Vitality Health Center physicians determine the appropriate semaglutide dosage based on the patient's weight loss goals and needs:
| 0.25 mg dose | 1 mg dose | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight loss | Moderate | Highest |
| HbA1c reduction | Moderate | Highest |
| Side effects | Fewer | More common |
Typically, our providers start patients at lower 0.25 mg dosing. After several months, we can decide if increasing to 1 mg could help achieve additional weight loss.
Studies found people lost ~5% more weight on 1 mg semaglutide compared to the 0.25 mg dose. However, higher dosing leads to increased rates of mild-moderate gastrointestinal issues.
If you start semaglutide, the first step is a consultation with an Vitality Health Center weight loss specialist to determine if this medication is suitable for your needs.
We'll take a full history and perform screening tests to check kidney/liver/thyroid function, blood counts, vitamin levels, etc. Making sure there are no underlying health issues is an essential first step!
Upon starting semaglutide, here's what to expect:
The most common treatment-related side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal in nature. Because the medication delays stomach emptying, issues like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may occur initially.
Beyond GI discomfort, other possible side effects of note include:
Rarely, semaglutide can cause diabetic retinopathy complications in those with very poor baseline blood sugar control. Pancreatitis is also an extremely rare adverse effect.
Vitality Health Center practitioners monitor patients closely for any concerning or serious side effects. We adjust dosing as-needed and recommend over-the-counter medications as supportive therapy when appropriate.
Do not hesitate to call us if you have any unusual symptoms while taking semaglutide! Getting ahead of side effects early on makes continuing treatment much easier.
Prescription medications like semaglutide promote weight loss through appetite/blood sugar effects. But research clearly shows that combining pharmacotherapy with lifestyle modifications leads to better, longer-lasting success managing obesity.
Here are some healthy behavior changes we emphasize for optimal weight loss with semaglutide:
Nutrition:
Physical Activity
Behavioral Strategies
Vitality Health Center weight loss providers offer detailed, personalized suggestions regarding nutrition, physical activity, stress management and more. We partner with dietitians and fitness professionals to provide lifestyle plans tailored to your unique needs and preferences.
Small, sustainable modifications to daily habits combined with semaglutide pharmacotherapy offers the best chance for significant, permanent weight loss success! Set reasonable goals, stay disciplined, and let our caring team provide guidance each step of the way.
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Semaglutide is a highly effective and well-tolerated medication for chronic weight management when combined with lifestyle modifications. The Vitality Health Center in Sarasota, Florida offers a comprehensive weight loss program utilizing semaglutide and other cutting-edge therapies. Our experienced medical team provides personalized care, close monitoring, and support to help patients achieve their weight loss goals and maintain long-term success. If you're struggling with obesity and its related health risks, consider reaching out to Vitality Health Center to explore your treatment options.
