Semaglutide: Everything You Need to Know About This Weight Loss Treatment
Are you looking for a weight loss solution that goes beyond diet and exercise? Semaglutide might be the answer you’ve been searching for, especially if you’ve been struggling to lose weight despite following a healthy lifestyle. This treatment is transforming how people achieve and maintain their weight loss goals.
We’ve put together a helpful guide to explain everything you need to know about Semaglutide and how it could work for you.
What is Semaglutide?
Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, Semaglutide is FDA-approved and has gained attention for its powerful weight loss benefits. Semaglutide is an injectable medication that works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone regulates your appetite, slows down digestion, and helps control blood sugar levels.
When used for weight loss, Semaglutide helps you feel fuller longer and reduces hunger, making it easier to stay on track with healthier eating habits.
For those struggling to shed extra pounds, Semaglutide provides a medically supported option that can deliver sustainable results when paired with lifestyle changes like better nutrition and regular activity.
What are the Benefits of Semaglutide?
Semaglutide offers a range of benefits for those looking to lose weight and improve their overall health, including:
- Helps with steady and noticeable weight loss
- Reduces hunger, so you feel full longer
- Makes it easier to eat smaller portions
- Improves how your body handles blood sugar
- An FDA-approved treatment
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide works by targeting your brain’s appetite-regulation centers and your body’s digestive system. It mimics a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, which plays an important role in signaling when you’re full.
Here’s how it can potentially lead to weight loss:
- Appetite Suppression: Semaglutide slows the emptying of your stomach, helping you feel full for longer after meals. This reduces the urge to snack or eat large portions.
- Lower Cravings: By affecting hunger signals in your brain, it decreases cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods.
- Calorie Reduction: With fewer calories consumed, your body starts using stored fat for energy, which can lead to gradual weight loss.
- Sustained Progress: Unlike quick fixes, Semaglutide supports gradual, long-term weight loss by changing how your body and mind respond to food.
When combined with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, Semaglutide helps you not just lose weight but build healthier habits that stick.
Which Conditions Can Semaglutide Address?
Semaglutide can help address:
- Obesity: Semaglutide is FDA-approved for weight management in adults with obesity or those with weight-related health conditions.
- Weight-Related Health Risks: For individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other conditions linked to excess weight, Semaglutide can provide indirect health benefits by promoting weight loss.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Initially designed to regulate high blood sugar levels, Semaglutide improves insulin sensitivity and helps manage diabetes.
By addressing the root cause of these conditions—excess weight—it potentially helps reduce the overall burden on your body and improves your quality of life.
How is Semaglutide Administered?
Semaglutide is administered as a once-weekly injection, typically into your upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. Your board-certified physician will guide you on how to self-administer the injections at home, making it convenient to fit into your routine. At Brisk Wellness, you also have the option of receiving weekly injections at our clinic.
The process is simple and quick, and most patients find it easy to manage after a few tries. Your physician will also determine the right dosage for you, gradually increasing it over time to help your body adjust and minimize side effects.
Since it’s only taken once a week, Semaglutide doesn’t require the daily commitment that some other medications do, making it a more practical option for many.
What if I Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose of Semaglutide, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do:
- Within 5 Days: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
- After 5 Days: Skip the missed dose entirely and take your next scheduled dose at the regular time.
Avoid taking two doses in one week, as this could increase the risk of side effects. If you’re unsure about what to do, reach out to your Brisk Wellness physician for guidance.
Consistency is key for the best results, so try to set a reminder or pick a specific day of the week to make it easier to stay on track.
Storing This Medication
Proper storage of Semaglutide helps it remain effective and safe to use:
- Keep it Refrigerated: Store Semaglutide in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C).
- Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze the medication. If it does freeze, do not use it.
- Room Temperature: If needed, you can store Semaglutide at room temperature (up to 86°F or 30°C) for a maximum of 28 days after opening.
- Protect from Light: Keep the medication in its original packaging to shield it from light and heat.
- Safe Storage: Store it out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental misuse.
Who is a Candidate for Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is ideal if you’re looking to lose weight with the support of a proven medical treatment. You might be a good candidate if:
- You Have a BMI of 30 or Higher: This is classified as obesity, and Semaglutide is FDA-approved for weight management in this group.
- You Have a BMI of 27 or Higher with Weight-Related Conditions: If you’re overweight and managing conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, Semaglutide could help.
- You’ve Struggled with Traditional Weight Loss Methods: If diet and exercise alone haven’t worked, Semaglutide offers a new, medically supported approach.
- You’re Committed to Lifestyle Changes: For best results, Semaglutide should be combined with healthier eating habits and regular physical activity.
It’s not suitable for everyone. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as well as those with a history of thyroid cancer or certain other medical conditions, should consult their healthcare provider to determine if Semaglutide is right for them.
If you’re unsure, your physician at Brisk Wellness can evaluate your health history and weight loss goals to determine if Semaglutide is the right choice for you.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Side effects when taking this medication can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Gallbladder issues
- Injection site reactions
- Rash or itching
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe dizziness
- Tightness in the throat
- Kidney failure
- Heart attack
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Who is a Candidate for Semaglutide?
When you visit Brisk Wellness for Semaglutide treatment, the process is straightforward and supportive. First, your board-certified physician will review your medical history and discuss any current medications (including all the medicines you take), such as over-the-counter medicines. This step helps make sure Semaglutide is the right fit for your needs and reduces the chances of causing any side effects or interactions with other medications you’re taking. You’ll also have time to ask questions about the treatment and how it works.
If found to be a candidate for treatment, your board-certified physician will guide you on how to self-administer the weekly injection. You also have the option of receiving injections in person at our clinic. Additionally, they’ll explain how a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise complement the medication for best results.
Your physician will monitor your progress during follow-up visits, adjusting the dosage if needed to reduce side effects like nausea, trouble swallowing, or upper stomach discomfort.
Is There Downtime?
One of the best parts of Semaglutide treatment is the minimal downtime. After your weekly injection, you can return to your normal activities immediately. Most side effects, such as mild nausea or fatigue, are temporary and decrease as your body adjusts to the medication.
However, you should notify your physician if you experience more severe symptoms like severe stomach pain, signs of low blood sugar hypoglycemia, or an allergic reaction.
Cost of Semaglutide
At Brisk Wellness, Semaglutide injections for weight loss are $299 per month.
Get Started with Semaglutide at Brisk Wellness
At Brisk Wellness, we know that losing weight is more than just a number on the scale—it’s about feeling better, improving your health, and reclaiming your confidence. With Semaglutide treatment, you’ll have access to a scientifically backed approach that supports sustainable weight loss. Contact us today to find out if you’re a candidate for treatment.
