Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used for weight loss and to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is in a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is released naturally by the body after eating a meal to stimulate the release of insulin. Insulin helps to control blood sugar levels.
Key features and benefits of semaglutide for weight loss:
Semaglutide used specifically for weight management goes by the brand name Wegovy. Our Hormone Health Clinic clinic provides semaglutide in Mill Valley for weight loss for those who qualify.
Semaglutide may be an option for adults struggling with obesity, defined by:
It is important to note that semaglutide is not indicated for minor or short-term weight loss, like losing a few pounds for a special event. It should be used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan for those with significant excess weight.
There are several ways that semaglutide works to promote weight loss:
One of the main ways semaglutide leads to weight loss is by suppressing appetite. It does this by:
With less hunger and desire to eat, you end up consuming fewer calories each day. Over time, this calorie deficit adds up and results in pounds lost.
In addition to the direct appetite effects, semaglutide also improves blood sugar control. This happens through:
Better blood sugar control also helps with cravings, hunger, and weight management.
Some research indicates semaglutide may slightly boost resting metabolism. This is the number of calories your body burns just to perform basic functions like breathing, circulation, etc.
An acceleration in metabolic rate could contribute to additional weight loss beyond appetite suppression alone. However, more studies are needed to confirm if increased metabolism is directly responsible for the profound weight reductions seen with semaglutide.
Semaglutide comes in a convenient, prefilled pen device designed for easy self-injection under the skin. It does not require reconstitution or special storage conditions.
To start, the dose is ramped up slowly over 5 weeks to improve tolerance:
Injections are given on the same day each week, ideally picking a day that works well with your schedule. Many patients choose Sunday evenings to set themselves up for success in the week ahead.
When injecting, the best sites are the front of the thighs, stomach area, or upper arm. The injection process only takes 10-15 seconds. Most patients report it is nearly painless.
In large clinical trials, semaglutide has been shown to produce significant weight loss in adults with obesity. For example:
This amount of weight loss, especially when sustained long term, can lead to impressive reductions in obesity-related health complications like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis pain, and more.
Actual results vary from person to person depending on factors like:
Generally more excess weight at the start equates to greater amounts lost. But even losing 5-10% of body weight confers meaningful health benefits.
While semaglutide does most of the “heavy lifting” when it comes to weight loss, implementing healthy lifestyle changes can improve results:
We have dietitians on staff to provide customized meal plans and therapists to help with motivation, mindfulness, and overcoming barriers. Lifestyle optimization is key for both achieving maximal weight loss with semaglutide and maintaining reductions long term after stopping injections.
The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal in nature since it slows digestion. These include:
For most people, these side effects are mild to moderate and improve within 4-8 weeks as the body adjusts. If intolerable, dose reductions can provide relief until able to increase again.
Rarely, semaglutide can cause:
That’s why patients on semaglutide have lab testing done periodically to monitor for side effects. We also provide support like anti-nausea medications if needed when first starting.
There is no evidence semaglutide increases heart risk. However, due to its newness, long term cardiovascular safety remains under investigation as a precaution.
Our certified nurse practitioners and medical assistants provide attentive, individualized care for patients on semaglutide. This includes:
We also offer exceptional patient resources like cookbooks, accountability groups, and health coaching. Our goal is not just rapid results with semaglutide but sustained success long after discontinuing injections.
Currently semaglutide is only FDA-approved under the brand name Wegovy for chronic weight management. This requires prior authorization and may have high out-of-pocket costs depending on your specific pharmacy plan.
However, our on-site compounding pharmacy can provide customized semaglutide preparations for a fraction of the price. As an added bonus, we can compound semaglutide into strengths not commercially available to provide even more dosing flexibility.
During your consultation, we will thoroughly review your insurance coverage and explore the most economical options tailored to your needs and budget.
Obesity is a progressive disease that worsens over time, leading to impaired quality of life and serious complications like heart disease, cancer, liver failure, blindness, kidney failure, and premature death.
Without successful intervention, people struggle for years or even decades trying diet after diet, program after program, with limited long-term success. This results not just in profound physical consequences but also emotional ones like depression, anxiety, and reduced self-esteem.
By promptly seeking obesity treatment with semaglutide at Hormone Health Clinic in Mill Valley, you can finally get relief through safe, significant weight loss over a matter of months. This allows you to regain control of both your health and your life.
We know it takes courage to get started. But you deserve to feel healthy and confident at a weight that supports your body physically and mentally. We will be with you at every step, providing compassionate guidance based on established medical expertise.
Contact us today online or by phone for a life-changing consultation.Here is a 5-topic FAQ with answers about Semaglutide Weight Loss in Mill Valley:
Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication that mimics a hormone called GLP-1. It works by slowing digestion, curbing appetite, and improving feelings of fullness. In studies, people taking semaglutide lost significantly more weight over 68 weeks compared to those taking placebo. The way it makes you feel less hungry can help you eat less and lose more weight compared to diet and exercise alone.
To get a prescription for semaglutide, you’ll need to visit a healthcare provider like your primary care doctor or an endocrinologist. You’ll likely need to meet certain requirements like having a BMI over 30 or having a BMI over 27 along with an obesity-related health issue such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. You’ll also likely need to follow a reduced-calorie meal plan and increase physical activity.
In clinical trials, people lost between 5% and 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks on semaglutide. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, that would equate to 10 to 30 pounds of weight loss. Most people lose the most weight in the first 16–20 weeks. But many continue to lose weight over the full 68 weeks. Individual weight loss results do vary significantly.
The most common side effects of semaglutide are stomach issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, or gas. These tend to be mild or moderate and go away over time for most people. Some people report reactions at the injection site like rash, itching, or irritation. Semaglutide may also increase heart rate slightly. Let your doctor know right away about any severe or concerning reactions.
Semaglutide should not be taken by anyone with the following conditions: history of thyroid cancer, history of pancreatitis, severe kidney or liver disease, pregnancy or breastfeeding, type 1 diabetes, or known allergy to semaglutide. It has not been studied in children under 18 and should not be used in that population. Talk to your doctor about any medical issues to determine if semaglutide is right for you.
