What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medication that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, recent studies have shown that Semaglutide is also effective for weight loss in individuals who do not have diabetes.

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works by increasing insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon secretion, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. GLP-1 also plays a role in regulating appetite and food intake. Semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors in the brain, which can help to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness.

In a recent clinical trial, Semaglutide was shown to be effective for weight loss in individuals who were overweight or obese. The trial included over 1,900 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either Semaglutide or a placebo. Participants who received Semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight, compared to 2.4% for those who received the placebo.

The study also found that Semaglutide was effective for weight loss regardless of age, sex, or baseline body weight. Participants who received Semaglutide also experienced improvements in other health markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control.

How is Semaglutide administered? 

Semaglutide is administered once a week by subcutaneous injection. The medication and supplies to self-administer the injection are sent to your home.  For your first injection, you will come into the clinic for instructions on how to administer the injection. Don’t feel comfortable giving yourself a shot at home?  You are welcome to come in weekly during our convenient hours and one of our trained professionals will do the injection for you.  

Are there side effects?
Like any medication, Semaglutide can cause side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects usually go away on their own within a few days or weeks. In rare cases, Semaglutide can cause more serious side effects such as pancreatitis, kidney problems, and thyroid cancer.  Patients with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN-2) or patients with a history of recurrent pancreatitis are not candidates for this category of medication.

How am I supervised?

Your initial consultation will review your medical history and include blood work and an EKG.  You will have a quick weigh in on a monthly basis to make sure you are losing weight safely, answer your questions, and not having any concerning side effects.  At 12 and 20 weeks, you will have repeated lab work.

What Lab work is checked?

Thyroid function test, Complete Blood Count, Complete Metabolic Panel (Blood sugar, kidney function, electrolytes, liver function tests), Lipid panel (Cholesterol), Hemoglobin A1C (average blood sugar over 3 months), and men have PSA (prostate) tests performed.

The repeated lab work monitors the additional benefits on your blood sugar and cholesterol, while screening for side effects.  This also allows adjustments in other medications treating blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. 

Do I have to Exercise?

Exercise helps with overall general health, improves mood and energy levels and is a great addition to any weight loss journey.  However, you are not required to exercise for Semaglutide to be effective.

Do I have to follow a specific Diet?

You should avoid no carb or low carb diets.   There is no specific diet recommended or required.  Commonly used diets that can augment your success include Paleo, Mediterranean, modified-Keto, intermittent fasting, WW, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, Optavia. 

What is the cost?

The initial evaluation is $200.  That includes the EKG, over $500 in labs, and the medical history review and physical exam. The prescription and supplies are $400 per month.  The repeated blood work at 12 and 20 weeks is $150. 

For comparison, according to Good RX  the approximate costs of name brand GLP-1 medications.

• Wegovy $1400/month
• Ozempic $900/month

How do I get started?

Simply click HERE to set up your appointment at the Highland Village or Argyle location.  It is best to fast for the lab work and can return on a subsequent morning for the blood work to be completed.