Semaglutide is a medication that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (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.

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.

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.

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

The following lab criteria are reviewed: Thyroid function test, Complete Blood Count, Complete Metabolic Panel (Blood sugar, kidney function, electrolytes, liver function tests), Lipid panel (Cholesterol), and Hemoglobin A1C (average blood sugar over 3 months). Men will additionally 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.

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

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, and Optavia.

Simply click HERE to set up your appointment at the Highland Village or Argyle location. It is best to fast the day prior to the lab work and to plan on returning the following morning for the lab work to be completed.

With Tirzepatide, 75% of study participants lost over 20% of their body weight within one year. With Semaglutide, study participants lost about 12.5% of their body weight. Tirzepatide does have a higher cost.

Tirzepatide (aka MOUNJARO) acts on the GLP-1 receptor along with another receptor called glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). GLP-1 and GIP are two hormones called incretins, which are involved in many functions, such as controlling how much insulin the pancreas releases into the blood when blood sugar levels spike (the reason these drugs treat type 2 diabetes), quickly moving food through the digestive system, and processing appetite signals in the brain. The body naturally activates these receptors when we eat, but only in short bursts. Drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic keep these receptors activated for much longer (up to a week), which prevents too much sugar from circulating in the blood (leading to lower blood sugar), slows down digestion, and tells the brain you’re satiated (keeping you fuller for longer).

Tirzepatide is $400 the first month and $600 every month after. You have the option of paying per shot or for a month.

Tirzepatide injections are only administered in the office, once a week.