Semaglutide is an injectable medication originally developed for treating type 2 diabetes. More recently, it has shown great promise as an effective weight loss treatment when prescribed in higher doses than what is typically used for diabetes.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. By acting like GLP-1, semaglutide helps lower blood sugar, insulin resistance, and significantly suppresses appetite, all of which can lead to substantial weight loss for overweight and obese patients.
When used specifically for weight management rather than diabetes treatment, semaglutide is prescribed at a higher 1-2 mg dose compared to the typical 0.25-1 mg doses used for diabetes. This allows patients to experience more profound appetite suppression and weight loss benefits.
Here at Optimal Hormone Wellness Center in Jupiter, Florida, we specialize in prescribing semaglutide for weight loss and providing customized treatment plans to help patients achieve their body goals in a healthy, sustainable way.
There are many reasons that semaglutide is an excellent option for weight management:
In clinical trials, semaglutide has been shown to lead to average weight loss of 15-18% in patients after 68 weeks of treatment. For someone who weighs 200 lbs, this could mean losing up to 30-35 lbs with semaglutide, which can be life-changing for many people.
In addition to weight loss, semaglutide also improves key markers of health, including waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and blood sugar regulation. This leads to reduced risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
By curbing appetite and food cravings, semaglutide makes it easier to reduce calorie intake and make healthier food choices. Patients report feeling satisfied with smaller portion sizes. This promotes developing better eating habits that often persist even after stopping treatment.
Semaglutide has been widely studied and has an excellent safety profile. The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These tend to resolve within 4-8 weeks of starting treatment.
Semaglutide can be an extremely effective weight loss treatment for certain patients:
Semaglutide is approved for chronic weight management in adults with BMI ?27 kg/m2 (overweight) or ?30 kg/m2 (obese). For reference, someone who is 5’5” is considered obese at a weight above 180 lbs.
If you have struggled to lose weight through diet, exercise, and other treatments, semaglutide can help overcome hurdles. It’s a great option for those unable to meet weight loss goals with traditional approaches.
If you decide to pursue semaglutide for weight management at our Jupiter weight loss clinic, this is the general treatment process:
During the first appointment, our hormone and weight loss specialist will:
If found to be a good candidate, you will be prescribed once-weekly semaglutide injections. We will thoroughly demonstrate proper injection technique and provide all necessary supplies.
Instructions will include:
- Semaglutide dosage, typically starting at 0.25 mg and increased gradually up to 1-2 mg
- Proper injection sites, needle size, rotation schedule
- Safe storage, handling, and disposal
You will schedule regular check-ins where we will:
Semaglutide was originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but researchers discovered it also causes significant weight loss. In 2021, a high dose formulation called Wegovy was approved specifically for chronic weight management, making it one of the first medications expressly for long-term weight loss.
The town of Jupiter along Florida’s Treasure Coast provides a fantastic backdrop for adopting the healthy lifestyle required for successful weight management with semaglutide. Here are some of the perks:
With sunny weather year-round, Jupiter is perfect for plenty of outdoor activities. Getting active outdoors can become an enjoyable habit.
Spending time walking or exercising by the ocean, breathing fresh air, and connecting with nature reduces stress that can trigger overeating.
Nearby options include: - Jupiter Beach - Carlin Park - Riverbend Park - Jonathan Dickinson State Park
The farm-to-table food culture in Jupiter offers access to fresh, nutritious produce and seafood. This makes sticking to a healthy diet effortless.
There are boutique gyms and studios everywhere you look in Jupiter, not to mention CrossFit boxes, yoga classes, and more. An active lifestyle is integral to success with semaglutide.
At Optimal Hormone Wellness Center, your individualized weight management plan is crafted by true hormone and metabolism experts to help you finally overcome hurdles.
The town of Jupiter along Florida's Treasure Coast provides a fantastic backdrop for adopting the healthy lifestyle required for successful weight management with semaglutide. Here are some of the perks:
With sunny weather year-round, Jupiter is perfect for plenty of outdoor activities. Getting active outdoors can become an enjoyable habit.
Spending time walking or exercising by the ocean, breathing fresh air, and connecting with nature reduces stress that can trigger overeating.
Nearby options include:
The farm-to-table food culture in Jupiter offers access to fresh, nutritious produce and seafood. This makes sticking to a healthy diet effortless.
There are boutique gyms and studios everywhere you look in Jupiter, not to mention CrossFit boxes, yoga classes, and more. An active lifestyle is integral to success with semaglutide.
At Optimal Hormone Wellness Center, your individualized weight management plan is crafted by true hormone and metabolism experts to help you finally overcome hurdles.
What truly sets Optimal Hormone Wellness Center apart is our personalized, comprehensive approach to weight loss:
We tailor semaglutide regimen specifics to your unique health status, dosage tolerance, lifestyle factors, and more. No two patients here follow the exact same plan.
Guidance on nutrition, exercise, stress relief, and sleep ensure you have all the tools and support needed to complement your medication treatment.
In our state-of-the-art facility, we offer extensive lab testing for key hormones, biomarkers indicative of disease risk, micronutrient levels, and more to accurately assess your health status.
Our founder, Dr. Casey Xenon, is a national thought leader in weight management and optimizing metabolic health and hormone balance. You benefit from world-class insight.
FAQ
Q: How much weight can I expect to lose on semaglutide?
A: In clinical trials, semaglutide leads to average weight loss of 15-18% over 68 weeks when prescribed specifically for weight management rather than diabetes. However, results vary significantly person to person.
Q: What are the side effects of semaglutide?
A: The most common side effects are temporary GI issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These tend to subside within 1-2 months. Semaglutide may also increase risk of diabetic retinopathy complications in patients with very poorly controlled diabetes.
Q: How long does treatment with semaglutide last?
A: Many patients remain on semaglutide indefinitely for weight loss maintenance and cardiometabolic benefits. Your prescribing provider will determine the optimal duration based on your individual health profile and results.
