What is Semaglutide Peptide Therapy?
Semaglutide (also known by brand names Wegovy® or Ozempic®) belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, which mimic the hormone GLP-1 in your body to decrease appetite by slowing stomach emptying. This results in feeling fuller longer which reduces the amount of food you eat. It also works on the pancreas by encouraging it to produce insulin. This helps to control blood sugar levels, which also plays an important role in decreasing appetite. This management of insulin helps to break down food and fat more efficiently helping to boost your metabolism for optimal weight loss results.
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How is Semaglutide prescribed?
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This is a weekly injection that you will administer subcutaneously (just under the skin). You will be given instructions on how to either give yourself the injection or have a family/friend do it for you.
The recommended dosing begins at .25mg and will increase every 4 weeks (.25 mg, .50mg, 1.0mg, 1.75mg, 2.5mg) up to 20 weeks. Most people do not need to titrate to the highest dose. If you are consistently losing weight and your cravings are controlled, there is no need to increase the dose.
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How does it work?
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Everyone is different, but many see weight loss in the early weeks of use. In first few weeks you should begin to have less cravings, feel full faster, and start to see a reduction in your overall weight. For sustainable weight loss, the use of Semaglutide should be combined with a healthy low calorie diet and exercise routine.
*Individual results may vary. Some may not lose any significant weight and some may not be able to tolerate the medicine due to side effects.
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Who should avoid Semaglutide?
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Those who have a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome Type 2, those trying for pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding women, history of pancreatitis, insulin dependent diabetics and those with a hypersensitivity to Semaglutide.
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​What are the side effects?
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The most common side effects of Semaglutide are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas and constipation. May cause GI upset, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and gas, but typically does lessen over time according the research studies.
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What are the benefits of Semaglutide therapy?
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Reduced waist circumference
Appetite control
Meal portion control
Reduced food cravings
Reduce risk of diabetes and heart disease
Lower HbA1C levels (A lab value used to monitor type 2 Diabetes)
Decreased inflammation markers (less joint pain)
Improved confidence and self-image
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Can I use Semaglutide if I am diabetic?
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Semaglutide injection is used to treat type 2 diabetes (non insulin users) but is also approved for weight loss. You do not have to be diabetic to use Semaglutide. It is used together with diet and exercise to help control your blood sugar. This medicine is also used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart or blood vessel disease.
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Is Semaglutide covered by insurance?
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Semaglutide is currently not covered by most insurances unless you have diabetes type 2. When it's used for weight-loss purposes, it's much less likely to be covered. We are a private pay practice and do not submit to insurance companies. We are happy to provide you with a receipt to use with with HRA/HSA account.
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