Semaglutide Prescription Medication
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a medication that is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, more commonly called GLP-1. It mimics a hormone that is manufactured by our body naturally when food enters the digestive system.
Semaglutide is available in both compounded versions (custom-made) and well-known brand names such as Ozempic® and Wegovy® and is becoming increasingly popular due to its proven weight management benefits.
How Does Semaglutide Promote Weight Loss?
The GLP-1 hormone is responsible for maintaining blood sugar levels (glucose) by regulating the production and release of insulin. When insulin regulation is functioning properly, the metabolism runs efficiently, breaking down fat and converting it to energy, but when something is amiss with the regulation of insulin, it can cause the storage of fat and weight gain.
Because semaglutide prompts the release of insulin to regulate glucose levels, it has been used for many years to treat patients with type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic. These patients quickly realized the side benefit of semaglutide in that it also helped keep their metabolisms running smoothly, which resulted in notable weight loss.
Another key function of GLP-1 is that it collaborates with the section of the brain that notifies the rest of your body that you are full and that you should stop eating. Semaglutide helps with appetite suppression by slowing down the digestive process, creating an extended feeling of fullness. When used with traditional weight loss efforts (a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity), semaglutide has proven to help individuals lose a substantial amount of weight.
How Do You Use Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes and for weight loss or weight management. The medication is administered through a weekly injection given into the fatty tissue on the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
When being used for weight loss or maintenance purposes, patients begin with the lowest dose available and remain on that dose for four weeks before proceeding to the next higher dose. Over a five-month period, patients acclimate their systems to semaglutide until they reach the highest dose as follows:
This gradual introduction is to help deter the unpleasant side effects of nausea and vomiting. For best results, it is recommended that injections be administered on the same day each week at around the same time and to rotate injection sites to avoid rashes or other complications.
Who Is A Candidate For Semaglutide?
The prescription medication semaglutide is for use by adults who are 18 years of age and older and have a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher. Adults with a BMI of 27+ who have weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure, type II diabetes, etc. are also suitable candidates for semaglutide.
Semaglutide Would Not Suitable For Individuals Who:
- Are currently being treated with any other form of GLP-1 drug,
- Has a personal or family history of MTC (medullary thyroid carcinoma).
- Has MEN2 (a rare genetic disorder).
- Has known allergies to anything that is contained in semaglutide injections.
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or attempting to conceive.
- Has health issues pertaining to their kidneys or pancreas.
What Benefits Does Semaglutide Offer For Weight Management?
- Helps patients avoid eating too much by suppressing their appetite.
- Slows down how fast the body processes the food that is consumed, keeping it in the stomach for a longer length of time, so the individual does not feel hungry as often.
- Semaglutide can help keep your insulin levels in check and promote fat burning instead of fat storage.
- Research has shown that semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss, which can improve or eliminate weight-related health conditions such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Are There Side Effects Associated With Semaglutide?
Like many other medications, patients who use semaglutide may experience some side effects that are considered normal. The most common side effects of semaglutide include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness. Speak to your doctor to learn about other possible side effects and contradictions and to determine if semaglutide would be right for you.
How Do I Know If Semaglutide Is Right For Me?
The highly qualified team of doctors at KIINILIFE will work with you to find the best weight loss solution for your unique circumstances. Incorporating a prescription medication such as compounded semaglutide or one of the name brands, into your weight loss program can help your efforts count for more. The experts at KIINILIFE can help you navigate through the different choices available and assist you in determining which will be most effective, safest, and affordable for you.
