For many women, especially moms, the weight loss journey can feel like an uphill battle. Between busy schedules, stress, and fluctuating hormones, shedding those extra pounds may seem almost impossible.
But what if there was a way to make it a little easier?
Enter semaglutide, a groundbreaking medication that’s been making waves in the weight loss arena.
At The Aesthetic Centers, we understand your weight loss challenges and are proud to offer weight loss medications like semaglutide as part of our commitment to anti-aging, wellness, and enhancing the results of plastic surgery. These innovative treatments can serve as valuable tools to support our patients’ holistic health journeys.
So, in this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about semaglutide — how it works, what benefits it offers, and what to consider if you’re thinking about using it to reach your weight loss goals.
Semaglutide is a medication originally designed to help manage type 2 diabetes, but it has since gained attention for its remarkable weight loss properties.
It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the action of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone in the body. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating digestion by prompting insulin release, slowing gastric emptying, and sending signals to the brain that trigger feelings of fullness.
By mimicking these effects, semaglutide:
All of these lead to lower calorie intake and significant weight loss over time.
Semaglutide has quickly become a game-changer in weight loss due to its remarkable effectiveness and long-term benefits.
In clinical studies, participants using semaglutide along with diet and exercise saw significant weight loss, with nearly half losing 15% of their body weight and about a third shedding 20% over 68 weeks. This is a substantial improvement compared to those relying solely on lifestyle changes, who lost only about 2.4% of their weight.
What makes semaglutide even more compelling is that it helps manage weight in the long run by reducing appetite and promoting satiety, allowing individuals to maintain weight loss as part of a sustainable health plan.
While semaglutide isn’t a quick fix, it works best when integrated into a broader lifestyle that includes proper diet and exercise. It enhances the effects of these healthy habits by making it easier to consume fewer calories, reducing the hunger and cravings that often make weight loss challenging.
This combination of medical and lifestyle approaches offers a comprehensive tool for women who have struggled with stubborn weight gain.
Semaglutide is FDA-approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy, which is specifically prescribed for overweight or obese patients. The typical dosage for weight loss is 2.4 milligrams, administered as a weekly injection.
Other brands like Ozempic — initially approved for diabetes — are often prescribed off-label for weight management due to their similar composition and effects.
Semaglutide offers a unique, medically approved approach to weight loss that goes beyond traditional diet and exercise routines. It has been a game-changer for many, especially those struggling with stubborn weight gain, helping them lose significant weight and improve overall health.
Significant Weight Loss and Metabolism Boost
Semaglutide is proven to deliver significant weight loss results, with clinical studies showing participants losing up to 15% of their body weight.
It works by boosting the metabolism through improved insulin sensitivity, which helps the body burn more calories.
This increase in metabolic function helps patients lose weight and sustain that weight loss over time, offering a transformative approach for those struggling with obesity.
Appetite Suppression and Craving Control
One of the standout benefits of semaglutide is its ability to reduce appetite. Mimicking the GLP-1 hormone signals the brain to feel full, curbing cravings and reducing overall food intake.
This makes it much easier for individuals to stick to a calorie-restricted diet without feeling constantly hungry, often a major obstacle in traditional weight loss efforts.
While semaglutide is primarily known for weight management, its benefits extend far beyond the scale.
Semaglutide offers significant cardiovascular benefits, particularly for individuals with obesity or a history of heart disease.
Clinical trials have shown that semaglutide can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, by up to 20%. This is crucial because individuals carrying excess weight are more prone to heart-related complications.
By improving heart health, semaglutide helps with weight loss and protects against life-threatening conditions, offering a holistic improvement to overall well-being.
Semaglutide has been shown to protect kidney health, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Research indicates that it reduces the risk of kidney disease progression by up to 24%, lowering the chances of severe outcomes like dialysis, kidney transplant, or kidney failure.
This makes semaglutide a valuable option for those at risk of chronic kidney disease, particularly given the strong link between obesity, diabetes, and kidney damage.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often face difficulties with weight management due to insulin resistance and hormone imbalances.
Semaglutide, though not officially approved for PCOS, has shown promise in treating symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles and excess androgens, which can cause acne and excess hair growth.
By improving insulin sensitivity and facilitating weight loss, semaglutide can help regulate hormone levels and promote more regular cycles, offering relief to women struggling with PCOS-related symptoms.
Emerging research suggests that semaglutide may also lower the risk of colorectal cancer, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Studies have shown that people using semaglutide had a 25% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to those on other diabetes medications.
Although more research is needed to understand this benefit fully, the findings point to semaglutide’s potential to reduce cancer risks tied to obesity and diabetes, adding another layer of protection for patients.
There is growing evidence that semaglutide may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Obesity and diabetes are known risk factors for these conditions due to their negative effects on blood vessels, including those in the brain. Semaglutide could protect brain health in the long term by improving blood sugar control and reducing inflammation.
Ongoing research is exploring its potential role in preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, making it a promising option for safeguarding mental sharpness as well.
Semaglutide is an excellent option for individuals struggling with weight loss, particularly those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or greater with weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
These candidates stand to benefit the most from the medication's ability to reduce appetite and promote significant weight loss, making it a helpful tool for those preparing for plastic surgery or aiming to improve their overall health.
For individuals considering procedures like liposuction or tummy tucks, semaglutide can aid in reaching their target weight before surgery, optimizing both safety and results.
Semaglutide is not suitable for everyone. Those with a history of the following should avoid semaglutide:
Additionally, semaglutide is not a standalone solution — it works best when paired with healthy lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.
As with any medication, semaglutide must be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider. Medical supervision ensures that the treatment is safe and effective, taking into account any pre-existing conditions or medications that may interact with the drug.
Regular check-ins with a doctor help manage any potential side effects and monitor progress along the weight loss journey.
Patients using semaglutide can typically expect gradual weight over time. Clinical trials have shown that most people lose around 15% of their body weight during this time when paired with diet and exercise.
But remember: results vary from person to person, and the best outcomes are seen with a consistent lifestyle approach, including healthy eating and regular physical activity.
Dosage and Administration
Semaglutide is administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection, typically using a prefilled dosing pen.
Your doctor will start you on a low dose, gradually increasing it after four weeks to help your body adjust.
The injection can be given in the upper arm, thigh, or stomach, and it’s important to rotate injection sites to avoid irritation.
Taking the medication on the same day each week helps maintain its effectiveness. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions on dosage and ensure proper needle disposal.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are crucial while on semaglutide. These check-ins allow your doctor to monitor your progress, adjust your dosage if necessary, and ensure the medication works effectively for weight loss.
Your doctor will also assess potential side effects and discuss how to manage them.
Staying in touch with your healthcare team is vital to achieving safe and sustainable results with semaglutide.
Most patients notice weight loss within the first 8 to 12 weeks. However, significant results typically occur after several months of consistent use.
Yes, semaglutide is approved for long-term use in weight management.
Still, it’s essential to be under medical supervision to monitor any side effects and adjust treatment as necessary.
Common side effects of semaglutide include:
These symptoms often occur during the early weeks of treatment and usually subside as the body adjusts.
Serious side effects, though rare, include:
If you experience any severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Regular monitoring is essential to manage any adverse reactions effectively.
Stopping semaglutide should be discussed with your healthcare provider, as ceasing the medication could lead to weight regain. Many patients continue with maintenance therapy to sustain results.
Unlike other weight loss treatments, semaglutide addresses appetite control and metabolism regulation, making it more effective in producing sustainable weight loss results.
While there’s no strict diet required, combining semaglutide with a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise will enhance your results and support long-term weight management.
Semaglutide is commonly prescribed for individuals with weight-related health issues like Type 2 diabetes or hypertension. However, discussing your entire medical history with your doctor is essential to ensure it’s a safe option for you.
