Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used for managing diabetes and chronic weight management. It helps improve blood sugar levels and promotes feelings of fullness so you eat less food. Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake.
When used specifically for weight loss, semaglutide is taken once weekly as a subcutaneous injection. It is an effective medication for long-term weight management when combined with increased physical activity and healthier eating habits.
There are many potential benefits of using semaglutide for losing weight:
- On average, people lose 15-18% of their body weight over 68 weeks on semaglutide - It reduces food cravings and appetite between meals - The fullness effect allows you to feel satisfied with smaller portions
- Lowers blood sugar and insulin resistance - Improves lipid profile with higher HDL and lower LDL - Reduces risk factors for heart disease and stroke
- Boosts energy, mobility and ability to exercise - Relieves joint pain associated with obesity - Improves self-esteem, body image and outlook
Overall, semaglutide is an effective medical option when combined with diet and an active lifestyle for substantial weight loss and metabolic changes.
Semaglutide may be an appropriate weight loss treatment if:
- Despite diet and exercise efforts, losing weight has been a struggle - You lose some weight then quickly regain it back - Your BMI is over 30 which is classified as obese
- Ready to commit to healthier habits with extra support - Tried other weight loss meds without enough results - Looking to lose a significant amount of weight
Semaglutide promotes weight loss through appetite suppression while also providing metabolic benefits. Adults struggling with long-term obesity and related health issues are often good candidates.
The key to how semaglutide promotes weight loss is by controlling appetite in a few ways:
- Food stays in stomach longer so you feel full faster and longer - Creates a sense of satisfaction with smaller meal portions
- Activates regions that signal fullness and suppress appetite - Blunts activation of areas that stimulate food cravings
- Lowers blood glucose excursions after a meal - Helps regulate insulin response to food intake
Through these mechanisms, semaglutide allows you to better control hunger urges and cravings so less food provides feelings of fullness. This caloric deficit is what drives the substantial weight loss.
Semaglutide was originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but researchers unexpectedly found it also caused significant weight loss. Further studies showed that non-diabetic obese people taking semaglutide lost on average 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks compared to placebo, leading to its recent approval specifically for chronic weight management.
At Balance & Renew Clinic in Streetman, we have an evidence-based protocol for using semaglutide med spa treatments tailored to your weight loss goals and health status.
We first meet to discuss:
- Self-administered subcutaneous injections at home - Starts at lower dose for 4 weeks then increases - Option for Balance & Renew Clinic to provide injections
- Monitor progress, side effects and dosage titrations - Guidance for nutrition, fitness and behavior changes - Evaluate metabolic impact with bloodwork
With this supervised medical approach, we can provide strong accountability, motivation and resources to assist your weight loss efforts using semaglutide shots.
While semaglutide drastically reduces appetite and food intake, making healthy lifestyle changes maximizes your weight loss. We advise patients on strategies like:
- Emphasize lean proteins, fruits/veggies and whole grains - Stay hydrated daily with water and unsweetened drinks - Learn mindful eating techniques
- Gradually increase activity for 150-300 minutes per week - Incorporate strength training 2-3 days weekly - Take more steps daily with a fitness tracker
- Identify triggers for stress or emotional eating - Practice positive self-talk that supports goals - Prioritize 7-9 hours of sleep per night
Implementing sustainable healthy habits makes weight loss medication more effective for the long run. Our providers offer ongoing lifestyle recommendations individualized to your needs and preferences during semaglutide treatment.
To assist with healthy changes during semaglutide weight loss treatments, here are useful local Streetman establishments our patients recommend:
- Healthy meal prep catering service - Customizable plans for calorie targets
- Extensive free weights, machines and classes - Discounted rate for Balance & Renew Clinic patients
- Peaceful nature trail for walking/jogging - Benches scattered for rests when needed
- Convenient lab for blood tests - Quick online results through patient portal
We suggest checking out these places to eat healthier, stay active and monitor your progress! Our clinic is familiar with Streetman amenities that support your weight management goals.
Managing weight often involves getting hormone levels optimized as well. Deficiencies in hormones like thyroid, growth hormone or testosterone can negatively impact efforts to lose weight and keep it off.
Symptoms that these essential hormones are low include:
Therefore, we evaluate hormones like T3, IGF-1, testosterone and cortisol during initial bloodwork and treatment follow-ups. Identifying and addressing any hormone imbalances with replacement therapy helps accelerate weight loss while alleviating unpleasant symptoms.
With extensive medical expertise in weight loss treatments like semaglutide, Balance & Renew Clinic in Streetman provides:
Our clinic involves trained professionals including:
We offer flexible solutions tailored to you such as:
Our state-of-the-art facility offers:
With our knowledge, resources and holistic approach, Balance & Renew Clinic develops customized medical plans using semaglutide med spa treatments to achieve your weight loss and wellness vision.