Few things are as frustrating as trying to lose weight. Even though nearly half of American adults are overweight or obese, there have been very few effective weight loss products approved by the FDA in the last few decades. Semaglutide is the first weight loss product to be FDA-approved since 2014 and it is showing significant promise for those who want to shed extra pounds. If you have been wondering whether semaglutide is safe for weight loss, here is some useful information about this medication.

What Is Semaglutide and How Does It Work?

Semaglutide was FDA-approved for weight loss in 2021 but it is not a new drug. While currently sold as a weight loss drug under the brand name Wegovy, semaglutide for weight loss has been used for several years for type 2 diabetes under the brands Ozempic and Rybelsus. Semaglutide contains a peptide that has a similar effect in the body as the hormone glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1). In the brain, GLP-1 works to regular appetite and hunger – higher levels can decrease cravings and hunger. GLP-1 also increases the production of insulin and can slow the emptying of the stomach, all of which can help reduce hunger.

Semaglutide mimics the effects on the brain, insulin and stomach as GLP-1. This medication is considered a GLP-1 agonist, which means it binds to the same receptors as GLP-1, triggering similar responses in the brain. For type 2 diabetics, these effects helped control A1C levels. For those who use semaglutide for weight loss, it can make it easier to stick to a healthier eating plan. There have been years of studies and research on the effectiveness of semaglutide for weight loss, which led to the approval by the FDA of products like Wegovy.

Receiving Semaglutide Treatment for Weight Loss

Semaglutide can be used as oral medication, but the brand Wegovy is given as an injection. Patients receive a weekly injection of the medication, usually starting with a lower dose and working their way up to a 2.4 mg injection. Weekly shots deliver the medication straight to the bloodstream for reliable results.

Semaglutide is recommended for those who are obese or overweight with weight-related health conditions. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above are ideal candidates for trying semaglutide for weight loss. Those who have a BMI of 27 or higher and high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or other obesity-related diseases can also benefit from using semaglutide to lose weight.

What Are the Side Effects?

When discussing the safety of semaglutide, many patients may wonder if there are severe side effects. The good news is that semaglutide has very few negative side effects – many patients do not report any negative effects. While all medications can have reactions in some people, semaglutide is very well tolerated. Some people may experience constipation, headache, upset stomach or gas, but these side effects are usually temporary

For most patients, the possible side effects of semaglutide are minimal compared to the discomfort of excess weight and the benefits of losing weight. Excess weight can cause joint pain and increase the risk of injury, as well as contribute to serious health conditions. As patients lose weight with semaglutide, they not only improve their appearance, but they may decrease their risk of weight-related conditions. Many patients have increased energy and confidence as they lose 15% or more of their weight.

Significant Weight Loss with Semaglutide

The trials and studies performed on semaglutide for weight loss have been impressive. Not only did patients lose weight, but the long-term results have been promising for keeping the weight off. In a 68-week study, patients using Wegovy injections lost an average of 15% of their body weight. For those who perform an 8-week stint of semaglutide can lose up to 20 pounds in the two months. Patients can continue using semaglutide beyond eight weeks to achieve the desired weight loss.

Everyone knows there is not a magic bullet for losing weight. Semaglutide is a tool that can instigate weight loss by decreasing hunger and giving patients control over their weight loss progress. While patients do not necessarily need to “diet” with semaglutide, those that combine this weight loss medication with a healthy diet and exercise will have improved and faster results. The goal is to embrace a healthier lifestyle for long-term weight loss results.

Risks of Staying Overweight

Semaglutide has been FDA-approved for weight loss and is considered a safe and effective option for losing weight. This can be the tool that many patients use to finally lose weight and improve their health. The risks of staying overweight are significant – obesity is related to heart disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, cancer, type 2 diabetes, stroke and many other morbidities. If semaglutide can help you lose weight, it is worth considering, reducing your risks of serious health conditions related to obesity.

Safe Semaglutide Treatments in Phoenix

If you are considering semaglutide for weight loss and live in the greater Phoenix, AZ area, come see us at Arcadia Wellness Center. We have been helping our patients achieve effective weight loss for many years with medical solutions, including semaglutide. Our medical staff evaluates every patient to determine the best options for achieving weight loss. In addition to semaglutide injections, we offer the following treatments and services to promote long-term weight loss:

•         Hormone testing – hormone therapy is available for men and women which can impact weight loss
•         B12 and fat burner injections
•         HCG injections
•         L-Thermo lean supplements

Each of our patients is unique and may benefit from a variety of medical weight loss options. Our staff provides personalized evaluations to determine the best options to achieve your weight loss goals. We can perform blood tests to determine if hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could be beneficial – many of our male patients have had weight gain due to low testosterone and may lose weight faster with HRT. We may suggest semaglutide injections for weight loss and other treatments that can support your ability to burn fat efficiently.

Starting Your Semaglutide Weight Loss Program

If you are ready to begin a semaglutide weight loss program, you want a medical team on your side. Arcadia Wellness Center is your source for weight loss support and measurable results. Semaglutide begins working right away after your first injection, beginning to increase insulin sensitivity and decrease the appetite. Every patient reacts slightly differently, but many patients notice a difference in their hunger within a day of their first injection, even at a lower dosage. When combined with a healthy diet and an active lifestyle, semaglutide can provide steady, accelerated weight loss.

Semaglutide is very safe and effective for weight loss. It can have an incredible impact on reducing hunger and controlling appetite in multiple ways. Plus, the resulting insulin sensitivity can improve the body’s ability to burn fat efficiently.

To learn more about semaglutide for safe and effective weight loss, come see us at Arcadia Wellness Center. We are conveniently located in Phoenix, AZ, offering medically-supervised weight loss, aesthetic services and many wellness services. Call our office today to schedule a semaglutide consultation and begin your journey to a healthier you with semaglutide injections.