Semaglutide: A New Weight Loss Solution

By now, many of you have heard about a drug called semaglutide that also goes by the brand names Wegovy or Ozempic. It is gaining popularity as a “miracle” weight loss drug, but what exactly is it?

About Semaglutide

Originally developed as a treatment for Type II Diabetes, semaglutide is a peptide hormone produced by our bodies called Glucagon-like peptide-1 (or GLP-1). GLP-1, along with a newer class of medications, GIP (brand name Mounjaro) is in the class of hormones known as incretins. They are released from a portion of the small intestine in response to the presence of food in the GI tract. It lowers blood sugar by facilitating insulin release from the pancreas and decreasing glucagon (the hormone that signals the liver to make glucose). It has nearly a dozen additional functions including increasing glucose uptake in the muscles, decreasing the emptying of food from the stomach, decreasing appetite, increasing bone formation, protecting the kidneys, protecting the heart, and preserving brain function.

The vast majority of patients on a GLP-1 drug will lose weight provided that they follow the appropriate diet and exercise program for their body type. These medications are usually administered by a subcutaneous injection once a week. The needle is so small that most patients will not feel the injection.

Wegovy and Ozempic may be covered by insurance for some patients; but if not covered, they can be quite expensive. There is a significantly less expensive version of semaglutide that can be compounded by special pharmacies.

Side-Effects of Semaglutide

Although the benefits of semaglutide are numerous, it is not without downsides. The most common side effect is nausea and vomiting due to the way the drug works. We can mitigate this by starting at a very low dose and working up to the maximally tolerated dosage. People with a history of pancreatitis or a very specific (and rare) type of thyroid cancer should never take this drug.

Why Choose Hybrid Medical Solution?

 At Hybrid Medical Solution we have had patients lose weight despite not having had success with other programs. A few patients have lost more than 100 pounds. Medication alone is not enough to lose weight safely and effectively as many people who lose weight lose both fat and muscle. In order to prevent this imbalance, we monitor our patients closely and perform monthly body fat analysis using the InBody machine and regularly adjust protein and macronutrient intake. Exercise also needs to be adjusted to compensate for any muscle loss.

Dr. Moraes has over fifteen years of experience using GLP-1 drugs. Many practices that treat patients with semaglutide for weight loss do not have the same level of expertise. Ultimately, our goal is to help patients get the weight off and discontinue the medication by formulating a long-term plan to sustain results. Semaglutide is just one of many peptide therapies offered at Hybrid Medical Solution and we are happy to discuss a tailor-made option to maximize your health.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about semaglutide and how it can help you reach your weight loss goals, contact Hybrid Medical Solution today to schedule a consultation appointment. Our team is proud to provide personalized care utilizing traditional medicine, natural holistic medicine, functional medicine, and lifestyle changes. We also offer a concierge medicine program to provide optimal care.

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