Semaglutide is an exciting new medication recently approved specifically for chronic weight management. It is injected under the skin once weekly and helps regulate appetite and calorie intake. When combined with increased physical activity and other lifestyle changes, semaglutide can be highly effective for achieving and maintaining significant weight loss.
Our skilled clinicians at Vibrance Health specialize in semaglutide-assisted weight loss programs and are thrilled to now offer this breakthrough treatment. In this guide, we will cover key topics about semaglutide therapy including how it works, its many benefits, eligibility criteria, side effects, treatment protocol, lifestyle recommendations, and more to empower you on your weight loss journey.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the hormone GLP-1 which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Specifically, semaglutide:
By improving control over eating, semaglutide makes it easier to lose excess fat and achieve long-term weight loss success.
Along with effective, sustained weight loss averaging 15-20% in clinical trials, semaglutide provides numerous additional health benefits including:
Furthermore, research shows that combining semaglutide with increased activity doubles weight loss outcomes. Our programs incorporate customized diet and exercise plans to help you lose weight safely and efficiently while gaining massive benefits.
Semaglutide has been extensively studied in adults with overweight or obesity (BMI ≥27). It is generally well-tolerated and effective regardless of gender, race, or other medical conditions.
Ideal candidates for semaglutide weight loss treatment have:
At your initial consultation, our clinicians will take a full health history and perform needed tests to determine if you meet criteria to start semaglutide therapy. We develop fully customized plans to help each patient succeed.
Semaglutide is very safe overall, especially compared to alternatives like surgery. However, as an injectable medication, some temporary GI issues can occur as the body adjusts including:
These typically resolve within 4-8 weeks with proper dose titration. We provide guidance to maximize comfort, and can prescribe anti-nausea medication as needed. Contact us if any severe or concerning side effects develop.
We utilize an evidence-based stepwise approach to semaglutide weight management:
Treatment length depends on the amount of weight you wish to lose and how quickly you progress toward your goals. Most patients utilize semaglutide for 6-12 months while adopting healthy new lifestyle habits.
While semaglutide makes weight loss easier through appetite/blood sugar control, optimal results require you to incorporate healthy behavior changes including:
We provide nutritional guidance, fitness recommendations, and behavior change coaching because sustained weight loss requires a multifaceted approach.
We are privileged to have helped many people transform their lives through our weight loss programs. Here are just a couple powerful examples:
Sarah's Story:
"I struggled with obesity for over 10 years. My weight contributed to joint pain, fatigue, and depression that made normal activities difficult. I'd given up hope of ever being thin and healthy. When I learned about semaglutide, I was skeptical but decided to give it a chance. Over 7 months I've lost 50 pounds with few side effects and feel better than I have in years! This treatment has been life-changing and I am so grateful."
John's Story:
"As someone who played sports growing up, I was embarrassed when I rapidly gained weight in my 30s while working long hours at a desk job. No matter what I tried, the weight wouldn't budge. Semaglutide treatment has helped me finally take control of my health. I've been able to implement lasting lifestyle changes that, combined with semaglutide, have led to incredible results - down 35 pounds and counting!"
These examples demonstrate how semaglutide facilitates body transformation when combined with our tailored weight loss guidance and support.
Despite proven safety and efficacy, some stubborn myths about prescription weight loss medications like semaglutide persist. Let's separate fact from fiction:
Myth: Medications don't result in lasting weight loss
Fact: Those utilizing meds keep off more weight long-term than with placebo when combined with lifestyle changes
Myth: They are unsafe and carry serious health risks
Fact: These FDA-approved medications undergo extensive testing to demonstrate safety
Myth: Medications allow you to lose weight without effort
Fact: You still must improve diet, increase activity, reduce stress for best results
Myth: Everyone regains the weight when they stop
Fact: Studies show many maintain significant weight loss years after stopping treatment
Don't let misconceptions deter you. The reality is structured programs utilizing semaglutide reshape behaviors to make weight loss and maintenance achievable!
Determining appropriateness for semaglutide or other weight medications involves:
Once treatment begins, we monitor patients regularly including:
| Visit Schedule | Assessments Performed |
|---|---|
| Weekly initially | Weight, vital signs, medication side effects |
| Monthly | Anthropometrics, body analysis, labs if needed |
| Every 3 months | Comprehensive progress evaluation |
This careful oversight ensures medications are working as intended while minimizing risks.
The obesity treatment landscape continues advancing rapidly, providing more options to help patients achieve ambitious weight loss and health goals. Exciting innovations include:
We stay apprised of the latest breakthrough technologies and treatments to provide our patients the most advanced medical weight loss care available.
Currently, semaglutide is only available as a subcutaneous injection with a prefilled syringe or pen device used to inject medication under skin of the abdomen, thigh, or arm. While daily tablets would be more convenient, semaglutide would be deactivated by stomach acid.
Researchers are testing alternative delivery methods that may enable oral formulations in the future. Until then, providers can teach proper injection techniques to make the process simple and virtually painless. Most find injections easy to fit into their normal weekly routine.
Starting semaglutide therapy marks an exciting step toward achieving your weight loss goals. To maximize the journey:
Implementing changes may feel difficult initially when new habits aren't solidified. Over time, consistency becomes easier. We provide resources and coaching each step of the way.
Obesity provokes hormonal imbalance, inflammation, and insulin resistance that drive higher estrogen levels and lower testosterone in men. This higher estrogen/lower testosterone pattern contributes to decreased fertility, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, poor concentration and more while excess weight also directly worsens conditions like sleep apnea, heart disease, joint pain, and certain cancers.
Losing excess fat - especially from the belly - can help restore hormones to more optimal ranges. Our programs effectively treat hormone issues secondary to obesity for overall wellness. We also offer direct testosterone replacement therapy when indicated.
Growth hormone, DHEA, testosterone, thyroid and other hormones all naturally decline with older age. Low hormone levels are intimately tied to the aging process - negatively impacting muscle mass, bone density, skin elasticity, energy, sexual function, sleep quality, mood, memory, and more.
The field of anti-aging medicine focuses on achieving OPTIMAL (not just normal) hormone status to slow or reverse aspects of aging. Our clinicians prescribe bioidentical hormones when appropriate based on symptoms and blood tests. Pairing weight loss approaches with hormonal optimization enables patients to look and feel decades younger.
Semaglutide for weight loss is growing increasingly popular, even among famous celebrities:
Hearing how semaglutide has transformed bodies and lives from beloved public figures provides inspiration. Their success demonstrates why semaglutide is the most exciting innovation in the weight loss world right now!
At Vibrance Health, your health, safety and weight loss success is our top priority. We are committed to providing professional, ethical care centered around EACH patient. What sets us apart:
We are confident we offer the premier medically-supervised weight loss treatments to help you finally reach your goals and full health potential. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and partner together in your wellness journey.
Semaglutide represents a powerful new tool in the battle against obesity and its related health issues. When utilized as part of a comprehensive medical weight loss program like those offered at Vibrance Health, semaglutide can help you achieve sustainable weight loss success while improving your overall well-being. Our expert clinicians are here to guide you every step of the way on your transformative journey.
