People who are obese or persistently overweight carry the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol hypertension and more. Sadly, attempts to lose and maintain significant weight loss often fail. Now there is hope through personalized weight loss plans to include semaglutide weight loss injections. In this blog, you will learn about how these injections work and how they may help you maintain a healthy body weight.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1. This class of drugs limit the action of glucagon, a naturally occurring hormone in your body. Glucagon releases sugar into your bloodstream for use when you need more energy to function.
Because semaglutide suppresses glucagon release, semaglutide medication also lowers the blood glucose levels typical of people with diabetes. The drug increases the release of insulin–your body’s blood sugar regulator–from the pancreas. This therapeutic action creates healthier blood sugar levels and lowers A1C.
A1C is the average of your blood glucose over a three-month period. This blood test tells your healthcare provider if you are prediabetic or diabetic and also how well you are managing those conditions.
Who Qualifies for Semaglutide Weight Loss Injections?
Besides lowering blood sugar levels and A1C, semaglutide injections also reduce feelings of hunger by slowing the movement of food through the small intestine. This action makes patients feel fuller for a longer period and controls appetite and food cravings.
People who have body mass indices, or BMIs, of 30 or more may qualify for semaglutide injections, along with a healthy diet and regular exercise. These therapies can help overweight individuals lose between 5 and 15 percent of their total body weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure, too. High blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure often accompany obesity or even simply being overweight.
Your weight loss doctor will discuss your treatment options with you. If you qualify for this innovative and effective medication, you likely will receive weekly injections. These shots are delivered subcutaneously–that is, under the skin with a short, fine needle.
Are There Side Effects to Semaglutide Injection Therapy?
As with any medication, semaglutide injections may have some side effects. Patients report these symptoms as the most common side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
These symptoms are usually mild. You may control them with simple remedies such as drinking more water to stay well-hydrated.
Some patients also may experience injection site reactions, such as redness, itching, or swelling. These reactions typically are temporary and mild as well.
In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, including allergic reactions or pancreatitis. In fact, people with a history of pancreatitis should not use semaglutide injections. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects while undergoing semaglutide therapy, consult with your doctor immediately.
Additionally, semaglutide therapy may interact with certain over the counter and prescription medications and supplements. Be sure to inform your weight loss doctor about everything you are taking before starting treatment, including but not limited to:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Prescription drugs
- Vitamins
- Herbal supplements
Finally, your weight loss doctor will make sure you are qualified to receive these injections before beginning your injection therapy. To determine if you qualify, your doctor will do a physical exam and review your medical history.
Together, you will discuss all your options for losing weight and maintaining a healthy BMI for the long term. You will check in with your provider regularly to monitor your weight loss progress and to report any adverse side effects from your medications.
Learn More About Semaglutide Weight Loss in The Woodlands, TX
At Family Weight & Wellness Clinic and Medi-spa in The Woodlands, TX, our highly trained and motivated staff includes Dr. Larry Richardson. He is a certified diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. It is his governing passion to help people manage their nutrition, fitness, weight and more.
You can look and feel healthier than you ever have by consulting with our team. Your weight loss journey may include semaglutide injection therapy.
Learn more by giving us a call at (281) 292-2300. You will have a friendly, individualized evaluation with Dr. Richardson and have all your questions and concerns addressed. You also may request an appointment here. We would love to speak with you soon!
