Weight Loss Semaglutide

What is Semaglutide/GLP-1 Medication?

Semaglutide or GLP-1 is a FDA approved medication that helps with the regulation of blood sugar. The prescription names for this medication are Ozempic and Wegovy. Semaglutide helps to decrease appetite and delays stomach emptying, keeping you satisfied longer. It works by helping the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. Weekly Semaglutde injections, combined with healthy lifestyle changes, improved diet and exercise, can lead to measurable weight loss and weight management.

There are many influences that affect your weight, and our bodies have a natural “set point”.  Semaglutide can assist you in achieving your desired weight goal, improving your overall health.

How does it work?

Semaglutide works as a weekly injection that is increased over time. Your initial dose may be increased at 4 weeks and then at another 4 weeks. The injection site can be your abdomen, upper arm, or thigh, which should be rotated each week.

What are the side effects?

The most common are nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. You may experience these effects more strongly when your healthcare provider increases your dose. Please reach out, to Begin with Skin if you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms.

Semaglutide injection may increase the risk that you will develop tumors of the thyroid gland, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC; a type of thyroid cancer). Laboratory animals who were given semaglutide developed tumors, but it is not known if this medication increases the risk of tumors in humans. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2; a condition that causes tumors in more than one gland in the body). If so, your doctor will probably tell you not to use semaglutide injection. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: a lump or swelling in the neck; hoarseness; difficulty swallowing; or shortness of breath.

When will I see results?

It can take a few months or more to reach your target weight. As long as you are eating a healthy diet and getting adequate exercise your weight should slowly decrease. Patients typically see a weight loss of 1 to 3 pounds per week, however, that can vary between patients. Patients who have more weight to lose often see greater results. Your medical provider will montior your closely and track your results and make modifications when needed. 

Benefits include:

• Physical hunger is decreased
• More restful sleep
• Higher energy levels
• Helps with insulin pathways and blood sugar levels
• On average, you can expect to lose 15% of your body weight

Am I a candidate?

We perform a thorough in-depth heath consultation.  If you are not a candidate we will refer you to your Primary Care Physician or Begin with Skin’s Medical Director.

Absolute Contraindications to the Semaglutide Weight Loss Program are:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
• Type-1 diabetes (an auto-immune condition)
• MEN – multiple endocrine neoplasia
• Pancreatitis
• BMI under 25
• Decreased kidney function
• Under the age of 18

Our Process

If you would like to consider Semagluitide to help you reach your weight loss goals we offer an inital consultation with our Nurse Provider. There is a $75 charge for the consultation. During the consultation the nurse will review your health history and determine if you are a candidate for the treatment. If you decide to move forward with the program, you can also get your first injection during your visit.  You will then be given your next dose to self administer the following week. You will then come in every other week for health coaching, check in's and treatment.

Package for 3 months: Come in twice a month for a weight check in and injection. You will be given your medication to take home,  and self-administer for the next week.

Maintenance Package: Come in once a month to meet with our nurse provider, then 4 weeks of prefilled medication will be provided to you.