Semaglutide is an injectable medication used for treating type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It helps improve blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss by acting similar to a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
Semaglutide works by stimulating the release of insulin when blood sugar levels are high, slowing digestion to reduce food cravings, and signaling fullness to the brain. When used appropriately under medical supervision, semaglutide shots offer powerful benefits for managing diabetes and losing weight.
Semaglutide is taken as a once-weekly injection that patients can learn to self-administer at home. The medication helps in two key ways:
Most patients tolerate semaglutide well. The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These typically improve with time.
Semaglutide shots provide powerful health benefits when taken correctly under medical supervision. The key benefits include:
Multiple clinical studies show that semaglutide leads to significant weight loss in patients, even without changes to diet or activity.
In addition to weight loss, semaglutide also leads to notable reductions in blood sugar levels.
Other benefits of semaglutide-induced weight loss include:
Semaglutide shots are approved for two main uses: treating type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management (for patients that are overweight or obese).
To determine if you are a candidate, your provider will review your medical history and determine if semaglutide is appropriate. In general, it may be an option if:
- You have type 2 diabetes and need better blood sugar control - You have struggled losing weight or keeping weight off with other methods - You have diabetes complications or risks you are trying to reduce
- Your BMI is 30 kg/m^2 or higher (classified as obese) - You have a weight-related health condition like high blood pressure or high cholesterol - You have struggled losing and keeping off weight in the past
Semaglutide is not recommended for patients with certain health conditions. Your provider will discuss whether it is safe and appropriate for your individual health status.
Getting started with semaglutide shots involves understanding treatment protocols and learning to properly self-inject.
- Initial dose is 0.25 mg injected under the skin once weekly - The dose is increased slowly over 5 weeks until reaching the 1 mg maintenance dose - Most patients stay on 1 mg long-term for continued benefits - Providers monitor patient progress through follow up visits
With proper instruction, most patients learn to self-inject semaglutide at home following some simple steps:
Ask your provider for complete device training if you will be self-injecting. There are also useful video tutorials available online.
Semaglutide is structurally similar to a human hormone called GLP-1 that regulates blood sugar. When injected weekly, it mimics the effects of GLP-1, stimulating the release of insulin when blood sugar levels rise after a meal. This novel mechanism helps explain semaglutide's unprecedented ability to lower A1c levels in those with type 2 diabetes.
The compassionate providers at Hormone Harmony offer cutting-edge non-surgical solutions for weight loss, including semaglutide injections. We empower patients to take control of their health through customized treatment plans.
As a specialized hormone and weight management clinic, Hormone Harmony offers:
Don't struggle with weight and diabetes any longer. The compassionate providers at Hormone Harmony create customized plans to help patients lose weight, improve health markers like blood sugar and cholesterol, and enhance quality of life.
We empower patients to take control of their health through leading-edge prescription options like semaglutide shots. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
