What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide might sound familiar because it was initially used to treat Type 2 Diabetes before being approved for long-term weight management. The active ingredient in medications like Ozempic, semaglutide first gained FDA approval in 2017 for Type 2 Diabetes treatment. However, users noticed an additional benefit: weight loss.
Semaglutide has since assisted thousands of people in achieving significant weight loss, with clinical studies showing that many individuals lost 15% to 20% of their starting weight.
How Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) agonist. GLP-1 is a natural hormone produced in the gastrointestinal system that helps regulate insulin production by stimulating the pancreas and also signals the brain to feel full.
Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, so when taken, the body responds as if it naturally produced this hormone. It works by slowing stomach emptying through binding to receptors in the stomach lining, which sends fullness signals to the brain. This process reduces appetite and food intake, both crucial for weight loss.
In addition to enhancing insulin production, which helps the body process foods and fats more efficiently, semaglutide’s effect on appetite and stomach emptying contributes to significant weight loss results.
How is Semaglutide Administered for Weight Loss?
For weight loss, semaglutide is administered via a weekly injection. The medication comes in several doses: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, and 2.5mg.
With Dajjesa’s semaglutide program, you will receive personalized care from our practitioner, who will help determine the appropriate dosage for you. Weekly monitoring allows for adjustments to your dose as needed, ensuring that your treatment is tailored to achieve the best results based on your individual needs.
Are There Side Effects from Using Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
Given that semaglutide interacts with the gastrointestinal system, it’s not surprising that the most common side effects are related to digestion. These may include:
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Gas
- Diarrhea
Despite these potential side effects, semaglutide is generally considered very safe for weight loss, with fewer adverse effects compared to many other weight loss medications.
Although side effects are uncommon, they can occur. With Dajjesa’s semaglutide program, we prioritize your comfort. We have several options to manage nausea, which can be taken if needed.
Our program includes weekly monitoring, allowing us to start you on a low dosage and gradually increase it. If side effects arise, our practitioner can adjust your dosage to ensure a comfortable and effective experience.
Who is a Good Candidate for Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide for weight loss is designed for individuals who are diagnosed as obese or overweight. Obesity is typically defined by a BMI over 30, while overweight is characterized by a BMI over 27.
However, semaglutide may not be suitable if you have:
- A family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC), a rare thyroid cancer
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome Type 2
- A known allergy to semaglutide
- Current plans to breastfeed or are currently breastfeeding
- Pregnancy, or are trying to become pregnant
To determine if semaglutide is right for you, schedule a free consultation at Dajjesa. We can help assess your eligibility and discuss whether our semaglutide program might be beneficial for you.