11 Essential Facts About Semaglutide: What You Need to Know
Originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has gained FDA approval for weight management in non-diabetic patients, making it a versatile option for those seeking to improve their health.
This injectable medication mimics the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that helps regulate appetite and food intake. When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, it helps users achieve significant weight loss.
As more people turn to semaglutide, understanding its mechanisms, applications, and potential side effects is crucial.
In this post, we’ll clear the doubts and discuss how this drug, when combined with healthy eating, detoxification, and awareness of your symptoms, can be a massive help to those who have trouble losing weight because of metabolic disorders.
1. Semaglutide is not only for diabetic people
It is a false belief that Semaglutide injection is only for people who have diabetes. Even non-diabetics can also take advantage of this magical drug to manage their weight. FDA has approved this drug for non-diabetic obese people.
Semaglutide is available in two popular brand-name injections, which include:
Ozempic
Ozempic is FDA-approved for individuals with type 2 diabetes to help manage high blood sugar levels and lose weight. This drug is administered as a subcutaneous injection weekly, starting with 0.25 mg and increasing the dosage as needed.
Most overweight conditions are sugar-related, often leading to diabetes, so using semaglutide for weight management is a wise option to prevent it. Moreover, semaglutide helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduces inflammation if used properly.
Health professionals may also prescribe Ozempic off-label for long-term weight management. However, it should be combined with a diet and exercise program to maximize its effects.
Wegovy
Wegovy is authorized by the FDA for weight loss in obese or overweight people with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or higher than 27. It is mainly recommended for people with conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes that make weight loss essential.
Like Ozempic, Wegovy is administered weekly, starting at 0.25 mg and increasing gradually.
2. Early side effects like nausea & vomiting are temporary
Nausea is a common side effect of semaglutide, but this is not true for every patient. Few patients experience nausea in the beginning, but it returns to normal after careful dosage planning.
Our team of experienced professionals ensures that our clients go through intense detoxification to assist with hormone and digestive system rebalancing before starting any Semaglutide treatment.
Moreover, we also recommend avoiding oily foods, slow eating, and consuming smaller meals to minimize discomfort.
While you will likely experience these side effects during the early stages of using semaglutide, they tend to wear off as your body gets used to the treatment. The drug is introduced to your body in small doses and increased as the side effects lessen.
3. Lifestyle changes help maximize results
Semaglutide injections help control appetite to promote weight loss, but you can achieve even greater results when you pair this treatment with a positive and healthy lifestyle. Healthy eating and regular workouts, which are necessary for all weight loss medications or treatments, can help you get quick and permanent results.
The key is that if you want long-term results, you need to develop permanent lifestyle habits that encourage weight loss.
Once the semaglutide injection for weight loss treatment is over, you need to keep up with the lifestyle changes. If you return to old habits of overeating and a sedentary lifestyle, then chances are high that you will gain weight again.
Here are lifestyle changes you can make during and after using semalgutide to help manage your weight:
- Exercise regularly: An active lifestyle is essential for minimizing weight fluctuations and improving the results achieved by semalgutide. It is also an effective way of combating the drug’s side effects and improving overall health.
- Manage stress: Stress can significantly contribute to weight gain by causing you to overeat in response to coping with high stress levels. You can try stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, sports, and outdoor activities.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is a great way to regulate your metabolism and help manage potential future weight gain. Staying hydrated also helps with side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
- Eat healthy, nutritious meals: Semalgutide makes you feel full faster than normal, helping to reduce overeating and cravings. However, to help maintain weight loss in the long term, it is important to stick to a balanced diet rich in iron, proteins, zinc, antioxidants, and leafy greens.
4. Semaglutide is not a life-long weight loss treatment
Many people wonder if they’ll need to take Semaglutide for life—rest assured, that’s not the case. You can maintain your weight even after discontinuing its use. This is possible by eating a healthy and balanced diet paired with regular exercise sessions.
Semalgutide is designed for safe use in the long term, but it doesn’t mean you have to be on the drug forever. It is quite costly and may cause minor side effects that disrupt your everyday lifestyle.
Most people looking to shed some body weight often use semaglutide for 6 months to one year. Health practitioners recommend using it for 1-2 years to help with chronic weight management. However, it should be combined with lifestyle and diet changes.
5. Discontinuation should be gradual
Using semaglutide for a short period and quitting can sometimes cause you to regain some weight, an experience referred to as ‘Ozempic rebound.’ This can also happen with other brands of semalgutide, like Wegovy.
Weight gain after semalgutide does not necessarily mean you did something wrong or lacked consistency. It may be due to abruptly stopping using the drug, using it for a short time, or other factors.
Semalgutide is a long-term solution for weight loss and management. It is not a quick fix for every time you want to lose a few pounds.
At La Vie MD, we work with patients to help them start and quit using the drug effectively. Both processes must be gradual to help with side effects and weight regain. Gradually reducing your dosage while consulting your health provider can help you better monitor what happens and decide when to quit altogether.
6. Safe storage means potent results
Unused or unopened semaglutide requires refrigeration to prevent degradation and bacterial growth that might occur when stored at room temperature. The recommended storage temperatures are 36-46°F (2-8°C) to maintain effectiveness and ensure safety.
Once opened, you should use your semaglutide vial within thirty days. During this period, you should still store it in a refrigerator under the recommended temperatures. You should also avoid exposing it to heat or direct sunlight.
It is essential to perform a visual check before administering the drug. Check for changes in appearance, such as cloudiness or discoloration. If the clear liquid has changed even slightly, consult a health professional before using it.
You can also carry your semalgutide vials when traveling to avoid a missed dose. In such cases, you can put them in a thermos filled with cold water or a small insulated bag with ice packs.
7. May Interact with other drugs
Semalgutide can have significant interactions with several categories of drugs that can lead to negative effects on your gastrointestinal function and blood sugar levels.
Here are drugs that interact with semalgutide and may cause severe reactions:
- Insulin and other diabetes drugs: Taking semalgutide when using other diabetes drugs like sulfonylureas and insulin can increase your risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This is because semalgutide works to lower blood sugar, so combining it with other diabetes medication may drive your blood sugar levels to lower levels.
- Opioid pain relievers: Pain relievers containing hydrocodone, fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone can interact with semaglutide, changing the rate at which your body absorbs and eliminates them. The interaction can either reduce their effectiveness or amplify toxicity and side effects.
- Antibiotics: Some antibiotics can cause diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances, and nausea when combined with semalgutide. Levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and moxifloxacin are among those likely to react with semalgutide.
- Blood thinners: Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs such as enoxaparin, warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin, and dabigatran can interact with semaglutide and raise your chances of developing bleeding complications in the intestines and stomach. Semaglutide may also alter these blood thinners’ absorption and metabolism, reducing their effectiveness.
- Antidepressants: Certain depressants like fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine may cause minor interactions with semalgutide that may increase your risk of hypoglycemia. Some antidepressants affect blood sugar levels, making it critical to monitor your blood sugar when using semalgutide.
8. Gradual dose escalation for better comfort
Before you begin using semaglutide, visit a health professional to conduct tests and assess your medical history to determine if it is right for you. Based on their findings, your doctor will recommend how much semaglutide to use, what meals to eat, and when to increase the dosage.
After your first injection, you should monitor your blood sugar levels, especially around meal sessions and before going to bed. You may also experience some minor side effects, and your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medication.
As your body learns to fight the side effects, your doctor can start increasing your dosage after four weeks. The maximum amount of semaglutide you can use per week is 2 mg.
9. Semaglutide isn’t for everyone, but it may be perfect for you
Certain individuals, such as those with a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or thyroid cancer, should avoid Semaglutide. Our team evaluates your medical history thoroughly to determine if this treatment is right for you.
Those with a history of kidney disease should discuss their options with our healthcare provider, as this medication may have implications for kidney function.
People who have encountered an allergic reaction to semaglutide or its components should avoid it. To prevent adverse interactions, always disclose all medications, including other weight loss drugs, to your healthcare provider.
10. Regular medical supervision ensures success
Using Semaglutide requires medical supervision because of the potential for side effects and interactions with other medications. Patients must work with healthcare providers to monitor their blood glucose levels and assess how the medication affects their overall health.
Checking in with your doctor regularly can help identify any issues early and allow for adjustments to the treatment plan, including scheduled dose changes.
Patients should be particularly vigilant about monitoring for gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or diarrhea, and report any persistent symptoms to their healthcare provider.
Those with cardiovascular disease should also be under the close supervision of a professional, as the medication can influence cardiovascular health and blood sugar levels.
11. You may experience reduced face fat
“Ozempic face” refers to the noticeable reduction of facial fat that can occur during significant weight loss achieved through semaglutide or similar treatments.
While this effect may seem undesirable, it is primarily a consequence of rapid weight loss rather than a direct side effect of the drug itself.
Our weight loss specialists understand that the process can cause changes in skin elasticity and fat distribution in the face. Our team of professionals offers various treatments to address skin issues arising from weight loss.
These treatments can tighten loose skin and smooth fine lines, helping you attain a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance post-weight loss.
Takeaway: Transform your weight loss journey with Semaglutide
Body weight loss treatments like Semaglutide injection should be taken under the supervision of experienced professionals (preferably MDs) to achieve great results. However, they can be a powerful ally in your weight loss journey, especially when combined with healthy eating and lifestyle changes.
At La Vie MD, we offer Semaglutide treatment, which delivers the best results with minimal discomfort. Our experts review your medical history and health status before suggesting a procedure. You can also utilize our online consultations. Need a toned body? Book a consultation today!
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions about Semaglutide.
What is the potential downside of Semaglutide?
The potential downsides of Semaglutide include gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. There is also a risk of developing hypoglycemia, particularly if combined with other medications that lower blood glucose.
Individuals with a personal family history of thyroid cancer, kidney disease, or those who have had allergic reactions to the drug should avoid it. Regular monitoring and medical supervision are essential to mitigate these risks.
How much weight can I lose in a month when taking Semaglutide?
Weight loss results vary among individuals. However, studies have shown that patients taking semaglutide can achieve significant weight loss, often up to 5% of their body weight in the first month.
Factors such as adhering to the prescribed dosage, dietary changes, and exercise routines will influence the actual weight loss experienced. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help establish realistic expectations based on individual circumstances.