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How does Semaglutide work

Ever Wonder ... How does Semaglutide work?

Semaglutide has become increasingly popular as an option for medical weight loss. But, how exactly, does Semaglutide work? Why is it so successful in promoting weight loss?

Different Forms Of Semaglutide

The FDA has approved three forms of semaglutide, marketed under different brand names:

Ozempic

Ozempic

Ozempic is an injectable form used to control type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar. It has been in use since 2017.

It is also used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in diabetic individuals or those with known heart disease. Off label, it can be used to promote weight loss.

Rybelsus

Rybelsus

Rybelsus is a tablet form of semaglutide approved to lower blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Wegovy

Wegovy

Wegovy is an injection specifically approved for individuals aged 12 and older to promote weight loss alongside a healthy diet and exercise. 

Which Type Of Semaglutide Will I Be Given For Weight Loss?

hormone therapy

FDA-Approved Option for Weight Loss: Wegovy

Wegovy is the only semaglutide formulation that has been specifically approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity or overweight in individuals with weight-related health issues. This version of semaglutide is prescribed to help patients lose weight when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Wegovy is generally used in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or in those with a BMI of 27 or more who have weight-related conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. It is typically administered as a once-weekly injection at higher doses than those used for diabetes management.

Off-Label Use of Ozempic

Ozempic is another form of semaglutide that is primarily approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, many healthcare providers prescribe it off-label for weight loss. Although Ozempic has not been officially approved for this use, studies have shown that it can be effective in promoting weight loss, leading providers to recommend it when Wegovy may not be accessible or affordable. It is worth noting that both Ozempic and Wegovy are manufactured by the same pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk, and they share the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but in different dosages tailored to their specific indications.

Dosage Differences

The primary distinction between the two drugs lies in their dosing. Wegovy is prescribed at higher doses for weight loss (2.4 mg per week), while Ozempic, when used for diabetes, is typically prescribed at lower doses (0.5 to 1 mg per week). When used off-label for weight loss, Ozempic may be titrated to higher doses, but these are generally still lower than those used in Wegovy.

In summary, Wegovy is the FDA-approved option specifically for weight loss, while Ozempic is often used off-label for the same purpose due to its similar effects. Both drugs are part of a growing trend in utilizing semaglutide for weight management, offering patients significant benefits alongside lifestyle changes.

What Is Compounded Semaglutide?

Because of its incredible outcomes, semaglutide is in increasingly high demand. In fact, both Ozempic and Wegovy are currently on the 2023 Drug Shortages list. For this reason, many clinics (including Balanced Body Health & Wellness) choose to use a compounded form of semaglutide.

This is typically a combination of semaglutide and one or more vitamins, such as B12. Using a compounded product allows clinics to accommodate as many patients as possible when a preferred drug is in shortage. 

Compounded semaglutide is also, typically, much more affordable than brand name versions. You should be aware that compounded semaglutide is not FDA approved, as its contents are entirely up to the compounding pharmacy that makes it.

However, compounders do need to meet requirements set forth by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. At Balanced Body, we outsource only to pharmacies that meet stringent standards for safety, quality, and consistency. 

So, How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide is what is known as a glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. The GLP-1 receptor is a protein that is found on the cells of your pancreas and neurons in your brain. Its primary function is to regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin secretion.

Glucagon is a hormone that causes the overall glucose (sugar) level in your blood to rise, while insulin lowers it. GLP-1 receptor agonists, like semaglutide, encourage the body to produce more insulin, effectively lowering your blood sugar.

At higher doses, GLP-1 receptor agonists also affect the area of the brain associated with hunger. They act on receptors to signal a feeling of fullness and reduce food cravings. In other words, you simply don’t feel as hungry any more.

stomach and brain

Is Semaglutide Right For You?

There are two scenarios that can help your provider decide if semaglutide is right for you. Most patients will have either:

BMI 1

1.) A BMI of 27 and at least one weight-related health issue, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes;

BMI 2

2.) A BMI of 30, with or without any other weight-related health issues.

These are guidelines established by the FDA specifically for the use of Wegovy. Ultimately, your eligibility will be determined by your healthcare provider. 

How Much Weight Will I Lose With Semaglutide?

The amount of weight you lose with semaglutide will depend on a few factors. These include: your current weight, your dose, and your adherence to diet and exercise plans. That being said, most patients lose an average of 2-4 lbs per week.

Studies have found that you can expect to lose up to 10.9% of your body weight after six months of semaglutide treatment.

Semaglutide Injections In Omaha

Our clinic offers holistic, customized strategies to help each of our patients achieve their wellness goals. This includes medical weight loss, when appropriate.

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Hormone Imbalance Can be serious

Did you know that hormones can impact nearly all of your body’s processes? From cosmetic issues (like wrinkles and hair loss) to systemic problems (like sexual dysfunction and memory loss), a hormone imbalance could be to blame for uncomfortable symptoms you may be experiencing. It may even masquerade as other ailments, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol (low testosterone has been linked to these diagnoses, although it is not always the cause).  

Call our office today if you are experiencing any of these bothersome symptoms:

  • Anxiety/depression
  • Sexual dysfunction (ED, loss of libido)
  • Painful intercourse
  • Headaches
  • Memory loss
  • Irritability
  • Sleeplessness
  • Dry skin/wrinkles
  • Night sweats
  • Dry mouth
  • Hot flashes
  • Heavy menstrual cycles
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Adult acne
  • Loss of muscle tone