If you are obese or have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, your doctor may prescribe the medication semaglutide for weight loss. Semaglutide is an FDA-approved injection that helps suppress your appetite and can assist with long-term weight loss. It has been shown to provide effective results in chronic weight management when used in conjunction with a healthy nutrition and exercise program. If you are interested in trying semaglutide for weight loss, speak with your doctor to see if it is right for you.
How Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which helps to regulate food intake and lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that signals your brain when you are full and no longer hungry. Semaglutide for weight loss works by activating receptors in the brain that control appetite and hunger levels, making it more manageable for you to resist cravings and stick with a healthy diet plan.
Semaglutide affects how your body processes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It can reduce hunger cravings, increase “fullness”, and help you to maintain a healthier eating pattern. In addition, semaglutide encourages the body to burn fat instead of storing it, so it helps with weight loss.
What Happens While Taking Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
If you and your doctor determine that semaglutide for weight loss is an appropriate treatment for your weight goals, you will be required to take the medication on a regular basis and make necessary lifestyle changes, such as following a healthy diet and exercising regularly. It is important not to use semaglutide for weight loss as a quick-fix solution; it should be used in combination with other weight-loss strategies for best results.
Semaglutide may also have some mild side effects of nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and headache. If you experience any severe instances of these symptoms or more while taking semaglutide, talk to your doctor right away.
How Do You Qualify for Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is approved for chronic weight management in patients with either:
- A BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher who have at least one weight-related ailment, or
- A BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher
Additionally, semaglutide is only available by prescription, so you will need to talk to your doctor about whether semaglutide is right for you. Your doctor can also help guide you on the best ways to use semaglutide in combination with other lifestyle changes for maximum benefit.
Ultimately, semaglutide for weight loss can be a powerful tool when used correctly as part of an overall weight management plan. However, it’s important to remember that no drug is a miracle cure; semaglutide should be used in combination with other lifestyle changes for the best results. If you think semaglutide might be the right choice for you, talk to your doctor about whether it is an appropriate treatment option.
Get Your Health Back on Track
Gaining weight and struggling to lose it can take a grave toll on your mental and physical health. If you are looking for a safe, effective way to manage your weight, semaglutide could be the right solution for you.
At Southwest Pain Management in Irving, TX, you can speak personally with one of our doctors about semaglutide for weight loss as well as other lifestyle changes that can help you reach your health goals. Your doctor will evaluate your health as a whole and discuss any potential risks or side effects semaglutide may cause before prescribing the medication. It’s important to talk openly about any other medical conditions you have, medications you are taking, and any allergies that you might have so that your doctor can make an informed decision about semaglutide as a treatment option for you.
With the right treatment plan in place, you can get back on track and get healthy again. Contact us today at (214) 305-8004 to schedule an appointment.