Adults with obesity can achieve substantial average losses of body weight with once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg injected subcutaneously as an adjunct to behavioral intervention in the STEP 5 trial. These losses are associated with improvements in obesity-related comorbidities.

Like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, this medication is associated with gastrointestinal events (typically nausea and diarrhea). Semaglutide is also linked to an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors in laboratory animals and is contraindicated for people who have had MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Contact Semaglutide San Diego now!

Semaglutide is a long-acting form of the natural hormone GLP-1 that reduces appetite and promotes weight loss. It’s used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity when it’s combined with other lifestyle changes like dietary reduction and increased physical activity. It has also been shown to prevent a rise in blood sugar levels after meals and help people control their overall calorie intake, contributing to long-term weight loss and improved health outcomes.

GLP-1 controls the pace at which food moves from the stomach to the small intestine, so it slows down the absorption of calories and nutrients from the digestive tract, which can lead to lower blood glucose and weight levels. It also impacts the appetite by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing hunger after a meal.

In clinical studies, GLP-1 has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and prevent a rise in blood sugar after meals. This is because it increases the efficiency of incretin action, which includes augmented insulin secretion, inhibition of glucagon release and suppressed hepatic gluconeogenesis, resulting in reduced postprandial glucose.

Today, the FDA has approved the injectable forms of semaglutide (Rybelsus and Wegovy) as a chronic treatment for adults with obesity or excess weight who have one or more additional weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. These under-the-skin injections are typically administered once per week and must be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Before starting semaglutide, it’s important to discuss your medical history with a doctor to make sure it is safe for you. In some cases, this medication can cause pancreatitis and other health problems such as gallbladder issues or kidney damage. It’s also important to talk about any medications and supplements you are taking as some can interact with semaglutide, impacting how well it works or causing side effects. Follow-up appointments are essential to ensure that the medicine is working as it should and address any concerns you may have.

How do I use semaglutide?

Using a pen-style injection system, the medication is administered by an experienced medical professional at your doctor’s office. The injections are typically administered in the upper arm, abdomen or front of the thigh area. The injection sites should be changed (rotated) at each visit to prevent skin irritation and ensure that the medication is distributed evenly throughout the body.

Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone in your body, GLP-1, which signals the brain to feel full. This helps people who struggle to lose weight or battle a ravenous appetite feel satisfied and eat less. It is also shown to lower blood sugar levels and reduce body fat in type 2 diabetes patients.

Like all prescription medications, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Visiting your trusted healthcare provider at regular intervals, such as every 3-6 months, will help you stay on track and ensure the proper dosage is being administered. It is also vital to inform your physician of any changes in your health or lifestyle, as well as all other medicines you are taking.

Some side effects of semaglutide include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea. You may also experience headache, dizziness or tiredness. If you have any severe side effects, such as low blood sugar, call your doctor immediately.

You should not use compounded semaglutide unless prescribed by your doctor. Compounding pharmacies do not follow the same strict FDA guidelines as approved drugs and may be using salt forms of semaglutide, including semaglutide sodium or semaglutide acetate, instead of the base form.

Women should not use Ozempic or Rybelsus during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as the drug delays gastric emptying which could negatively impact the absorption of any oral medications you are currently taking. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is recommended that the medication be discontinued at least two months before your due date.

What should I watch for?

Semaglutide can help you lose weight and keep it off, but side effects are common. These include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Talk to your doctor if these are bothersome, as they can often be relieved with dietary or lifestyle changes.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, try eating smaller meals, avoiding high-fat foods, and drinking plenty of fluids. If you continue to have problems, your doctor may change your dose or switch medications.

You should also give your doctor a list of all prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking. This includes medications for diabetes, as well as other diseases such as thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. This is important because many of these drugs can interact with semaglutide.

Gastrointestinal symptoms are a common semaglutide side effect, and can be caused by the medication slowing digestion. This can cause discomfort and bloating after eating. To avoid this, Shea Aesthetic Clinic recommends choosing a diet with healthy foods that are low on the glycemic index. Fruits and vegetables are good examples of a lower-glycemic food. You should also try to eat more whole grains and protein-rich foods, as these are less likely to cause gastrointestinal issues.

Semaglutide may also increase the risk of gallbladder disease. If you experience signs of a gallbladder problem, such as abdominal pain or tenderness, contact your doctor immediately.

Constipation is another common semaglutide side effect, but tends to improve over time. Drinking more water, eating fiber-rich foods, and exercising can help ease this symptom. If these tips don’t work, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter laxative.

Some people who take this drug develop low blood sugar, which can make you dizzy and weak. To prevent this, always carry a source of fast-acting glucose with you.

It’s also important to go to the doctor regularly for blood tests. These will allow your doctor to monitor your progress and see how the medication is working. It’s also important to let your doctor know if you get sick, have an infection, or change your diet.

What should I avoid?

When used as directed, semaglutide (Ozempic and Rybelsus) can help improve glycemic control and promote weight loss in those with type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to avoid certain foods that can worsen gastrointestinal (GI) side effects of the medication. Fortunately, by following a healthy diet, these uncomfortable symptoms can be minimized.

Depending on the dosage, people taking semaglutide may experience GI side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. These symptoms can amplify when eating foods that are hard to digest or take a long time to leave the stomach. For example, high-fat and greasy foods, foods with added sugars, carbonated drinks or alcohol should be avoided as they can aggravate these symptoms.

As a result, patients on semaglutide should opt for whole, minimally processed foods. These foods are rich in fiber and healthy fats, which can help promote satiety and control blood glucose levels. Adding more fiber-rich vegetables, fruits, and legumes is also beneficial. Moreover, consuming more protein can provide an energy source and boost satiety. Lastly, it is important to avoid foods with added sugars as they can lead to a rapid spike in blood glucose levels and contribute to obesity.

In addition to avoiding fatty and greasy foods, those using semaglutide should limit their sodium intake. Foods that are highly salty can exacerbate GI side effects of the medication, such as bloating and gas. Furthermore, drinking too much alcohol can dehydrate the body and interfere with GI tract function.

Moreover, it is important to eat a variety of proteins, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, to keep the gut healthy while taking semaglutide. This will prevent an imbalance in bacteria and other organisms that can cause GI symptoms. Finally, it is a good idea to include nuts and seeds in your diet as these are a rich source of healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals.