Getting the Skinny on Semaglutide - "Wonder Weightloss Drug"
What’s the skinny on Semaglutide injections?
It seems that these days, many people, both in and out of the public eye are loosing weight! What is this magic shot that everyone has been talking about?? It’s called Semaglutide. The more common & well known brand names are; Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Victoza, Saxenda along with others.
These medications are intended for individual who have a BMI of 27 + with at least one comorbidity such as pre-diabetes, high risk of CVD (coronary vessel disease,) OSA (obstructive sleep apnea,) high blood pressure, infertility, PCOS, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease,) just to name a few.
Or, those that are a BMI of 30+ with or without one of the above listed comorbidities.
They are glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists. They were originally formulated for type-2 diabetes to help maintain a constant and more even blood glucose, which also aided in weight loss.
Patients on these prescription drugs lose on average between 10.5 lbs - 33.7 (or more) all while modifying their current lifestyle choices.
These drugs mimic the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1. When blood sugar starts to rise, after eating, the GLP-1 drugs will stimulate the body to produce more insulin. Not only does this drug stabilize blood sugar, but it also delays gastric emptying, resulting in a curbed appetite & taking in less calories. It is still unclear how or why this happens. Personally and the most common feedback I hear from my patients is, “It removes the food noise from my brain.” I will attest that this is 100% in fact, true! I no longer live hour to hour thinking of what am I going to eat next or have an insatiable craving for a sweet treat. I do however, plan on what nutritious meal I will make for both myself and my family. I would also like to add that it is for many people, an alcohol deterrent. As we know, that is simply empty calories and added sugar that contributes to weight gain.
Research has also attributed other major benefits such as lowering the risk of heart disease, heart failure, stroke and kidney disease along with lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
As most medications, these also have potential side effects to them. Some more serious than others. The more common ones are, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and / or constipation. Some other side effects are, reflux, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) however this increased with lack of food intake and other medications. If you have a personal or family history of pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, type 1 diabetes, pregnant, nursing or looking to become pregnant, gastrointestinal disease or gasteroparesis, this may not be the medication for you. Despite not having much evidence in humans, there have been studies linked to rats.
There have also been some recent studies that have been published indicating that lifting weights will decrease the likelihood of muscle reduction / atrophy while taking Semaglutide injections.
The take-home is that this is not just a one stop shop miracle drug. It is designed for weightloss ALONG with lifestyle modifications. It is not designed for the last 10-15 pounds that just won’t come off. It is intended for BMI’s of 27 or greater and 12 years old +. When you re warning off Semaglutide, you can expect to gain about 5-10 pounds back if you have not made the necessary lifestyle modifications. Which is why, at Wisdom & Youth MedSpa in Westport, CT, we work along side registered nutritionists to help delve into optimizing weight loss and lifestyle habits so you can wean off Semaglutide. It is important to know that an overall physical, mental and emotional change needs to be made & we will be with you every step of the way!
For more information on weight loss and Semaglutide in Connecticut, please contact us at:
wisdomandyouthllc@gmail.com or give us a call at 203.349.5000!