• •  Semaglutide (the same active ingredient in Ozempic© and and Weegovy© is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 Diabetes and as an anti-obesity medication for long-term weight management.
  • Semaglutide is a modified molecule our bodies make somtimes called GLP1 (Glucagon Like Peptide). It’s a protein made in the intestine and results in decreased blood sugars and appetite. A small change in the molecule allows the drug to last weeks in our bodies rather than minutes.
    
    The combination of these actions leads to glucose homeostasis which triggers the burning of fat storage for energy.
    
    The results from taking this medication are dramatic and life changing!

Some Doctors are calling it:


“A GASTRIC BYPASS IN A BOTTLE”

• Brain: Helps regulate appetite and cravings
• Stomach: Delays gastric emptying
• Pancreas: It works by helping the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy.
• Liver: Reduces production of glucose which lowers blood sugar levels.

Aside from weight loss patients taking Semaglutide have also seen a decreased risk of certain conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, joint pain, and reduced blood pressure.

Over the course of the program eligible patients can expect to lose up to an average of 20% of body weight. So if the average member has a starting weight of 230 pounds they can expect to lose 53 pounds with a new weight of 177lbs.

Depending on how much weight you want or need to lose most clients will stay on the medication for 6-12 months just to make sure they can accomplish their goals.

It’s not a matter of if you will lose weight!

It’s a matter of how much weight do you want to lose?

Although this medication doesn’t require you to exercise or follow a strict diet, it’s important to be mindful of eating too many carbs and foods with high sugar content. You will also want to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day which will help you flush the fat away and minimize any side effects like a headache!

• On average how much would you say you are spending on food every month?
(This would include going out to dinner, beverages, etc.)

• This medicine is a great money saver because it allows you to cut your food intake by half and you still experience the feeling of being full.

We have also seen patients’ other health conditions improve after taking this medication consistently. Many are able to cut out other medications after they’ve lost the weight. And that not only saves them money, but it also improves their quality of life!

• Your health care provider can help you choose the injection site that is best for you

• You may inject into your upper legs (front of the thighs) or lower stomach (keep 2 inches away from your belly button)

• Another person may give the injection in the upper arm

• Do not inject into an area where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard. Avoid injecting into areas with scars or stretch marks

• You may inject in the same body area each week, but make sure it is not in the same spot each time

Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab or soap and water. Do not touch the injection site after cleaning.

Most patients do not experience any side effects when taking this medication.

However, if you do experience any of the following side effects they can be easily treated.

Headache- Some patients may experience a slight headache or in rare cases a migraine. This usually occurs due to dehydration. Make sure to hydrate and obtain electrolytes as needed.

Indigestion – Some patients may experience indigestion or burping. Over the counter TUMS can be used to combat this. It may also be necessary to watch what types of foods cause the most discomfort and avoid them if possible.

Nausea – Some patients have mild nausea associated with the medication. You can get Dramamine or something comparable from your local store to help alleviate this.

Loose stool – If you get some loose stool with the medication, please use an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication if needed. Patients who report diarrhea or loose stools state they subside after a few weeks of using the medication. Sometimes some mild stomach cramping can be associated with the medication. If you experience cramping or diarrhea to the point it is interfering with daily activities, you should talk to your doctor’s office about cutting the medication dose back until it subsides.

Constipation – Because the medication slows gastric emptying and intestinal motility, some patients experience constipation. This is usually temporary, and again it can be relieved with over-the-counter remedies.