Semaglutide Weight Loss Injections

Semaglutide weight loss injections

There are a staggering number of weight loss treatments, yet few have shown the promise and effectiveness of semaglutide weight loss injections. Our team of expert body contouring surgeons oversees our semaglutide treatments to maximize your weight loss results and give you the tools to keep the weight off long-term.  

Semaglutide is a weight loss injection that is self-administered once a week.

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and was originally formulated to treat diabetes by modulating blood sugar levels. Physicians noticed a pleasant side effect of the medication: significant weight loss and long-term weight management benefits. Semaglutide weight loss injections quickly became a favorable choice for those determined to attain their weight loss aspirations.

Key Benefits
  • Reduced Appetite: Semaglutide can decrease appetite, which helps in reducing overall calorie intake.
  • Effective Weight Loss: Studies have shown that semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss in many patients, particularly when combined with diet and exercise.
  • Improved Blood Sugar Control: For those with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide can help in managing blood sugar levels.
  • Convenience of Use: The medication is typically administered through a weekly injection, which is more convenient than daily dosing.
  • Lower Risk of Hypoglycemia: Compared to some other diabetes medications, Semaglutide has a lower risk of causing low blood sugar.
  • Positive Effects on Cardiovascular Health: Some studies suggest that semaglutide may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.
  • Potential Improvement in Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels: Along with weight loss, it can contribute to improved blood pressure and cholesterol profiles.
  • Reduced Food Cravings: Patients often report a reduction in specific food cravings, aiding in better dietary control.
  • Long-Term Weight Management: Semaglutide can be an effective tool for long-term weight management when combined with lifestyle changes.
Glossary
  • Appetite Regulation: Biological process controlling the desire to eat, targeted by weight loss medications like Semaglutide to reduce hunger.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI): Measure of body fat based on height and weight, categorizing underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.
  • Cardiovascular Health: The health of the heart and blood vessels, affected by weight, diet, and exercise.
  • Diabetes Mellitus Type 2: A chronic condition affecting blood sugar processing, associated with obesity and targeted by semaglutide.
  • GLP-1 Receptor Agonist: Class of drugs including semaglutide, mimicking the incretin hormone GLP-1 to enhance insulin secretion and suppress glucagon.
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1): An incretin hormone that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon release, reducing blood glucose levels.
  • Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels, a potential side effect of diabetes medications, less common with semaglutide.
  • Incretin Hormones: Hormones reducing blood glucose levels by increasing insulin release post-eating and reducing glucagon production.
  • Lipolysis: Breakdown of fats to release fatty acids, affected by weight loss treatments.
  • Obesity: Excess body fat accumulation negatively impacting health.
  • Ozempic: A brand name for semaglutide, specifically used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
  • Semaglutide: Injectable medication for adults with obesity or overweight, aiding in weight loss and maintenance.
  • Side Effects: Unintended reactions or symptoms caused by a medication, including those possibly experienced with Semaglutide.
  • Wegovy: A brand name for a higher dose of semaglutide, specifically approved for weight loss.
  • Weight Management: Techniques and processes for achieving and maintaining a particular weight.

How does it aid in weight loss?

Semaglutide is primarily an appetite suppressant and designed to address a holistic change, not simply weight reduction; semaglutide weight loss injections target appetite, metabolism, and other vital health components.

Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone (GLP-1) in the body and promotes weight loss by addressing three key weight loss factors: 

  • Appetite regulation: Semaglutide reduces food cravings by slowing down your digestive system.
  • Insulin management: Semaglutide helps release and regulate insulin to help keep blood sugar levels stable.
  • Blood sugar reduction: Semaglutide helps reduce blood sugar levels after each meal.

Benefits of semaglutide 

Many weight loss results wane after treatments or regimens end—making them ineffective for long-term weight loss goals. Part of the success of semaglutide weight loss injections is the awareness it brings. Most of our food portions are far larger than what our body actually needs, and our body stores the excess calories in fat cells for future use. Because semaglutide makes you feel less hungry in general, you will feel full after eating a much smaller portion than you’re used to.

The results of many weight loss treatments diminish once treatments or regimens end. Semaglutide weight loss injections can achieve significant weight loss during treatment, and the healthier habits it gently teaches your body help you enjoy long-term weight loss. Over time, semaglutide weight loss injections help your body adapt to having smaller portions and be satiated with the appropriate amount of calories—which would be quite challenging to accomplish by only reducing your food intake. Many Rancho Cucamonga weight loss patients also comment on how their mindset on portion control changed once their body adjusted to healthier, sustainable eating habits.

In addition to overall weight reduction, semaglutide weight loss injections stand out for their capability to diminish internal visceral fat—a type of fat even the most effective body contouring procedures, such as tummy tuck and liposuction, cannot target. 

Visceral fat surrounds your organs, and in excess, can cause serious health issues. Traditional body contouring techniques only target subcutaneous fat (the fat directly under the skin’s surface). Semaglutide can reduce both subcutaneous and visceral fat for more comprehensive weight loss and a potential overall improvement in other health markers. 

Semaglutide injections can also:

  • Diminish inflammation throughout the body
  • Promote blood sugar control
  • Lower blood pressure

Is semaglutide the right choice for you?

Who should consider semaglutide weight loss injections?

Good candidates for semaglutide weight loss injections have a BMI of 30+ and would like to lose weight for cosmetic and/or health-related reasons. Semaglutide weight loss injections may also benefit patients who need to reduce their BMI to be eligible for a surgical cosmetic procedure(s). However, semaglutide isn’t a magic weight loss solution: Patients who combine the injections with dietary adjustments and an active lifestyle see optimal results that are long-lasting.

Who is not a good candidate for semaglutide?

If you have certain conditions, like heart disease, thyroid cancer, pancreatic issues, or take specific medicines, including diabetes medications, you should first consult with your primary healthcare provider before considering semaglutide weight loss injections. For any treatment or procedure, always be transparent about any over-the-counter medicines, drugs, or supplements you are taking to avoid potential side effects.

Your semaglutide weight loss journey

The consultation

Your consultation includes a thorough review of your complete medical history, a physical, and labs to confirm that semaglutide weight loss injections will be safe and effective for you. Once we determine you are a good candidate, we’ll take pictures and measurements to track your progress and review your lab results before beginning treatment.

The type of semaglutide you’ll receive (either Wegovy™, Ozempic®, or a compounded formula) is based on your needs and insurance coverage.

What to expect during treatment

We’ll give you the first weekly injection of semaglutide in the office, and you can administer the remaining injections conveniently and comfortably in your own home. The medication will be delivered to you each month of your treatment duration, and we will help ensure you are completely comfortable and well-equipped to self-administrator the once-weekly injections at home.

Nutrition counseling and lifestyle coaching are included in your treatment plan so you can properly fuel your body with balanced, whole foods and find an activity level that will enhance your initial weight loss results and help you maintain them once your treatments have ended. 

Your semaglutide weight loss injection results

Most adults can expect to lose approximately 10% of their body weight with semaglutide injections. These effects accumulate over time, with many experiencing significant weight loss after just a few weeks, as the body no longer needs to store excess calories from over-consumption, and existing fat stores are reduced with more physical activity.

Patients who wish to experience additional weight loss can discuss extending their treatments with our Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgeons. 

Risks and side effects of semaglutide

Semaglutide has been used in clinical treatments since 2005, and a 2022 safety study confirmed that semaglutide weight loss injections are generally safe and effective for suitable patients. Still, like with any treatment, there are potential risks and side effects.  

What are the potential side effects?

Though semaglutide is generally well-tolerated, some might experience:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Upset stomach
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloating

Most side effects resolve as your body naturally adjusts to the medication. If you experience these typically temporary side effects, we can help you incorporate strategies to manage them for a comfortable treatment experience.

Semaglutide weight loss injections FAQs 

Are semaglutide weight loss results permanent? 

For many patients, yes! Semaglutide helps calibrate your body’s calorie requirements to form balanced dietary habits, and patients who maintain the nutrition and exercise protocols they used during the treatment phase see long-term weight loss results.

How soon can I expect to see results with semaglutide weight loss injections?

Many patients see noticeable weight loss within the first 4 weeks of treatment. However, results can vary depending on individual factors like your starting weight, metabolism, lifestyle, and your body’s response to the recommended dosage.

Can I combine semaglutide with other weight loss treatments or medications?

Maybe; some combinations may cause adverse effects or reduce the efficacy of semaglutide, so it’s essential to disclose all medications and treatments you’re currently undergoing to ensure you experience maximum results without risking serious side effects.

How long is the typical treatment course with semaglutide?

It varies; we typically recommend starting with a 12-week program. We tailor each weight loss treatment to your unique anatomy and weight loss goals and adjust your treatment plan to help you achieve your desired outcome. 

Will I need to continue the injections indefinitely to maintain my weight loss?

No, the goal is to help you achieve significant weight loss and establish healthier habits that you can maintain once your treatment series ends. 

Are there any dietary restrictions while on semaglutide?

There are no specific dietary restrictions. However, you’ll lose more weight if you follow a balanced diet, which we can help you plan. 

What if I miss a dose?

Take it as soon as you remember, but if it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. If you’re unsure, we are just a phone call away!

How should I store my semaglutide injections?

Follow the medication guide for your brand of semaglutide for proper storage—semaglutide typically needs to be kept in the refrigerator. 

Will my insurance cover semaglutide weight loss injections?

It may; we accept PPO insurance. For most patients, semaglutide weight loss injections are typically not covered by insurance. 

Medical weight loss with semaglutide 

If you think semaglutide weight loss injections may be right for you, please schedule a consultation at one of our treatment locations:

We look forward to helping you look and feel your best!