Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, as well as to promote weight loss in adults struggling with obesity. Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that is released naturally by the body after eating. By acting like GLP-1 and targeting areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation, semaglutide helps you feel fuller and less hungry, which can help you eat less food and lose significant weight over time.
When used for type 2 diabetes, semaglutide helps the body make more insulin when needed, while also preventing the liver from making too much sugar. Together, these effects improve overall blood sugar control. As we'll outline below, there are significant benefits to semaglutide therapy for the treatment of obesity and weight management, making it an excellent option for many patients.
Multiple clinical trials have shown that semaglutide is exceptionally effective for enabling weight loss in people with obesity. In a 68-week phase 3 trial, adults taking a standard dose of semaglutide lost an average of 17% of their body weight - far exceeding most other prescription weight loss therapies. This amount of weight loss can lead to dramatic health improvements.
Beyond weight loss, semaglutide has been connected to reductions in risk factors for heart disease and stroke, including decreases in LDL "bad" cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation. There is also evidence it may support better control of type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and beta cell function.
Unlike most other injectable diabetes or obesity medications requiring daily shots, semaglutide is taken just once-weekly. This makes it significantly easier for most patients to adhere to the dosing regimen over the long-term.
In multiple patient satisfaction surveys, semaglutide scored very high marks for its efficacy, tolerability, and positive impact on quality of life. Most patients are highly satisfied with the amount of weight they lose, as well as improvements in chronic health conditions.
Semaglutide has demonstrated an excellent safety profile in clinical trials and real world use. The most common side effects are temporary GI issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. By slowly increasing the dose upon initiating treatment, these side effects can often be minimized or avoided completely.
Semaglutide is FDA approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, defined as having a BMI of 30 or higher. It can be an excellent treatment option for those who have struggled to lose weight through diet and lifestyle changes alone. Typically patients will already have attempted these methods without success prior to beginning semaglutide.
For adults with type 2 diabetes not adequately controlled with other medications like metformin, semaglutide can lower A1c by 1% or more. Using it along with other glucose lowering treatments enhances overall diabetes management.
The first step is to schedule a consultation with a medical provider specializing in weight management and/or diabetes care, such as our physicians here at Hormone Harmony Clinic. We will review your full medical history and determine if semaglutide is appropriate for you.
Before initiating treatment, we will order lab tests and imaging as needed to check kidney and liver function, evaluate for thyroid issues, screen for pancreatitis risk factors, and establish a baseline A1c if diabetic. We want to ensure it is safe for you to use this medication.
While semaglutide promotes impressive weight loss for most patients, results vary by individual. We will collaborate to set realistic goals for your amount of expected weight loss and timeline. Ongoing follow up allows us to monitor your progress.
Semaglutide dosing starts low at 0.25mg weekly, increasing slowly up to the target maintenance dose of 2.4mg weekly. This gradual increase in dose minimizes temporary GI side effects. Patients stay on 2.4mg long-term.
To boost weight loss success, we provide nutritional counseling, fitness guidance, and behavior change coaching to help patients adopt healthier lifestyle habits. Small sustainable changes improve the efficacy of medical therapy.
Semaglutide was originally developed as a treatment for diabetes, but clinical trials found an unexpected side effect - significant weight loss. Further research showed semaglutide acts on appetite-regulating pathways in the brain, reducing calorie intake. This led to the approval of a high-dose semaglutide injection called Wegovy specifically for chronic weight management.
Currently there are two semaglutide products on the market - Ozempic and Wegovy. Both require lengthy prior authorization from insurance, often delaying treatment for months. Our clinic offers compounded semaglutide, eliminating authorization barriers.
Our specialty-trained medical team provides close follow up care, including checking lab work, managing side effects, providing diet and nutrition coaching, and ensuring patients stay motivated long term. We are your partners in health.
Without needing to bill insurance, our cash pay model keeps compounded semaglutide exceptionally affordable compared to branded alternatives. Unlimited access to our world-class medical team promotes better outcomes.
In addition to prescription semaglutide, we craft integrative care regimens that incorporate nutritional optimization, gut health support, fitness recommendations, and cutting-edge wellness solutions. This holistic approach delivers life changing results.
With ample parks, trails, recreation sites, gyms, and healthy restaurants, Tallahassee provides the ideal environment to embrace new positive lifestyle habits while undergoing medical weight management with semaglutide. We help patients connect to local resources.
Here at Hormone Harmony Clinic Tallahassee clinic, we specialize in evidence-based medical therapies for obesity, diabetes, hormone imbalance, sexual health, and wellness. Our unique concierge approach sets us apart.
Our board-certified providers stay current on the latest advancements in precision medicine, genetic testing, medical weight loss, hormone optimization, and anti-aging treatments. We bring exceptional skill to every patient we serve.
From our stunning clinic decor to our caring support staff, we deliver premium service that exceeds expectations. We treat every patient with the utmost compassion and respect. Our exceptional reviews speak for themselves.
With extended clinic hours, virtual visits, prompt prescription refills, and rapid on-call support, accessing our team is quick and convenient. We remove barriers to medical care.
No two patients are alike, so we do not believe in a one-size-fits all approach. Our custom protocols are tailored to your unique needs, goals, biomarkers, and preferences for integrative care solutions that produce unmatched outcomes.
Through unlimited follow up visits and remote check-ins between appointments, we provide the accountability, motivation, troubleshooting, and course corrections patients need to stay on track long term. Your success matters to us.
Conclusion
With impressive efficacy for weight loss and glycemic control along with an excellent safety profile and outstanding patient satisfaction, semaglutide is among the most exciting new developments in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Our exceptional providers here at Hormone Harmony Clinic Tallahassee clinic have the advanced training to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for this breakthrough therapy. We welcome you to schedule a new patient appointment to learn more and get started on your journey toward improved health and wellness today.
