Health Benefits of the Semaglutide Weight Loss Program
In the USA, we have an obese and overweight population of 69%. This leads to much higher disease rates of diabetes, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, heart disease, and joint problems. All of these may improve with weight loss.
Semaglutide reduces your appetite and makes you feel fuller for longer periods of time. It helps you burn fat. Better sleep, energy, improved blood sugar and insulin levels are typical.
Duration of treatment varies by amount of weight loss desired. When a healthy weight is achieved, maintenance dosing will be required, and a slow taper to keep from regaining weight. If simply stopped, weight regain is inevitable.
How Does The Semaglutide Program Work?
Initial consultation will be necessary before starting the medication. Blood pressure, height and weight will be measured. Patients may either self-inject weekly or come to the office for us to administer the injections at an additional cost. Blood work at a laboratory may be advised, depending on the patient’s medical history. If you have a copy of your most recent lab results, please bring them to your consultation.
Side effects: Most often nausea and constipation. This is reduced by having a low-fat diet. Other side effects are listed on the consent form. Magnesium supplement helps with constipation. Dr. Howlin can provide a prescription for nausea.
Dosage is started at .25 mg weekly with a small subcutaneous injection. After 4 weeks, the dosage is increased to .5 mg. Every 4 weeks it may be increased again to a maximum of 2 mg weekly. Many patients will find they do not need to increase beyond .5 mg weekly.
Dietary guidelines: We recommend a healthy balanced diet. Because the medication makes you feel fuller, you will automatically desire smaller portions. Stay away from fried foods and you will have less nausea.
We recommend moderate exercise, but it is not required. The goal is to establish a new healthier lifestyle.