Why try our medical weight loss program
While it may work better than some other weight loss medications, there are other factors to consider. Let’s review what you should know about Semaglutide.
In 2021 the FDA approved Semaglutide, a once-weekly injection, for chronic weight management in adults when used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. The medication had made headlines before its approval when the manufacturer reported 15% to 18% weight loss findings during clinical trials. This is higher than we tend to see with other weight loss medications. Since then, semaglutide has also been approved for chronic weight management in adolescents ages 12 and older.
Semaglutide is an injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. This medications is typically injected just under the skin (subcutaneously) in your abdomen, upper arm, or thigh. Avoid injecting the medication into the same spot every time — change your injection site with each dose. But injecting in the same body area (e.g., thigh) is OK as long as you’re rotating sites within the area each time.
Since semaglutide slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, you may experience side effects like nausea and vomiting. Once you get started on the medication, your healthcare provider will slowly increase your dosage every 4 weeks. This can help make these effects more manageable.
Can semaglutide interact with other medications?
Since semaglutide can lower your blood sugar, it can interact with other blood sugar-lowering medications. Examples include insulin and medications that cause insulin to be released, like sulfonylureas. Combining these medications can result in dangerously low blood sugar levels.
If you’re taking one of these medications, your healthcare provider may lower the other medication’s dose while starting you on semaglutide. And as a general rule, it’s important to diligently monitor your blood sugar if you have Type 2 diabetes. This is especially the case before and during treatment to ensure that your readings stay within a safe range.
Another potential interaction is with oral medications. Semaglutide slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach. This may affect how certain oral medications are absorbed by your body when they’re taken together. Your healthcare provider can determine which interactions potentially affect you and how to manage them
Is Semaglutide Right for You?
If you’re struggling to lose weight and improve your health, Semaglutide may be a good option for you. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner to determine if it’s the right choice for your individual needs and health history.
