Semaglutide is an injectable medication used for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. It is similar to the human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. Semaglutide helps lower blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss.
When used for weight loss, studies have shown that people using semaglutide lost on average 12-16% of their body weight over 68 weeks. This makes it one of the most effective medications currently available for obesity treatment.
Balance Hormone Clinic provides customized semaglutide weight loss programs to help patients in the Miami Gardens area lose weight safely and effectively. We offer guidance on proper dosing, diet, and lifestyle changes to help patients get the most out of their semaglutide therapy.
There are many benefits to using semaglutide for weight loss and diabetes management:
The primary benefit of semaglutide is significant weight loss in patients with obesity. By reducing appetite and calorie intake, most patients lose 10-15% of their body weight over the course of treatment. This amount of weight loss can lead to better cardiovascular health, improved mobility, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk for other obesity-related diseases.
In addition to weight loss effects, semaglutide also helps improve blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes. It lowers fasting blood glucose, post-meal glucose spikes, and HbA1c levels. This leads to reduced risk of diabetes complications.
Studies show semaglutide can reduce risk of cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack. It also lowers bad LDL cholesterol while increasing good HDL cholesterol.
Compared to other weight loss medications, semaglutide has a mild side effect profile. The most common side effects are temporary nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. By slowly increasing the dosage, most patients have minimal side effects.
Semaglutide only needs to be injected under the skin once weekly using an easy-to-use prefilled pen device. Compared to the daily dosing of other injectable diabetes medications, this offers greater convenience and improved patient compliance.
The following patients may benefit from semaglutide therapy:
Adults who have a BMI of 30 or higher (or 27-30 with weight-related medical problems). Semaglutide can help obese individuals lose significant weight, which carries many health benefits.
Patients with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or a history of gestational diabetes who have difficulty achieving glycemic control through diet, exercise, and other medications. Semaglutide improves blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss.
Those with cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of stroke/heart attack. Semaglutide protects the heart through weight loss, improved cholesterol levels, and reduced inflammation.
Semaglutide may also benefit patients with fatty liver disease. The weight loss effects and improved insulin sensitivity can reduce liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis.
If you have obesity and related medical problems, semaglutide could be an excellent treatment option. Our physicians at Balance Hormone Clinic conduct thorough assessments to determine if it is appropriate for you.
The process for starting semaglutide treatment includes:
You will have your first appointment with a Balance Hormone Clinic provider. Your medical history, medications, and health data will be reviewed to see if you are a candidate. Your provider will also check for any contraindications or precautions related to semaglutide therapy.
Blood work will be ordered to establish a baseline before starting. We will check kidney and liver function, blood counts, A1c, fasting glucose, and lipids. Thyroid, Vitamin D, B12, magnesium, and nutrient levels may also be assessed. These labs give us insight into the best treatment approach.
A nurse will provide in-depth education on how to properly inject and handle the semaglutide medication. You will also learn about possible temporary side effects, how to prevent them, and what to do if they occur. Lifestyle modification plans for nutrition and activity will also be developed.
Frequent follow-ups occur, especially early on, to ensure you are tolerating the medication well. Your provider will make dosage adjustments based on your reports of appetite, weight loss progress, side effects, and repeat lab testing. Follow-ups continue throughout your treatment course.
The physicians and staff at Balance Hormone Clinic guide you each step of the way to make starting semaglutide smooth and effective. We personalize dosing and provide ongoing support tailored to your individual needs.
Semaglutide was originally discovered in the saliva of a non-venomous species of gila monster lizard. Scientists found that components in the lizard's saliva helped regulate blood sugar and food intake, leading to the development of semaglutide as a medication for diabetes and weight loss in humans.
Proper dosing helps patients lose weight successfully while also minimizing temporary side effects from semaglutide:
Semaglutide dosing starts at 0.25 mg weekly. After 4 weeks, it increases to 0.5 mg if well-tolerated. The target maintenance dose for weight loss is 2.4 mg per week. By slowly escalating the dosage, patients have fewer side effects.
Semaglutide comes in a prefilled pen injection device. The needles are very thin to maximize comfort. Patients inject 1 dose per week under skin of the abdomen, thigh, or arm.
Patients should inject semaglutide on the same day each week before their largest meal of the day or the first meal of the day. This helps reduce side effects like nausea.
The providers at Balance Hormone Clinic will guide you on the optimal dosage schedule and injection technique for your body and goals. We also provide assistance with obtaining insurance coverage for compounded semaglutide.
To optimize weight loss results and health benefits from semaglutide treatment, we provide lifestyle recommendations:
Eating a balanced, low-glycemic diet rich in vegetables, fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats can enhance weight loss. Hydration is also important. As appetite decreases, focusing on nutritional quality prevents deficiency.
Being active helps build lean muscle mass to sustain weight loss from caloric reduction. A mix of cardio, strength training, flexibility, and balance exercises most days of the week is encouraged. We provide customized plans taking health status into account.
Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep supports metabolic and hormone regulation for weight and blood sugar control. Prioritizing sleep helps manage stress and avoid burnout as well.
Adopting healthy stress relief practices like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or spending time outdoors leads to better clinical outcomes. Emotional health is tied to physical health.
Our goal is not just significant weight reduction but fostering positive lifestyle changes for sustained success after finishing semaglutide therapy. We take the whole patient picture into account when making clinical recommendations.
Choosing Balance Hormone Clinic for your semaglutide weight loss program offers many advantages:
Our experienced physicians and nurses provide tailored medication and lifestyle guidance based on your unique health profile and needs, not a one-size-fits all approach. We listen first.
With evening and weekend availability, same day appointments, on-site blood draws, and continuity of care there is minimal disruption to your life. We put you first.
Frequent follow-ups to monitor progress and address questions occur in-clinic or virtually. We are your partners in health for the long run.
Our goal goes beyond the number on the scale to equipping patients with sustainable, holistic tools for better health after treatment finishes. We care about the big picture.
With an individualized focus and compassionate team supporting your journey, Balance Hormone Clinic offers an outstanding atmosphere to help patients achieve their health goals. We would be honored to partner with you.
A: Most patients lose 10-15% of initial body weight over 6-12 months. However, results vary based on factors like lifestyle choices. You may lose more or less. The average is 12-16% weight loss.
A: It may take 6 months to achieve maximum weight loss benefits, but continuing for 12-24 months leads to better maintenance of weight lost. We personalize duration based on your progress.
A: Yes, studies show semaglutide lowers heart disease risk by 15% over 3 years by reducing risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, inflammation, and high cholesterol.
A: Up to 40% experience temporary mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or stomach pain. This resolves as the body adjusts, usually within 4-8 weeks. Staying hydrated aids tolerance.
A: Yes, semaglutide trials have followed patients using it safely and effectively for 2 years. We monitor labs and adjust dosing to use it long-term if beneficial for maintaining health gains.Reach out to our knowledgeable team at Balance Hormone Clinic to see if semaglutide therapy is right for you. We are dedicated partners in your health and weight loss journey.
