Semaglutide GLP-1 medications, which you may know under brand names like Wegovy®, Saxenda®, Ozempic®, or Mounjaro® are the first once-weekly medications FDA-approved to help with chronic weight management. It’s different from older classes of prescription weight loss medications because how it works on key underlying metabolic pathways to support sustained weight loss.
How Does Semaglutide Work For Weight Loss?
GLP-1 agonists, like semaglutide, were originally used to treat Type 2 diabetes, due to their blood sugar-lowering effects. However, the weight loss side effect has been shown to benefit people without Type 2 diabetes as well.
GLP-1 is an incretin hormone that plays a role in your appetite and digestion. Incretins — hormones released by your digestive tract — are sent out by your body after you’ve eaten a meal. They help lower your blood sugar by triggering insulin release and blocking sugar production. They also slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach (called gastric emptying).
The result of these actions causes you to feel full — lowering your appetite and causing you to lose weight. Medications like GLP-1 agonists are referred to as incretin mimetics since they “mimic” these effects.
Semaglutide Weight Loss Program
After your initial consultation visit the Semaglutide Weight Loss program consists of weekly subcutaneous injections administrated in the office.
Semaglutide injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Burping