If you are planning to start your weight loss journey and are still exploring your options, Semaglutide might be on your radar. This FDA-approved drug continues to make a buzz in the weight management market.
Semaglutide is a drug prescribed by healthcare providers to patients with type 2 diabetes, as well as weight loss in patients with obesity.
Wondering what to expect from Semaglutide? In this blog, we answer all your questions about Semaglutide benefits, its side effects, what patients can expect from the treatment, and who should or shouldn’t take it.
What to Expect When First Taking Semaglutide
Patients need to understand what to expect from Semaglutide before getting started.
Semaglutide has been classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist that mimics the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, which is released in the gut after eating.
When taken, Semaglutide spikes the insulin production in the body and, as a result, reduces blood sugar levels in the patient’s body.
Semaglutide is started at a very low dose. This low dosage helps your body to adjust and reduce the chances of side effects.
However, patients can encounter common reactions during the first two weeks, including mild nausea, bloating, or changes in bowel movements. These effects gradually disappear as your body becomes used to the medicine.
Patients will start to notice weight loss within around 2-4 weeks of taking the medication. Sometimes the dose needs to be increased as you go through treatment for continued weight loss. The goal is to lose 1-2 lbs per week while taking the medication.
Benefits of Semaglutide
As a patient, here are the key benefits of Semaglutide that you can expect from your weight loss treatment:
- Helps in Shedding Pounds
One of the apparent Semaglutide benefits is that it helps reduce weight by regulating your appetite and making it easier to control portion size and cravings.
- Stabilizes Your Blood Sugar
Semaglutide will stabilize your blood sugar so you have more regular levels throughout the day. This helps to avoid dips in blood sugar that result in hunger and overeating.
- Provides Extra Protection for Your Heart
New research shows that Semaglutide is beneficial for heart health by lowering the risk of getting heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular-related issues.
- Sustainable Success in Weight Loss
When accompanied by healthy lifestyle habits, the weight loss from Semaglutide can be sustainable for a long period.
Downsides of Semaglutide
Patients should be aware of the potential downsides of Semaglutide while considering this treatment. Below are the key points to consider:
- Gastrointestinal Side Effects
We advise our patients to be prepared for potential nausea, vomiting, or other digestive discomfort, especially during the initial stages of the treatment. This is usually very minimal as we use a slow approach to increasing the dose.
- Needs to be Injected
Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection. This is something that patients do at home and is very easy!
- It’s Not a Miracle Injection
We like to think of Semaglutide as a tool that allows you to be successful in lifestyle changes. If you do not change your lifestyle, you will not have sustainable weight loss on these medications.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Take Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is used in patients who need to lose weight.
You should not take Semaglutide if:
- You are pregnant or nursing
- Have a history of thyroid cancer
- Have severe gastrointestinal disorders
- Are allergic to Semaglutide
Lifestyle Changes While Taking Semaglutide
If you may be asking yourself, “Do I need to make lifestyle changes while taking Semaglutide?” the answer is yes!
You will not lose weight and keep it off unless you make lifestyle changes.
A balanced diet, proper workout, and adequate hydration help maximize Semaglutide benefits and maintain the results even after you have stopped taking medicine.
Discover the Possibilities of Semaglutide with Curated Medical
Semaglutide could be your chance for effective weight management and improved overall health, so why wait any further?
Reach out to Curated Medical today and get your personalized weight loss treatment while receiving professional support at every step of the process.
Contact us today to find out if Semaglutide is the right option for you!