SEMAGLUTIDE: New Weight Loss Drug
“What is SEMAGLUTIDE (Ozempic) and how does it help me lose weight?”
Semaglutide
Whatever your goal, there is always an option!
Semaglutide has hit mainstream media as well as social media over the past 3 months! I will break down my knowledge and experience in dealing with patients (firsthand) along their Semaglutide and weight loss journey.
What is Semaglutide?
· Semaglutide is the generic form of OZEMPIC (name brand).
***THIS DRUG IS INTENDED TO BE SUPPLEMENTAL TO DIET, LIFESTYLE, and EXERCISE MODIFICATIONS for SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT LOSS***
* The ACSM suggests 150 to 250 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity for weight loss*
· This drug is a GLP-1 [Incretin] (glucagon-like peptide-1)à receptor-Agonist (meaning: (+) Insulin and (–) Glucagon).
· These drugs have responses in the body similar to the hormone that your body makes: GLP-1.
· GLP-1 is a hormone that your body makes in the digestion process which communicates with your pancreas to “get ready” for the processing of the carbohydrates in which you are about to eat.
· It helps your pancreas produce INCREASED insulin when needed as well as DECREASE glucagon release (which normally increases after a meal) = which lowers GLUCOSE (important for treatment of type II diabetes).
How does Semaglutide work for weight loss and why is it so popular?
· Semaglutide helps lower ones A1-C and glucagon which helps lower glucose peaks and drops overall, and this helps in turn by the hormone GLP-1 also traveling to the stomach, slowing down stomach emptying. This helps you by lowering the spikes in sugar levels after meals and they feel like they get fuller – sooner.
· This helps with satiety and adjusting while monitoring food intake levels.
· Patients lose between 1-3 lbs. per week on average.
What are some of the most common side effects?
Some negative side effects:
· Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar- type II diabetes)
· Indigestion
· Nausea
· Diarrhea
(here is a link with more information on Semaglutide (drug) with lists of side effects: https://www.drugs.com/semaglutide.html#side-effects)
How do I find Semaglutide, how much does it cost, and what if I do not have primary care or a doctor?
· Semaglutide costs vary depending on how the consumer/patient proceeds to pursue treatment (insurance/self or cash pay).
· *most (as of 01/17/2023) insurance will not cover most drugs like Ozempic, Rybelsus, or Wegovy for weight loss. It is commonly covered for treatment of type 2 diabetes.
· Ageless Men’s Health charges $66.00 per injection/per week or $234.00/month (4 injections/weeks)
· Injections are weekly (every 7 days) adjusted based on current labs.
(The cost mentioned above is nationwide for Ageless Men’s Health -as of 03/11/2023)
How much weight will I lose and how fast?
· Safe and sustainable weight loss is roughly 1 to 1.5 lbs per week. I have personally witnessed many patients that have lost more than 10 lbs. in their first month. One patient in particularly had SUCCESS of over 50 lbs in two months with Semaglutide weekly injections and diet/lifestyle modifications!
Will I gain the weight back once I stop treatment?
· From the studies and literature, most patients that discontinued treatment gained 2/3 of their weight back after cessation of treatment (here s a link for the study on Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension).
(American College of Sports Medicine ACSM and CDC recommendations)
Is Semaglutide worth the cost?
· If you are using the drug as intended: along with diet and exercise, I believe that this is an AMAZING drug! This drug can give the patient the flexibility, time, and convenience to lose weight safely and steadily.
· If I had this drug available when I was training on-site with clients (for weight loss), prior to COVID-19; I would have referred them to Ageless Men’s Health for Semaglutide treatment along side with the possibility of exploring testosterone replacement therapy.
· If the patient has a reduction in total overall caloric intake from the effects of Semaglutide and makes healthier- whole food-based options alongside a solid exercise prescription/program, then I cannot see how this drug would not be a GREAT option for anyone who is overweight or obese!? …
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(Note to public/reader)
I work for Ageless Men’s Health in Goodyear, Arizona and may receive monetary compensation in the form of bonuses from marketing associated with this post. The information in this blog is for informational purposes only and I have not asked permission to include Ageless Men’s Health in this publication and am simply offering an available option for readers with a company that I am familiar with and hope this offers the reader some insight as well as resources to positively affects your health-
Jonathan Stava CPT, PES, CES
Ageless Men’s Health -CRM (Client Relations Manager)
References:
Physical Activity Guidelines Resources. (n.d.). ACSM_CMS. https://www.acsm.org/education-resources/trending-topics-resources/physical-activity-guidelines
Semaglutide. (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/semaglutide.html
Ozer, Dr. (2021). GLP-1 Agonists, Explained: How They Work, Their Benefits and Risks [Video GLP-1 Agonists, Explained: How They Work, Their Benefits and Risks]. In C. Visual (Ed.), CardioVisual. https://www.youtu.be/T2cYzgNdq4Y