What is Semaglutide and How Does it Work for Weight Loss?

Semaglutide – known by the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus – is a medication that was originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes, but has since been found to be effective in helping patients lose weight. It works for weight loss by reducing feelings of hunger, helping people to eat less and lose weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

This once-weekly injection functions in three distinct ways to help patients achieve significant weight loss: First, semaglutide works by increasing the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas and decreasing the amount of glucagon produced by the liver, resulting in reduced hunger and increased energy levels leading to weight loss.

Second, semaglutide can also help balance out hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which may curb appetite and allow people to shed pounds by eating less as well as helping the body process food more efficiently.

Lastly, semaglutide slows the movement of food through the stomach (“gastric emptying”), which may reduce feelings of hunger and decrease appetite to help weight loss.

Semaglutide clinical trials and FDA

Semaglutide was approved by the FDA in 2021 for weight loss and has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight.

Semaglutide has been shown in clinical trials to be beneficial in treating obesity. A study published in the Lancet in 2021 found that semaglutide helped people with obesity achieve significant improvements in their overall weight, body composition, and metabolic health. The study followed over 2,000 people with obesity and found that those who took semaglutide lost an average of 15.3% of their body weight over a period of 68 weeks.

In a clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2021, researchers found that semaglutide helped people with obesity lose an average of 15% of their body weight. The trial followed over 1,900 people who were classified as obese or overweight and found that those who took semaglutide achieved significantly greater weight loss compared to those who received a placebo.

Here are some success stories of people taking Semaglutide for weight loss:

In a personal success story shared on the Today show, a woman with obesity described how semaglutide helped her lose over 100 pounds. She had struggled with weight loss for years and had tried various diets and weight loss programs without success. After starting semaglutide, she noticed significant changes in her appetite and cravings, which helped her make healthier food choices and lose weight.

Another personal success story shared on Good Morning America describes how semaglutide helped a man with obesity lose 60 pounds and improve his overall health. He had tried to lose weight for years, committing to various diets and exercise programs without success. After starting semaglutide, he noticed significant improvements in his energy levels and a decrease in overall hunger and appetite, which helped him stay motivated to continue his weight loss journey.

It is important to note that every person’s experience with semaglutide will be different, and not everyone will achieve the same results. However, these success stories demonstrate the potential benefits of semaglutide for weight loss. As always, it is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.

How to use is Semaglutide for weight loss:

It’s a simple medication to use. Semaglutide is typically administered once a week as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) using an insulin syringe. The injection can be given in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Common side effects reported by users include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and tiredness, but these often subside over a short period of time. Many people have found their success with weight loss far outweighs any side effects experienced.

Here at Onyx Integrative Medicine & Aesthetics, we offer a physician-managed medical weight loss program featuring this revolutionary approach to losing weight. Our weight loss program is medically supervised by our licensed naturopathic doctors and includes regular check-ins to ensure you feel supported on your weight loss journey.

Unlike other weight loss programs, our program does not require starvation-level diets. Instead we offer a multi-level approach that includes nutrition coaching that is sustainable long term, laboratory testing, & effective weight loss medication.

How to get Started?

The first step is to book a 30 minute consultation with our doctors. At this appointment, we’ll review your medical history, & weight loss goals. The doctor will perform a physical exam including your current weight and measurements. If you have recent labs, the doctor will review them. He/she may also choose to order more laboratory tests.

Next, you and your doctor will discuss your current eating patterns and the best dietary strategy for you as an individual.

At this appointment, the doctor will determine if you are a good candidate for semaglutide and if so, will prescribe the medication to you from our trusted compounding pharmacy.

Regular check-ins every (4-8 weeks, on average) are required to assess your progress, monitor labs, and refill your semaglutide prescription.

Ready to get started exploring semaglutide for your own weight loss journey? Start here!