Semaglutide Martin, TN - Thrive Hormone Therapy

Introduction to Semaglutide

Semaglutide is an innovative new medication used for weight loss and the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists that help regulate blood sugar and appetite.

When used specifically for weight loss purposes, semaglutide is prescribed under the brand name Wegovy and is given as a weekly injection. It has shown impressive results in clinical trials, with average weight loss around 15-18% in one year.

Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone produced in the gut that targets areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation. It helps you feel more full and satisfied after eating smaller portions, leading to decreased calorie intake and weight loss over time.

Benefits of Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Some of the major benefits of semaglutide for weight loss include:

• Significant long-term weight loss (not just short-term)
• Improvement in obesity-related health conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol
• Convenient weekly dosing compared to daily or more frequent injections
• Better adherence/compliance rates due to less frequent injections
• Low risk of major side effects

Diagnosing Obesity and Candidacy for Semaglutide

In order to be prescribed semaglutide specifically for weight loss purposes (Wegovy), you first need to have a diagnosis of obesity along with at least one weight-related health problem. This includes:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Heart disease
• Sleep apnea
• Fatty liver disease
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Obesity itself is defined medically as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. BMI is a measure of weight-to-height ratio used to estimate body fat.

In addition to BMI, other assessments of excess weight and body composition, such as waist circumference, are also important. Lab testing is also critical before starting semaglutide treatment.

Once approved to start, there is a basic initiation process that is followed when beginning semaglutide for weight loss:

Semaglutide Dosing Schedule:

Week	Dose
1-4	0.25 mg
5-8	0.5 mg
9-12	1 mg
13	1.7 mg

This gradual increase in dosing reduces side effects and allows your body to adjust to the medication. Close monitoring of your response is key, which will be covered throughout your treatment by your Thrive Hormone Therapy provider.

Expected Weight Loss and Health Improvements

In clinical studies, semaglutide has shown exceptional weight loss benefits superior to other medications, diet, exercise, and bariatric procedures alone.

The average person loses 15-18% of their body weight over 12 months on the medication. To put this in perspective, someone who weighs 250 lbs could lose around 37-45 lbs in their first year of treatment.

In addition to impressive fat loss, semaglutide provides several other meaningful health improvements, including:

Health Marker	Improvement
Hemoglobin A1c (HgA1c)	Lowered up to 1.7% (in diabetics)
Fasting blood sugar	Reduced 15-20 mg/dL
Systolic blood pressure	Lowered ~5 mmHg
HDL cholesterol	Raised 5-10 mg/dL
LDL cholesterol	Lowered 10-15 mg/dL
Triglycerides	Lowered 20-30%

Side Effects and Safety Considerations

As with most medications, semaglutide does come with the risk of certain side effects to be aware of. The most common include:

Early/Transient Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Fatigue and headaches
• Dizziness/lightheadedness upon standing

These effects typically peak when first starting and increasing doses. They generally subside with time as the body adjusts - within 4-8 weeks for most.

Longer-Term Effects

A few potential adverse reactions may continue or pop up later during treatment:

• Injection site reactions
• Gallstones
• Allergic reaction
• Pancreatitis
• Ideopathic pancreatitis

Monitoring for any concerning or severe side effects is important. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, significant vomiting/diarrhea leading to dehydration, intense pancreas pain, jaundice, dark urine, or severe abdominal discomfort.

Benefits of Semaglutide Treatment with Thrive Hormone Therapy

While semaglutide can be prescribed by any licensed medical provider, receiving your prescription specifically from our specialized weight loss clinic offers some unique advantages:

• Convenience (weekly injections, self-injected, mail order delivery)
• Personalized care (face-to-face consultations, custom treatment plans, close monitoring)
• Cutting-edge therapies (access to newest GLP-1 drugs, well-equipped teaching clinic)
• Holistic guidance (dietary and exercise assistance, behavioral counseling, mental health services)

Conclusion

Semaglutide is a powerful tool for achieving significant and sustainable weight loss, especially when combined with a comprehensive treatment approach offered by specialized clinics like Thrive Hormone Therapy.

By addressing the underlying hormonal and metabolic factors contributing to obesity, semaglutide can help break the cycle of weight gain and improve overall health and well-being. With close monitoring and guidance from experienced providers, patients can safely and effectively reach their weight loss goals while also managing any related health conditions.

If you are struggling with obesity and its associated health risks, consider exploring semaglutide as a potential treatment option under the care of a qualified healthcare team. Take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life by scheduling a consultation today.