Semaglutide in Coral Springs, FL

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a groundbreaking medication in the field of diabetes management, and it has gained popularity to aid in weight loss.

To speak with a specialist and see if you’re a candidate for Semaglutide, contact Optimize Medical today to schedule a consultation in Coral Springs. Give us a call at 954-780-8685 to get started, or request an appointment through our website.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in several brands of medication. It works by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. This hormone is  called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

The role of GLP-1 includes:

  • regulating blood sugar levels
  • stimulating the release of insulin
  • reducing appetite
  • slowing the absorption of glucose from the intestine

How is Semaglutide Prescribed?

Semaglutide is prescribed through a consultation with a physician. It is important to seek medical advice for this to get proper dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more.

The medication dose starts low at 0.25 mg weekly to help avoid side effects and is increased gradually based on how well it’s working.  The maximum dose is 2.4 mg weekly but many patients find a sweet spot around 1 mg weekly.

Benefits of Semaglutide

  • Improved Blood Sugar Control – Semaglutide is primarily prescribed for individuals with type 2 diabetes who struggle to manage their blood sugar levels. It helps lower and stabilize blood glucose levels.
  • Weight Loss – Another remarkable feature of semaglutide is its ability to aid in weight loss. Patients taking semaglutide often experience a reduction in appetite, leading to decreased food intake and, consequently, weight loss. This dual benefit of blood sugar control and weight loss makes it particularly appealing for many individuals with type 2 diabetes, as obesity is often a contributing factor to their condition.
  • Cardiovascular Protection – Recent studies have suggested that semaglutide may offer cardiovascular benefits as well. It has been associated with a lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events in individuals with diabetes.
  • Convenience – Semaglutide is available in both injection and oral tablet forms. The injectable version is administered once a week, providing convenience for patients compared to the daily or multiple-daily injections required by some other diabetes medications. The oral form, approved more recently, offers an even more user-friendly option for those who prefer a pill over injections.

Is Semaglutide FDA approved for weight loss?

Yes, semaglutide was FDA approved in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. The injectable drug, initially only used as diabetes medication, treats chronic weight management in the 70 percent of American adults who are obese or overweight.

Weight-related conditions include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High cholesterol

This under-the-skin injection is the first approved drug for chronic weight management in adults with general obesity or overweight since 2014.

The drug is indicated for chronic weight management in patients:

  • with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or greater who have at least one weight-related ailment
  • in patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater

Fundamentals of obesity management will always be:

  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Healthy habits

Having anti-obesity medications such as semaglutide can be a tool to aid in weight loss, depending on your medical history.

How much weight do people lose?

According to an early study of 2,000 obese adults compared people using semaglutide plus a diet and exercise program with people who made the same lifestyle changes without semaglutide. After 68 weeks, half of the participants using semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight, and nearly a third lost 20%. Participants who incorporated only lifestyle changes lost about 2.4% of their weight.

Things to Consider

The side effects of semaglutide are typically mild — especially when compared to the complications associated with overweight and obesity.

People taking semaglutide for weight loss may experience:

  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation and gassiness
  • Headache
  • Stomach issues, including nausea, vomiting, pain or distension (bloat)

Gastrointestinal issues are the most common complaint among people just starting semaglutide.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you’re interested in semaglutide in the Coral Springs area, contact Optimize Medical today to schedule a consultation with a specialist. Give us a call at 954-780-8685 or request an appointment through our secure online form.