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All you need to make the most informed decision.

Semaglutide for weight loss is on everybody’s lips. Also known by its commercial name Ozempic or Wegovy, this revolutionary FDA-approved treatment helps patients by regulating appetite and booting their metabolism. However, many have very valid concerns about its use. At Gearity Wellness Center, our experts are breaking down just how safe it is so that you can decide whether it is the best option for you.

But First, What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs. These medications help reduce blood sugar levels. First developed as a drug to treat diabetes, it got approved by the FDA in 2017.

During the clinical trials carried out in 2020/2021, scientists discovered that, among the results of the treatment, 51% of the patients had achieved a weight loss of up to 17%. Ever since, it has been prescribed to treat obesity and promote weight loss.

What Does It Do to Your Body?

GLP-1 agonists activate the GLP-1 receptor. The result is that gastric emptying is slowed down, the release of glucagon is inhibited, and insulin production is stimulated. As a result, they reduce hyperglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Another effect is that they reduce hunger and therefore food intake. Because of this, they have become an effective treatment for obesity. 

Doctors have also been prescribing it for weight loss for eligible patients, with a typical dose of 2.4 mg once a week.

How Is It Administered?

Semaglutide should be injected subcutaneously in the abdomen, in the thigh or in the upper arm. As a self-administered injection, it is crucial that the patient masters how to do it. For Gearity Wellness Center patients, our experts teach and monitor administration of the medication.

👉 Read more: Transform Your Weight Loss Journey with Semaglutide

Availability and Compounded Versions

Because of its measurable success in achieving weight loss, there is a shortage of Semaglutide in its commercial injectable versions (Ozempic and Wagovy). To supplement this scarcity, specialized pharmacies create and sell custom-made compounds. This practice is customary when FDA-approved medications, doses, or dosages are unavailable.

How Safe Is Semaglutide for Weight Loss?

First things first: Semaglutide is not for everyone and it should be taken under supervision. As an FDA-approved medication, it should be prescribed by a healthcare professional who will commit to following up on your progress. They will assess your specific risks and benefits, monitor side effects, and adjust the dosage as needed. 

In addition, Semaglutide works best when patients combine it with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Among the benefits of taking Semaglutide under supervision is a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events, as studies have suggested.

Considerations

Clinical trials have shown that the most common adverse reactions were gastrointestinal disorders like nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. However, these reactions were reported to be not severe and of brief duration.

What Happens If You Miss a Dose?

If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible and within 5 days after the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, the missed dose should be skipped, and the next dose should be administered on the regularly scheduled day. In each case, patients can then resume their regular once weekly dosing schedule. 

Finding Your Provider of Semaglutide in Orlando

At Gearity Wellness Center, we are proud to offer a personalized Semaglutide plan for weight loss.

Patients have an initial consultation with one of our healthcare professionals where to assess goals and unique needs. Based on that, the professional creates a personalized Semaglutide weight loss plan which includes ongoing support and monitoring to track progress and make any necessary adjustments.

If you have been trying to lose weight and nothing seems to have worked, we will gladly meet with you to discuss your path forward. Contact us at any of our Gearity Wellness Center locations in Orlando for our Semaglutide treatments. Our team will be pleased to meet you. Call (407) 418 9122 for Hunter’s Creek or for Narcoossee or send us a message online today.