Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, research has shown that it also promotes weight loss by decreasing appetite and calorie intake.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. When Semaglutide activates these receptors, it triggers feelings of fullness and reduces hunger.
Using Semaglutide specifically for weight loss provides several key benefits:
Semaglutide may be a good weight loss option for:
If determined an appropriate candidate, here is an overview of using Semaglutide:
To get started, a comprehensive health evaluation is completed to ensure Semaglutide is safe given your medical history and health status. Pre-treatment blood work and exams assess organ function, medication interactions, and identifies any precautions needed.
Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection. The dose is slowly increased over 5-8 weeks until reaching the full dose of 2.4mg once per week. This gradual increase helps improve gastrointestinal tolerance.
Concurrently focusing on healthy eating choices and increased physical activity levels boosts Semaglutide's effectiveness for weight loss and maintaining results. Working with a health coach or nutritionist can help establish sustainable lifestyle habits.
Patients using Semaglutide long-term have follow-up visits every 3 months. At these appointments, your provider evaluates blood pressure, weight changes, blood sugarcontrol, medication tolerance, and makes any necessary dose adjustments.
Many patients start to notice a decrease in appetite and weight loss around 3-4 weeks after starting Semaglutide. Maximum results are often seen around 6 months into treatment. Significant weight loss then plateaus, shifting focus toward weight loss maintenance.
Here at Equilibrium Hormone Institute in , we provide customized compounded Semaglutide preparations tailored to each patient's unique needs and goals. Compounding allows us to adjust the strength of Semaglutide to optimal dosing for enhanced weight loss results.
We also provide an integrated, multi-disciplinary weight loss approach surrounding Semaglutide treatment including:
Our full-scale medical weight loss programming helps patients lose more weight and keep it off long-term. We walk alongside patients each step, providing compassionate guidance and care.
If you feel frustrated from failed attempts losing weight or concerned about current or future health risks, consider exploring Semaglutide. Especially when combined with Equilibrium Hormone Institute’ comprehensive medical weight loss services, it could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. The brand name version called Ozempic is made by a pharmaceutical company. Semaglutide compounded refers to a specialty pharmacy custom making this medication in different doses or formats based on an individual patient's needs per their provider's prescription. Since it is made just for that one patient, compounded semaglutide offers more flexibility in dosing and administration methods compared to the commercially available pharmacies have the expertise to prepare semaglutide in various doses and formulations like topical creams, rapid-dissolving tablets, or lozenges. This allows the medication to be customized for each patient’s unique weight loss goals and medical requirements. The ability to get semaglutide in customized options is the main advantage of getting the compounded version.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by regulating appetite. It activates areas of the brain involved in appetite control leading to reduced hunger and calorie intake. Specifically, semaglutide compounded helps with weight loss by:- Slowing digestion so you feel full longer- Reducing appetite by decreasing ghrelin, the “hunger hormone"- Improving satiety signals to the brainOver time, feeling less hungry and eating smaller portions leads to consuming fewer daily calories. This calorie deficit causes the body to break down fat stores for energy. Most patients lose a significant amount of weight with compounded semaglutide within 6-12 months.
The most common side effects of semaglutide relate to digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, or indigestion. These gastric side effects are usually mild, improve over time, and can be managed with dietary changes.A few other possible side effects include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, reactions at the injection site, increased heart rate, gallbladder problems, and low blood sugar. In clinical studies, compounded semaglutide was very well tolerated but patients should tell their doctor about any concerning or serious side effects.
The out-of-pocket cost for semaglutide through a compounding pharmacy varies based on the dose, formulation, location, and one’s insurance coverage. On average, a month's supply of compounded semaglutide costs $150-$300 which is more affordable than the brand Ozempic. This cost difference makes weight loss treatment more accessible for uninsured patients or those with high-deductible providers now offer 0% financing plans specifically for compounded medications. One can also use medical savings accounts like FSAs or HSAs to pay for semaglutide. Compounding pharmacies provide valuable services to make medications affordable on a case-by-case basis.
The base molecule semaglutide has full FDA approval for treating diabetes and obesity (under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy). However, the FDA does not officially approve each specific compounded pharmacies operate under Section 503A regulations allowing them to custom make medications for individual patients with a valid prescription. All ingredients and processes used to make compounded semaglutide must still meet strict quality and safety standards per state board of pharmacy in summary - the core semaglutide medication itself is FDA approved, while the actual compounded customized formulations are legal and regulated but not separately approved by the FDA. Reputable compounding pharmacies ensure safety, quality, and efficacy equivalent to the approved products. Patients should verify licensure and credentials when choosing a compounding pharmacy.
