Do Weight Loss Injections Really Work?

We've known forever that there is no magic pill for weight loss, but now there just may just be a magic injection. You may know it as Ozempic or Wegovy.

Semaglutide, the compound behind these now-famous brand names, has gained serious attention for its promising results in weight management. But is the hype real? Let's find out.

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is not just another trend in the weight loss industry; it's a medically reviewed treatment that has undergone extensive testing and research for safety and effectiveness.

Semaglutide was originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes. It works by acting like a hormone our bodies naturally make, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone targets areas in the several bodily functions involved in appetite regulation.

First, Semaglutide increases the production of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. In addition, it decreases the amount of sugar made by the liver and slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach. Semaglutide also works on the brain, making patients feel more full and impacting the reward pathways associated with eating.

This sounds complicated, but at the end of the day, this means that Semaglutide makes you less hungry, causes you to feel fuller sooner when eating, helps you to stay full for longer, and makes food less tempting. This multi-level approach not only helps in controlling blood sugar levels but also leads to decreased calorie intake and, consequently, weight loss.

How Effective Is Semaglutide?

While that all sounds great, how can you know if it really works? Clinical trials are showing us that patients can expect significant weight loss. In one study, on average, study participants showed a loss of about 10-15% of their body weight over a 68-week treatment period. 70% of patients lost more than 10% of their body weight, while a third of patients lost 20% or more.

If you are not sure what this means for you, consider that those taking Semaglutide tend to lose 2-4 pounds per week.

While the statistics are promising, you should understand that individual results can vary. Factors like genetics, lifestyle, and commitment to a healthy diet and regular exercise play a role in determining the effectiveness of Semaglutide.

Optimizing Results While Taking Semaglutide

The good news is that you can have an impact on your results. Semaglutide is most effective when combined with an improved diet, regular exercise, and behavioral changes.

Adopt a Healthy Diet

Focus on a balanced diet. Make sure you are getting plenty of healthy proteins to preserve your lean muscle. In addition, enjoy other whole foods like vegetables and fruits for plenty of nutrients. When it comes to carbs, choose better options such as rice, root vegetables, and whole grains. Reducing your intake of highly processed foods, sugary snacks, and caloric beverages can significantly enhance the effectiveness of Semaglutide.

Stay Active

Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Any activity that you enjoy and will do consistently is a good place to start. Consider resistance training (for example, weight lifting) in order to maintain healthy muscle during weight loss. In addition, activities like walking, cycling, or swimming can help boost your metabolism and further support weight loss.

Regular Monitoring

Keep in touch with your provider along the way. We are here to help monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed. Regular check-ups can help identify any potential side effects early and ensure that you're on the right track.

Are You Ready to Finally Lose the Weight?

Semaglutide means hope for those struggling with obesity or weight-related health issues, even if you have struggled to lose weight in the past.

If you're ready to take the first step towards your goal weight, book an appointment with our team. It's time for you to reach that goal.