How Can Semaglutide Help Me Lose Weight?

Semaglutide is a medication that encourages glycemic control and promotes weight loss for patients with and without diabetes. ⁽¹⁾ It stimulates insulin production and secretion from the pancreas, directly reducing a patient’s appetite and promoting decreased food intake. Those who struggle with their weight typically find maintaining a healthier lifestyle difficult without the proper help. Whether you are preparing for a surgery such as a tummy tuck, or are simply embarking on a weight loss journey, a personalized semaglutide treatment plan can improve your ability to lose weight with strikingly effective results.

Plastic Surgery Specialists (PSS) is an esteemed cosmetic practice in Greenbrae, Marin County. If you have been searching for a way to supplement your weight loss and get your routine on track, our experienced staff is here to help. We focus on your health and wellness first by providing excellent care and support for you.

To schedule a private consultation at PSS, call (415) 925-2880 today or fill out our convenient online form for further details.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), a type of medication that helps manage blood sugar levels. It interacts with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates feelings of hunger and satiety. This controls cravings and greatly reduces appetite while keeping energy levels consistent. In a study comparing the effects of semaglutide with a placebo, patients receiving treatment lost around 6% of their body weight in just three months. ⁽¹⁾

For those who have a BMI (body mass index) of 27 or more, semaglutide can greatly impact and support their journey to a healthier weight. It controls hunger and promotes long-term weight management, especially in patients who have trouble keeping a healthy weight for extended periods. This treatment also means patients have a smaller appetite and greater glucose-dependent insulin release. ⁽²⁾

The Science Behind Semaglutide

When we eat a meal, our body releases the incretin hormone GLP-1. It connects the absorption of nutrients starting with the gastrointestinal tract using hormone secretion from the pancreas. It decreases gastric emptying, slowing the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. This promotes regulated food intake and keeps us feeling full for longer. ⁽²⁾

When semaglutide regulates the release of this hormone, it keeps the body’s food processing functions in check, helping patients feel satiated with smaller amounts of food. Physicians typically combine semaglutide treatment with additional treatment methods like a nutritious diet and regular exercise to further promote a patient’s healthy lifestyle.

Obesity is a chronic disease that affects a large portion of the American public. It can lead to many health conditions like type 2 diabetes, cancer, and stroke. ⁽¹⁾ Medications like semaglutide not only provide direct weight loss support but can also help patients develop better-regulated eating habits. Patients can support their weight loss journey with the helpful tools they gathered through semaglutide treatment even after it is finished. It is a stepping stone toward an overall improved quality of life, reducing their risk of developing heart disease and other life-threatening conditions.

Benefits of Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a simple yet highly effective treatment that helps patients lose significant amounts of weight. This treatment:

By reducing appetite, semaglutide lowers caloric intake, often directly leading to the noticeable loss of abdominal fat. Many patients eat smaller portions more often, reducing their urge to snack and further increasing their ability to lose weight during treatment. Blood pressure regulation is important in energy regulation, which allows patients to conserve their energy and use it only when they need to. This keeps patients feeling better for longer periods of time.

Ideal Semaglutide Candidates

This treatment works best for patients with a BMI of 27 or above who seek weight loss assistance. They must be in good overall health with no known allergies to the medication, and lead an active and healthy lifestyle. They must also have reasonable expectations and goals to qualify for semaglutide treatments. Most patients lose 5% to 20% of their initial body weight, meaning it is not a suitable option for those needing to lose a more significant amount of weight. Semaglutide treatment may not be appropriate if a patient has underlying medical conditions like existing heart disease or a risk of stroke.

Personal Consultation at PSS

The attentive and experienced medical professionals at Plastic Surgery Specialists will provide a customized treatment plan for you during a private consultation. We will perform a physical examination and conduct blood tests to determine your health. Please be as candid as possible about your medical and weight loss history during this appointment to make sure we can provide you with the best possible care.

You will have time to ask questions about semaglutide and the necessary procedure steps. We will guide you toward your goals by describing all available weight loss options at PSS. If you are a good candidate, your medical team will then explain your personalized treatment plan in detail.

Preparation

Before you start semaglutide treatments, please avoid the following:

Please drink plenty of liquids leading up to and during semaglutide treatments. This helps curb common side effects like nausea and upset stomach. PSS performs a routine blood test that measures your current and past blood sugar control to make sure the treatment is right for you. We repeat the blood test throughout the process to observe and track your blood sugar levels.

How is Semaglutide Injected?

Your treatment will start at weekly doses of 0.25 mg. We will provide a month’s worth of injectable semaglutide to be administered at home. Your medical provider will explain the process from start to finish and include written directions to make sure you understand how to self-administer. Each week, you will inject a premeasured dose of semaglutide into a cleansed area of your upper leg, abdomen, or upper arm. After your fourth week of treatment, you will attend a follow-up appointment and weigh-in to monitor your process. If necessary, we will increase your initial dose to 0.5 mg. Your dose will gradually increase incrementally every four weeks if the treatment is going well, with a maximum dosage of 2.4 mg. If you choose oral medication instead, your dose options will be 7 mg and 14 mg.

Your provider will monitor your progress to further promote your health and provide structure to your treatments. Please reach out to PSS if you experience any negative side effects or pain while taking semaglutide.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Weight Loss Program

At PSS, we offer support to patients struggling with their weight through our weight loss program. We start by ascertaining your weight, fat content, and lean muscle mass with our advanced body scanning machine. This gives us an accurate account of your body mass to better examine your weight loss and keep you healthy and comfortable during the treatment process. The program often includes semaglutide treatments along with other supportive health measures like personalized nutritional guidelines and related lab tests.

Lipo C Injections

Lipo C injections, or lipotropic injections, are an additional weight loss tool that support your body’s metabolism. They contain a mixture of vitamins and amino acids that help the liver break down fat more efficiently. When your body’s ability to burn fat and use it for energy improves, it is much easier to lose stubborn fat that fails to dissipate through other methods. Like semaglutide injection, you may add Lipo C injections to your weight loss program at PSS to enhance your results and help you reach your cosmetic goals.

How Much Does Semaglutide Treatment Cost in Marin County?

Every PSS weight loss treatment plan is tailored to the individual. Your provider determines your semaglutide treatment pathway during your private consultation, including an estimated total cost. If you have any questions about semaglutide and how you can benefit from its profound weight loss properties, please read our blog for more information.

Schedule your consultation at Plastic Surgery Specialists today by calling (415) 925-2880 or filling out this form. We also offer virtual consultations for those who prefer to speak with us from home. Take the first steps toward a new you today.

References

1. Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, et al. Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(9):e2231982. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982
2. Müller TD, Finan B, Bloom SR, et al. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Molecular Metabolism. 2019;30:72-130. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmet.2019.09.010
3. Chao AM, Tronieri JS, Amaro A, Wadden TA. Clinical Insight on Semaglutide for Chronic Weight Management in Adults: Patient Selection and Special Considerations. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 2022;Volume 16:4449-4461. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/dddt.s365416