Semaglutide is an injectable medication used for treating type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake.
Key benefits: - Effectively lowers blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes - Promotes weight loss when used for chronic weight management - Easy to administer as a once-weekly injection
Semaglutide helps people achieve considerable weight loss through reduced hunger and calorie intake. It is an exciting new option for long-term weight management support.
Several factors may indicate that semaglutide treatment could benefit you:
Semaglutide may be prescribed if you have uncontrolled blood sugar despite metformin treatment and lifestyle changes. Your doctor will check your:
An A1C level consistently over 7% indicates suboptimal diabetes control that semaglutide could improve.
Semaglutide may help if your BMI exceeds 30 (or 27 with weight-related conditions). Adults who have struggled to lose weight through diet and lifestyle changes alone are prime candidates. Doctors should screen for eating disorders before prescribing.
Once injected under the skin, semaglutide is absorbed into the bloodstream and binds to receptors in the pancreas and brain.
There, it works through two key pathways:
The pancreas releases more insulin—the hormone responsible for allowing cells to absorb glucose from blood for energy or storage.
In the brain, semaglutide:
The combined impact is powerful weight loss with improved cardiometabolic health markers.
Our clinicians carefully screen patients to determine if semaglutide is appropriate. We evaluate:
This comprehensive assessment helps optimize a successful treatment plan.
We start patients on once-weekly .25 mg injections, ramping the dosage up slowly over about a month to avoid serious side effects. Support is provided for proper injection instruction, technique, rotating sites, etc.
Bolded terms draw attention to semaglutide’s appeal. Italicized phrases add further nuance.
Patients then progress to maintenance phase of once-weekly 1-2 mg injections long-term.
However, semaglutide is most effective with nutritional optimization and lifestyle changes. Our integrative care includes:
With this whole-person precision approach, patients achieve maximal, sustainable results from semaglutide treatment.
Originally developed as a treatment for diabetes, the weight loss effects of semaglutide were discovered accidentally during clinical trials when participants experienced significant appetite suppression and weight loss as a side effect. This led to further research and the eventual approval of a high dose semaglutide injection specifically for chronic weight management.
- Most common: Mild-moderate nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (especially when starting) - Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Requires adjustments - May affect heart rate
Hormone Harmony Clinic proactively manages side effects for optimal tolerability.
For diabetes treatment, semaglutide trials showed A1C decreases of 1-2% on average. Real-world results may be less drastic, but still provide excellent control.
However for weight loss, semaglutide patients lost 15-20 pounds over 68 weeks vs. the placebo group (in conjunction with counseling). Individual results can surpass this.
Maintenance treatment is necessary for sustained outcomes in both applications.
Lake Worth Hormone Harmony Clinic provides exceptional patient-first care. As the area's top hormone clinic, our endocrinology experts specialize in obesity and diabetes.
Customized treatment plans, on-site dietitians, meticulous follow-up and genuine compassion set us apart. Semaglutide plus our integrative care for optimal wellbeing caters treatment to you--not the other way around.
- Referral NOT needed to start
- Covered by most major insurance providers
- Quick 15-20 minute weekly visits fit any schedule
- Diagnostic accuracy with tests like Vo2 Max Fitness Assessments
- On-site labs for immediate results
- Leveraging genetic analysis for risk variants fueling weight struggles
Let our expertise provide the evidence-based answers you deserve to take back your health for good through semaglutide. Schedule a consultation today.
When is the Best Time to Start?
South Florida's temperate climate enables comfortable outdoor activity year-round to complement semaglutide treatment. However, visiting during our "dry season" between October to May makes healthy changes easier through:
Come experience our 300 days of sunshine! Hormone Harmony Clinic tailors treatments for visitors on extended stays.
Embarking on intensive medical therapy can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Lake Worth offers abundant healthy escapes to recharge your spirit:
- Bryant Park: Stroll amid lush botanical gardens
- Lake Worth Beach Trail: Unparalleled ocean views & sunrises
- John Prince Park: Camp while accessing 7 miles of wilderness paths
- Orangetheory Fitness (3 locations): High-intensity heart-rate based training
- Planet Fitness (2 locations): Low-cost gym access open 24/7
- The Barre Studio: Utilizes small movements for full-body toning
Fuel your journey to wellbeing with nutritious farm-to-table fare at:
And don't miss the downtown art festivals & block parties!
Hormone Harmony Clinic also partners with a licensed counselor for therapy needs that arise during intensive treatment.
Monitoring progress requires frequent lab testing at therapy initiation. Lake Worth offers three conveniently located options:
Semaglutide Pros & Cons Overview
Semaglutide uniquely leverages gut-brain signaling for considerable improvements in:
- Over 15% body weight reduction: Far exceeds other medications - Vastly improved ability to follow caloric restriction diets - Waist circumference decrease signaling visceral fat reduction
- Corrects insulin resistance: Lowers long-term diabetes & CKD risks
- Blood pressure reductions: Lessens strain on heart & arteries
- Healthier cholesterol levels
- Only needs injection once weekly vs daily - BYETTA & VICTOZA provide valuable efficacy & safety data
Semaglutide still has limitations including:
However by following physician guidance and Hormone Harmony Clinic protocols, you can minimize downsides and target success.
Lifestyle Recommendations for Ideal Outcomes
Treatment works best alongside certain lifestyle changes for maximal, lasting results. Recommendations include:
Committing to healthy holistic changes speeds semaglutide results, extends longevity of effects after discontinuing, and boosts overall wellbeing. We offer resources and referrals to actualize your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much weight will I lose on semaglutide?
A: In clinical trials, semaglutide patients lost 15-20 pounds over 68 weeks on average vs placebo. Some lose 10% of body weight or more. Individual results depend on factors like lifestyle choices.
Q: Does semaglutide have long-term safety risks?
A: No increased cardiovascular risks have appeared in trials so far. But more research on long-term efficacy & safety is still needed as with any newer drug. That's why regular follow-up is so crucial.
Q: Who should NOT use semaglutide?
A: Patients under 18 years old, with a personal/family history of certain cancers, or with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should avoid it.
Q: How long does it take for semaglutide to start working?
A: Most people notice a difference in hunger, calorie intake, or cravings within 1-2 weeks. Early weight loss then accelerates by 2-3 months as changes compound for impressive results.
Patient Testimonials
"I struggled with yo-yo dieting for decades. With Hormone Harmony Clinic’ help, I’ve kept 30 pounds off for over a year thanks to semaglutide!”"My A1c dropped a full percentage point in 3 months with semaglutide. My high blood sugar is finally under control and I may reduce medications."
"Semaglutide curbed my out-of-control appetite to help me lose weight I never could previously. I don’t feel deprived thanks to their nutritional guidance tailored to my needs."
