In the world of weight loss, continuous advancements in pharmaceutical research and development have led to the emergence of groundbreaking treatments that offer new hope for individuals living with this chronic condition. One such innovation is semaglutide, a promising treatment that is transforming the landscape of healthcare.
In this article, we’ll explore what semaglutide is, how it works, its benefits, and its potential to make a significant impact on the lives of people on not only their weight loss journey but also their risk for diabetes, heart disease and other life threatening conditions in the Greater Houston area.
Factors to Weight Loss Resistance
Several factors contribute to weight loss resistance, including thyroid and sex hormone imbalances, lack of exercise, chronic sleep deprivation, metabolic slowdown from chronic dieting, food allergies, gut dysbiosis, high cortisol levels due to chronic stress, insulin resistance, and exposure to environmental toxins.
Some of the factors that contribute to weight loss resistance in the body include:
- Thyroid and Sex Hormone imbalance
- Lack of exercise
- Chronic sleep deprivation
- Depressed metabolism from chronic dieting
- Food allergies and gut dysbiosis
- High cortisol levels due to chronic stress
- Insulin resistance
- Environmental Toxins
Overcoming these challenges requires a holistic approach, encompassing proper nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep to promote overall well-being.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a medication used to manage weight loss safely and effectively. It belongs to a class of medication called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). Semaglutide is amongst other FDA-approved FDA-approved to treat Type 2 diabetes made to treat Type 2 diabetes, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, and semaglutide is available in various formulations, including a once-weekly injectable version and an oral tablet, offering patients options that best suit their preferences and needs.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Like other popular medications that treat diabetes, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the body. GLP-1 plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. Here’s how semaglutide operates to help manage weight:
- Blood Sugar Control: Semaglutide helps lower blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin when blood sugar is elevated. This results in better glucose control.
- Appetite Regulation: Semaglutide can reduce appetite, leading to decreased food intake and potential weight loss. This effect can be particularly beneficial for people who are overweight or obese.
- Slows Digestion: The medication also slows down the rate at which food moves through the digestive tract. This helps in regulating the absorption of glucose from the digestive system.
The Benefits of Semaglutide
- Improved Blood Sugar Control: Semaglutide is highly effective at lowering blood sugar levels, making it an important tool in weight loss. Our patients see a very positive reduction in their HbA1C as a marker of their diabetes risk.
- Convenience: Semaglutide offers both injectable and oral formulations, allowing individuals to choose the method that best fits their lifestyle and comfort.
- Cardiovascular Benefits: Some GLP-1 RAs, including semaglutide, have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits by reducing the risk of heart-related complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
- Long-Lasting Effects: The once-weekly injectable version of semaglutide provides a prolonged and sustained blood sugar-lowering effect, reducing the need for daily medication.
- Potential for Reducing Medication Burden: For some patients, semaglutide may reduce or eliminate the need for other weight-management medications, simplifying their treatment regimen.
Possible Side Effects of Semaglutide
Semaglutide is generally well-tolerated, but like any treatment, it can potentially cause side effects in some individuals. It’s important to be aware of possible side effects and discuss them with your healthcare provider when considering or using semaglutide. This is why at Dr. Shel Wellness and Aesthetic Center, we customize dosing for each of our patients and follow them on a weekly basis. Common side effects of semaglutide may include:
- Nausea: Nausea is one of the most commonly reported side effects, especially when starting semaglutide. It often occurs during the initial weeks of treatment but tends to improve or resolve over time.
- Vomiting: Some people may experience vomiting, which is often associated with nausea.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea can occur as a side effect, and it is usually mild to moderate in severity.
- Loss of Appetite: Semaglutide’s appetite-suppressing effect can lead to a reduced desire for food. While this can be beneficial for weight management, it might be bothersome for some individuals.
- Stomach Pain or Discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal discomfort, cramping, or pain.
The Best Option For Weight Management in Houston, Texas
Semaglutide has emerged as a compelling and highly effective option for individuals embarking on a weight management journey. What makes semaglutide stand out are its impressive credentials in the field of weight loss. Rigorous clinical trials have consistently shown that semaglutide leads to substantial and lasting weight reduction in individuals dealing with obesity or being overweight.
However, it’s vital to remember that semaglutide is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be considered under the guidance of a healthcare provider, like Dr. Shel and her team at the Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetic Center, to determine its appropriateness for individual needs, while lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, remain essential companions on the path to sustainable weight management.
Achieving Your Health Goals with Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetic Center
Semaglutide is a promising addition to the arsenal of weight loss tools, offering individuals with weight challenges effective control of blood sugar levels, potential weight loss, and the convenience of different administration options.
It is important to note, however, that it is crucial to evaluate the underlying root cause of why one gained weight in the first place. Was it hormonal imbalance, stress, lack of movement, thyroid imbalance, insulin resistance, current medications and more. We at Dr. Shel Wellness and Aesthetic Center, pride ourselves in diving deep with our patients to not only help them lose weight but also address the causes so that they can keep that weight off.
If you or a loved one struggles with weight loss, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best route. The team at Dr. Shel Wellness and Aesthetic Center works to understand each patient’s health and aesthetic goals and utilizes integrative medical technology to meet them. From weight management and fitness to non-invasive facelift treatments, Dr. Shel and her team empower each and every patient to look and feel their best.
Request a consultation with Dr. Shel and her team today or call us at 281-313-7435 to learn more about our other weight management treatments and services.
