Semaglutide is a hot topic in weight loss. Many people want to know more about this popular weight loss medicine. Here are answers to some common questions.
Semaglutide is a medicine that helps people lose weight. But it's not just any old diet pill. Think of it as a weekly helper that works with your body. You take it as a shot once a week, kind of like how some people take vitamins.
Here's the cool part: semaglutide is like a copycat of something your body already makes. It mimics a hormone called GLP-1. This hormone is your body's natural "I'm full" signal. By copying this hormone, semaglutide tricks your body into thinking you've eaten more than you have.
Doctors first used semaglutide to help people with diabetes. They found out it helped people lose weight too. Now, it's becoming popular for weight loss on its own.
Semaglutide is like a smart key that fits into special locks in your body. These locks are called GLP-1 receptors. They're in your brain, your gut, and even your pancreas.
When semaglutide turns these locks, a few things happen:
Your brain gets the message that you're full. This means you don't feel as hungry and you eat less.
Your stomach slows down. Food stays in your stomach longer, so you feel full for a longer time.
Your body handles sugar better. This is why it helps people with diabetes too.
Think of it like this: semaglutide is like a traffic cop for your appetite. It slows things down and helps control how much you eat.
But here's the important part: semaglutide isn't magic. It works best when you also eat healthy foods and stay active. It's a tool to help you, not a replacement for healthy habits.
Remember, everyone's body is different. Some people might lose more weight, some might lose less. Your medical weight loss doctor can help you figure out if semaglutide is right for you.
Related Reading: How Semaglutide Works: Understanding the Mechanism Behind Its Weight Loss Effects
Semaglutide is for adults who are overweight. Doctors use a number called BMI to decide if someone can take it. If your BMI is 30 or more, you might be able to use semaglutide. People with a BMI of 27 or more who also have weight-related health problems might use it too.
Studies show that people who take semaglutide can lose a lot of weight. On average, people lose about 15% of their body weight. That means if you weigh 200 pounds, you might lose 30 pounds. But again, everyone will see different results.
Like all medicines, semaglutide can cause side effects. The most common ones are:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Headache
These side effects often get better over time. Your medical weight loss team can help if they bother you too much.
Semaglutide is not a quick fix. It's a long-term treatment. Most people take it for at least a year or more. If you stop taking it, you can gain weight back, especially if you haven’t made lifestyle changes. Again, your medical weight loss doctor will help you decide how long to use it.
Yes, you can take semaglutide if you have diabetes. In fact, doctors first used semaglutide to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, your doctor might suggest semaglutide to help with both your blood sugar and weight.
Insurance coverage for semaglutide varies. Most major insurance plans cover it, however others don't. It often depends on why you're taking it. If it's for diabetes, more plans tend to cover it. Here at PrimeHealthMD most insurance plans cover your weight loss, however we currently can not accept Medicare, Medicaid, Ambetter, and CareSource. Contact us to see if your insurance qualifies.
Only a doctor can tell you if semaglutide is right for you. When working with a medical weight loss team like PrimeHealthMD, we will look at your health, weight, and other factors. We’ll also talk to you about the pros and cons of taking it. We can then help you make a plan to reach your health goals.
Remember, semaglutide is just one tool for weight loss. Eating well, moving more, and getting enough sleep are also key. These habits help you lose weight and keep it off.
Are you ready to start your weight loss journey? At PrimeHealthMD, we're here to help. We can tell you more about semaglutide and other weight loss options. Contact us to learn about your eligibility and get started on your path to better health. Your journey to a healthier you starts here!
