Semaglutide

You do not need to have diabetes to benefit from Semaglutide. Its approval for weight loss has opened the door for a broader range of individuals who are looking for an effective way to manage their weight. Semaglutide is particularly beneficial for those with obesity or who are overweight and have struggled to lose weight through traditional weight loss approaches.

The primary mechanism by which Semaglutide aids in weight loss is through its action on the GLP-1 receptors in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus, which is the region responsible for regulating hunger and energy balance. When Semaglutide binds to these receptors, it stimulates the release of insulin and inhibits the release of glucagon, leading to better blood sugar control. However, its effects extend beyond glycemic regulation.

1. Appetite Suppression: Semaglutide significantly reduces appetite, helping patients feel full more quickly and reducing the overall caloric intake. It slows gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach longer, contributing to a prolonged feeling of fullness. This dual action of reducing hunger and prolonging satiety is crucial in lowering calorie consumption, which is essential for weight loss.
2. Regulation of Food Cravings: By acting on the brain’s reward centers, Semaglutide reduces cravings for high-calorie foods, particularly those high in fat and sugar. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with emotional or binge eating, as it helps them make healthier food choices and resist the temptation to overeat.
3. Impact on Metabolism: Semaglutide has been shown to increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which can enhance metabolic function. Better insulin sensitivity allows the body to use glucose more effectively, preventing fat storage and promoting the burning of existing fat stores. This metabolic shift not only aids in weight loss but also helps prevent the regain of lost weight.

Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Semaglutide in promoting significant weight loss in individuals with obesity, including those without diabetes. The most notable of these is the STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) program, a series of global clinical trials designed to evaluate the effects of Semaglutide on weight management:

• Step 1 Trial: In this 68-week trial, participants who received 2.4 mg of Semaglutide once weekly lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight, compared to just 2.4% in the placebo group. This result is particularly impressive given that even modest weight loss of 5-10% is associated with significant health benefits.
• Step 2 Trial: This study focused on individuals with type 2 diabetes. The results were similarly encouraging, with participants experiencing an average weight loss of 9.6% with Semaglutide, compared to 3.4% in the placebo group. The weight loss observed in this group is especially noteworthy because weight reduction in patients with diabetes is often more challenging.
• Step 3 & 4 Trials: These trials further confirmed the effectiveness of Semaglutide in promoting long-term weight loss, with sustained results observed even after 48 weeks of treatment. Participants also reported improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and lipid levels, underscoring the broader health benefits of weight loss.

Semaglutide is available in both injectable and oral tablet forms. However, at Lifetime Surgical, we have found that the injectable form is more effective, leading to greater and faster weight loss results. This efficacy is likely due to the more consistent and controlled release of the medication into the bloodstream when administered as an injection.

Injection Process

Semaglutide injections are a straightforward process that can be performed either at our Los Gatos office or in the comfort of your own home. If you choose to self-administer the medication at home, our healthcare providers will guide you through the process, ensuring you feel confident and safe in administering the injection.

The injection is delivered subcutaneously, meaning it is injected just under the skin using a very fine needle. This quick and minimally invasive procedure typically takes less than 10 seconds. The most common injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. You can rotate these sites to minimize discomfort or irritation.

Dosing

Patients typically start with a low dose of 0.25 mg per week. This starter dose is crucial for allowing your body to adjust to the medication, minimizing the likelihood of side effects such as nausea. After the first month, depending on your response and tolerance, your provider may gradually increase the dose. The increments are carefully managed, usually rising to 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and possibly up to a maximum of 2 mg per week.

This gradual titration ensures that you achieve optimal weight loss results while keeping side effects to a minimum. Regular follow-ups with your provider will help monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your dosage.

Semaglutide is an effective option for many individuals seeking to manage their weight. Eligibility typically includes adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 or higher, classifying them as overweight or obese. While Semaglutide was initially developed for patients with type 2 diabetes, you do not need to have diabetes to be eligible for its use in weight management. Potential candidates for Semaglutide must be committed to making lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthier diet and increasing physical activity, to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.

Patients who cannot take Semaglutide

While Semaglutide is effective for many, it may not be suitable for everyone. You should avoid taking Semaglutide if you fall into any of the following categories:

• Personal or Family History of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC): Individuals with this type of thyroid cancer, or a family history of it, should not take Semaglutide due to the potential risk of thyroid tumors.
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2): This genetic condition increases the risk of certain types of tumors, making Semaglutide an unsuitable option.
• History of Pancreatitis: Those who have experienced pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, should avoid Semaglutide as it may increase the risk of future episodes.
• Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: The effects of Semaglutide on pregnancy and nursing infants are not fully understood, so it is not recommended for use during these times.
• Severe Gastrointestinal Conditions: Individuals with conditions like gastroparesis, where the stomach empties slowly, should avoid Semaglutide, as it could worsen their symptoms.

Before starting Semaglutide, it’s essential to discuss your complete medical history with your healthcare provider to determine if this medication is appropriate and safe for you. At Lifetime Surgical in Los Gatos, our medical team conducts thorough evaluations to ensure that Semaglutide is the best fit for your health needs and weight management goals.

Patients typically notice reduced appetite and cravings within hours of taking a dose. These effects from the medication will typically last for 7 days until it is time for your next injection. The reduction of appetite and cravings will help you immediately start eating at a calorie deficit and make healthier food choices which leads to rapid weight loss. Most patients see a change on the scale within as little as two weeks and a reduction of 20% or more of their starting weight by 6 months. 

As you adjust to incremental dosages and begin tolerating potential side effects, we will work with you to adjust your dose as needed so you see consistent and continuous weight loss. 

One of the major benefits of taking Semaglutide is how it changes eating behavior and patterns. While many popular diets promote intense restriction and extreme calorie reduction, the practices they promote are typically unsustainable leading to major weight fluctuations. While you are on Semaglutide it is easy to begin practicing portion control and make healthy swaps in your daily diet that can stick with you long after you stop the medication. Most patients do not see fluctuations to their weight after stopping provided that they continue with healthy lifestyle choices. 

At Lifetime Surgical in Los Gatos we offer compounded Semaglutide, which has all of the same benefits and effectiveness of brand name medications like Ozempic and Wegovy at a fraction of the cost. During your consultation we can discuss cost by dosing as well as packages we may offer based on the number of treatments you purchase. 

Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus can be covered by insurance in special cases such as if the patient has a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes or obesity. However, it’s important to note that shortages of brand name medications have been rampant across the country making it difficult for patients to get access to medications even if they have a prescription. 

At Lifetime Medical we have access to compounded Semaglutide which has not faced the same shortage problems. This means that you do not have to worry about pharmacy supply affecting your continued results. While compounded medications are not covered by insurance they are typically 80-90% cheaper than brand name versions.

Like all medications, Semaglutide can cause side effects, though many patients find these are manageable and tend to diminish over time. The most commonly reported side effects include appetite loss, nausea, constipation, and dry mouth. These effects are generally mild to moderate and often decrease as your body adjusts to the medication.

Common Side Effects:

• Appetite Loss: While appetite suppression is one of the desired effects of semaglutide, some patients may find the reduction in hunger to be more pronounced than expected. This can sometimes lead to a lower intake of essential nutrients if not managed carefully. Our medical team will help you find a balance to ensure that your nutritional needs are met while still achieving your weight loss goals.
• Nausea: Nausea is one of the most frequently reported side effects, especially during the initial weeks of treatment. This is often due to the slowing of gastric emptying, which is how semaglutide helps you feel full longer. To minimize nausea, we recommend starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it under the guidance of your healthcare provider. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding high-fat or spicy foods can also help reduce this symptom.
• Constipation: Constipation may occur as your digestive system adjusts to the medication. Increasing your intake of fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, and incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can alleviate this issue. If constipation becomes problematic, your provider may recommend a mild laxative or stool softener.
• Dry Mouth: Some patients experience dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable but is generally manageable. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help alleviate this symptom. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free lozenges may also provide relief.

Managing Side Effects with Personalized Care

At Lifetime Surgical, our priority is to ensure that your weight loss journey with semaglutide is both effective and comfortable. Our medical team will work closely with you to monitor any side effects you may experience. This involves regular check-ins, where we assess your progress and adjust your dosage if necessary to minimize discomfort. We understand that each patient’s response to Semaglutide is unique, and our personalized approach allows us to tailor the treatment to your specific needs.

Reduction of Side Effects Over Time

Most patients notice that any side effects tend to decrease significantly within the first few weeks of starting Semaglutide. As your body becomes accustomed to the medication, you’re likely to experience fewer and less intense side effects. Our team is always available to provide support and advice, ensuring that any side effects are managed effectively so that your lifestyle is not adversely impacted.