All The Help We Can Get
Anyone who’s ever tried to lose weight will tell you how challenging it is and how defeating it can be. We have to eat to live, and, because of a wide variety of factors, some of us gain weight so easily that we seemingly live to eat. Sugary treats, freshly baked bread, delicious mashed potatoes, and delectable pasta dishes may entice us to indulge, but there are also numerous other factors that affect weight and obesity. Hormonal factors, stress and stress management, socioeconomic considerations, mental health concerns, and even medication side effects can all play a role in gaining, losing, and maintaining a weight at which you feel healthy. Those seeking weight loss support are usually open to all the help they can get.
New Options
For those seeking additional support on their weight loss journey, semaglutide is one medical option for weight loss. The FDA recently approved it, making medical support available for people who are overweight. Semaglutide is marketed under the brand names Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus. Wegovy and Ozempic are weekly injections. Rybelsus is a daily oral medication. The injectable medications are prescribed in incremental doses that increase weekly. The slow increase in the dosage of semaglutide helps ameliorate many gastrointestinal symptoms.
Semaglutide is prescribed for both weight management and to control blood sugar levels for those who have developed type 2 diabetes. It isn’t a first-line treatment in the treatment of diabetes, but it is effective in lowering blood sugar and is very effective in aiding in weight loss.
Does it Really Help?
It does! Whatever brand name semaglutide you use, it’s been shown in numerous clinical trials to be highly effective. It’s even more effective than liraglutide, another weight loss drug. In randomized clinical trials, semaglutide has been shown to bolster weight loss and decrease A1C, an indicator of long-term blood sugar control.
In a trial that occurred over a two-year period, semaglutide was found to support an average weight loss of 15.2% of total body weight versus a decrease of an average of 2.6% weight loss for the study participants who were given a placebo. Participants who used semaglutide experienced 12.6% more weight loss than those who used a placebo while living similar lifestyles as part of the study.
Too Good to be True?
As with every FDA approved medication, semaglutide does have side effects. The most common are:
- Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Constipation
- Incidents of low blood sugar
Less common side effects are:
- Changes in vision, especially in those who have diabetic retinopathy
- Increased heart rate
- Hives or itching
- Jitteriness
The positive effects of semaglutide on weight and diabetic control make it an extremely effective medication that provides many more health benefits than risks.
Where Can I Get Semaglutide?
Located in Parker, CO, APEX Hormone Health can help you manage your weight via telehealth appointments in Colorado or New Mexico. Our FDA approved medication or peptide packages include: biweekly telehealth check-in, coaching and counseling on food and exercise, and a monthly supply of an FDA-approved medication like semaglutide or weight loss peptides. We want to help you meet your health and weight goals. Call or text: 720-856-0200 for a weight loss program customized to your needs. You’ll be glad you did.
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Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.
