Semaglutide is a breakthrough medication for weight loss, mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain regulating appetite and food intake. It supports significant weight reduction when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, making it an effective option for individuals struggling with obesity. Dr. Naresh Ahuja at Ahuja Bariatric & Beyond offers this treatment as part of a comprehensive weight loss program.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally used to manage type 2 diabetes, but it is now approved for weight loss. It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite, leading to reduced food intake and increased satiety. This medication is administered via a once-weekly injection and, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, can result in significant weight loss, offering a promising option for those with obesity.
You May Need Semaglutide for Weight Loss if You:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (obesity)
- Have a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
- Struggle to achieve significant weight loss with diet and exercise alone
- Are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes to support weight loss
- Seek an effective medical treatment to assist with weight management
- Experience difficulty controlling your appetite and food cravings
- Have tried other weight loss medications without success
- Require a medically supervised weight loss solution to improve your overall health
How Does Semaglutide for Weight Loss Work?
Semaglutide promotes weight loss by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which is naturally produced in the intestines. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and food intake. By activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, Semaglutide helps reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness, and slow down gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach longer.
This combination of effects leads to a lower overall calorie intake, as individuals feel satisfied with smaller portions and experience fewer cravings. By reducing the desire to eat, controlling hunger pangs, and enhancing satiety, Semaglutide helps individuals stick to their weight loss goals more effectively when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Benefits of Semaglutide for Weight Loss:
- Helps achieve substantial weight loss when combined with diet and exercise
- Reduces hunger and food cravings by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone
- Increases feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake
- Administered via a once-weekly injection for continuous support
- Can improve weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol
- Offers a safe, effective option for those needing medical intervention for weight loss
- Helps maintain weight loss efforts through better appetite regulation
Your Semaglutide for Weight Loss Experience
During your initial consultation, Dr. Ahuja will assess your health, medical history, and weight loss goals to determine if Semaglutide is right for you. He will explain how the medication works and potential side effects and set realistic expectations for your journey.
Once prescribed, you will be trained on how to self-administer Semaglutide via a simple, once-weekly injection. As you begin your treatment, you’ll have regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, adjust dosages if necessary, and address any concerns. Your journey with Semaglutide will be supported by a weight loss program, including dietary guidance and lifestyle changes, to help you achieve and maintain your desired weight loss outcomes.
Drawbacks of Semaglutide for Weight Loss:
- May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
- Can be expensive without insurance coverage
- Requires ongoing injections and adherence to treatment
- Not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions or a history of thyroid cancer
- Weight may be regained if treatment is stopped
- Requires regular check-ups and monitoring by a healthcare provider
How Much Weight Can I Lose?
With Semaglutide, you can expect to lose around 10-15% of your body weight over a period of 6 months to a year. The results vary based on individual factors like adherence to the medication, diet, and exercise. Regular follow-ups with Dr. Ahuja will be scheduled to track your progress and make necessary adjustments to optimize your weight loss journey.
Schedule an Appointment
Ahuja Bariatric & Beyond is committed to helping you achieve your weight loss goals through personalized, medically supervised treatments. If you’re interested in exploring Semaglutide as a weight loss option, schedule an appointment with Dr. Naresh Ahuja today.