Semaglutide is an injectable medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved for chronic weight management in adults struggling with obesity. Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of a natural hormone called GLP-1 that helps control appetite and blood sugar.
At Hormone Harmony Clinic in Alvin, we provide semaglutide injections as part of comprehensive weight loss and diabetes management programs. In this guide, we'll explore the benefits of semaglutide and how it can be used as part of a personalized treatment plan.
Semaglutide has been shown in research studies to have powerful benefits, including:
In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide lost on average 12-16% of their body weight over 68 weeks. This amount of weight loss can lead to marked improvements in obesity-related health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.
By improving the body's ability to produce insulin and lowering appetite, semaglutide helps regulate blood glucose levels. In studies, hemoglobin A1C (a key marker of long-term blood sugar) dropped by 1-2% with semaglutide treatment.
Beyond weight and blood sugar benefits, semaglutide may also reduce cardiovascular risks. Heart attack, stroke and death from cardiovascular causes were 26% less likely in people taking semaglutide compared to placebo in a large clinical trial.
The most common side effects of semaglutide are temporary GI issues like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. By slowly ramping up the dosage, these side effects can often be minimized. Outside of GI effects, semaglutide is very well tolerated.
With powerful weight loss and diabetic benefits, along with a reassuring safety profile, semaglutide offers new hope for many struggling with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide may be an option for adults that meet the following criteria:
Semaglutide is approved for chronic weight management in adults with: - BMI ≥30 (obese) - BMI ≥27 (overweight) with at least one weight-related health issue like diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol
Semaglutide can be used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It has been studied both on its own and in combination with other diabetic medications like metformin.
While semaglutide promotes weight loss and better blood sugar control on its own, optimal results require lifestyle modifications like improving nutrition and increasing activity levels. Hormone Harmony Clinic offers customized diet and fitness guidance as part of semaglutide weight loss programs.
If you meet criteria and are looking to lose a significant amount of weight or improve type 2 diabetic management, semaglutide may be right for you. Get in touch with the medical professionals at Hormone Harmony Clinic to find out if you are a candidate.
If prescribed semaglutide, you will give yourself an injection under the skin once weekly. Here is an overview of what to expect when starting semaglutide treatment:
Semaglutide therapy begins with a low 0.25 mg weekly dosage that is gradually increased over 5 weeks until reaching a 1 mg or 2 mg maintenance dose. This ramp up helps minimize temporary nausea and vomiting side effects.
Semaglutide injections should be rotated weekly between recommended injection sites in your stomach area, thighs or upper arms. Proper injection technique helps absorption while reducing injection site reactions.
You will track your weight, blood sugar levels, diet, activity and any side effects. This data allows your Hormone Harmony Clinic provider to make dosage or lifestyle recommendations. Most patients see the scale and blood sugar values start dropping within 1-2 months.
Plan to follow up with your Hormone Harmony Clinic provider approximately every 3 months while on semaglutide therapy. Semaglutide refills require an updated prescription and monitoring visit. After 1 year, your provider will determine if ongoing treatment is still appropriate.
Reaching and maintaining weight loss goals requires commitment from both you and your treatment team. By beginning semaglutide injections under close medical supervision, you are setting yourself up for sustainable, healthy results.
Semaglutide is structurally similar to a human hormone called GLP-1 that helps control blood sugar levels. When injected weekly, it mimics the effects of GLP-1 leading to better glycemic control, weight loss, and improved cardiovascular outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes.
Giving yourself weekly semaglutide injections takes some getting used to but becomes second nature after some practice. Follow these step-by-step instructions for proper injection technique:
You will need: - Semaglutide pen device and caps - Alcohol swab - Sharps disposal container
Pick an injection site - stomach, thighs, or arms. Wipe with alcohol swab and let dry. Pinch 1-2 inches of skin.
Match the color cap with the prescribed dosage - 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg. Attach the cap to pen by twisting clockwise until locked.
Place pen straight into skin fold at 90 degree angle. Once needle is inserted, press and hold injection button for ~5 seconds.
Keep needle under skin for 5 seconds to ensure full dose absorption before removing.
Carefully replace outer cap needle, unscrew pen cap and dispose pen/needle into sharps container immediately after use.
Be sure to reach out with any questions about giving your weekly semaglutide injections properly and safely. We are here to help!
Semaglutide therapy does come with potential temporary side effects that are important to understand:
Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common when first starting semaglutide. Symptoms typically resolve within 4-8 weeks as your body adjusts. Taking medication with food or slowly ramping up dosage can help minimize GI side effects.
Mild irritation, rash or bruising may appear at the semaglutide injection site on your stomach, legs or arms. Rotating sites weekly prevents ongoing reactions in one area. Notify your provider if injection reactions are severe or ongoing.
Semaglutide works by stimulating natural insulin production. For some, this can push blood sugars too low and cause shakiness, sweating, headache, dizziness or confusion. Consuming quick-acting carbohydrates can help reverse hypoglycemic symptoms should they occur.
More rare issues like pancreatitis, kidney injury or vision changes have happened in less than 1% of clinical trial participants. Stop taking semaglutide injections and seek emergency care if you develop severe or persistent abdominal pain that may indicate pancreatitis. Notify your Hormone Harmony Clinic provider about any unusual or alarming symptoms.
The vast majority of semaglutide users tolerate weekly injections very well, especially after the first month or two. Open communication with your provider is key to maximizing benefits and minimizing risks.
While powerful on its own, semaglutide works best alongside lifestyle interventions. Here are tips for enhancing your health transformation:
Focus on incorporating nutrient-dense whole foods into your diet like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. As appetite decreases, make room for more beneficial calories. Registered dietitians at Hormone Harmony Clinic offer personalized nutrition guidance.
Aim for 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise like walking per week. Adding more movement builds calorie deficit to amplify semaglutide weight loss effects. Our staff can provide customized fitness recommendations and help identify enjoyable activities.
Unchecked stress, anxiety, boredom and depression often drive overeating. Your treatment team may recommend counseling, support groups, mindfulness practices or other tools to develop healthier coping strategies. Improving mental health is key for successful lifestyle change.
Don’t go it alone! Surround yourself with positive people that will celebrate your victories and keep you motivated. Bring a friend along to your provider visits and workouts for extra accountability.
With the appetite suppressing and blood sugar lowering power of semaglutide combined with nutrition, fitness and mindset changes, you position yourself for a remarkable health transformation.
Reaching a healthy body weight through improved nutrition, increased activity and medications like semaglutide requires community connections and resources. Here are some of our top local recommendations to support your wellness journey:
This local favorite offers delicious meals focused on farm fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The menu has clearly marked heart healthy options along with gluten free and vegetarian dishes. Ask about their weekly meal prep options too!
Alvin City Hall Park features nearly 3 miles of scenic wooded walking and biking trails perfect for outdoor movement. Bring a yoga mat and take your workout into nature! They host free weekly 5k fun runs during spring and summer months too.
This state-of-the art gym located just off HW 35 offers top-tier strength and cardio equipment along with specialty classes like kickboxing, cycling and kettlebell training. Ask us about discounted gym memberships for Hormone Harmony Clinic patients!
Treat yourself to an active staycation at this historic bed and breakfast located along the banks of Clear Creek. They offer stand up paddleboard and kayak rentals along with hiking and biking trails that wind through acres of native coastal prairie habitat. Their farm-to-table restaurant uses ingredients harvested right on site!
Most patients begin noticing decreased appetite and body weight dropping within 4-8 weeks after starting injections. Blood sugar lowering effects may show up on lab work even sooner.
In studies, semaglutide patients lost between 12-16% of starting body weight on average after 68 weeks of treatment. For a 200 pound person, that equates to 24-32 pounds! But results vary significantly.
Yes, semaglutide can potentially interact with certain medications like insulin, sulfonylureas, and SSRIs. Provide your Hormone Harmony Clinic provider a list of all medications you are taking to allow screening for drug interactions.
As with most weight loss interventions, maintaining results requires continued effort - including lifestyle changes, possibly restarting semaglutide for another round of treatment or transitioning to alternative medications long term. Discuss an exit strategy for preserving your hard earned results with your Hormone Harmony Clinic answers to additional questions about obesity, diabetes or questions specific to your unique health history and goals, schedule a consultation at Hormone Harmony Clinic today. Our experienced providers develop fully customized treatment plans to help patients achieve sustainable success.
