Semaglutide is an FDA-approved medication used to manage type 2 diabetes and support weight loss. It works by mimicking the action of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. This once a week injectable medication helps:

• Regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin production when glucose levels are high.
• Slow down digestion, helping you feel fuller for longer.
• Decrease appetite, making it easier to control cravings and manage portion sizes.

After the first 6-week vial of Semaglutide, the dosing schedule will be as follows:

• Inject 20 units subcutaneously once a week for 4 weeks.
• Inject 30 units subcutaneously once a week for 4 weeks.
• Inject 40 units subcutaneously once a week for 4 weeks.
• Inject 48 units subcutaneously once a week.

The length of time you need to take Semaglutide depends on your individual health goals and progress. Many patients use Semaglutide as part of a long-term weight management, but the duration of use will be determined by your healthcare provider based on your response to the medication and your specific health needs.

Semaglutide is the generic name for the active ingredient In Ozempic and Wagovy.

• High-Protein Foods: Protein helps promote a feeling of fullness and supports muscle maintenance. Good sources include lean meats, fish, eggs, tofu, legumes, and low-fat dairy.
• Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats in your diet, such as those from avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. It's important to avoid trans fats and limit saturated fats.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Aim to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to get a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Portion Control: Semaglutide can help curb appetite, making it easier to eat smaller portions. Focus on eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to avoid overeating.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water, especially since Semaglutide can sometimes cause mild dehydration. Staying hydrated helps manage hunger and supports your overall health.

While not a dietary consideration, regular physical activity can enhance the benefits of Semaglutide. Aim for a balanced exercise routine that includes both cardiovascular exercise and strength training.

Semaglutide works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone plays a key role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and insulin production. Semaglutide acts on several areas of the body to produce its effects:

1. Regulates blood sugar: Semaglutide stimulates insulin release when blood sugar levels are elevated, helping to lower blood sugar after meals. It also reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver.
2. Suppresses appetite: Semaglutide helps to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness, which can help with weight loss by encouraging healthier eating habits.
3. Slows gastric emptying: It slows down how quickly food moves through the stomach, which also contributes to feeling fuller for longer periods of time and helps with appetite control.
4. Improves insulin sensitivity: By enhancing the body's response to insulin, Semaglutide helps the body use glucose more efficiently, which is particularly helpful for those with type 2 diabetes.

Patients often lose between 10-15% of their body weight when they take Semaglutide for weight loss or type 2 diabetes management. This weight loss can vary depending on individual factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health, but clinical studies have shown significant results for many patients using Semaglutide.

• Improves Blood Sugar Control: Semaglutide helps regulate blood sugar by enhancing insulin release when blood sugar levels are elevated and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver.
• Promotes Weight Loss:Semaglutide suppresses appetite, leading to reduced food intake and increased feelings of fullness. It has been shown to promote significant weight loss, making it beneficial for those who need assistance in losing weight.
• Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Events:Semaglutide has been shown to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death.
• Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Semaglutide enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin, making it more effective in managing blood sugar levels and improving overall metabolic health.
• Supports Healthy Metabolism: By reducing appetite and promoting weight loss, Semaglutide helps improve metabolic markers, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
• Convenient Dosing: Semaglutide is administered once a week via a subcutaneous injection, which is convenient and helps improve adherence to the treatment plan.

Semaglutide is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. Here are some common and reasonably likely side effects:

1. Common Side Effects:
   • Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Stomach pain, Indigestion or bloating, Decreased appetite
2. Injection Site Reactions:
   • Pain, redness, or irritation at the site of injection
3. Fatigue:
   • Feeling unusually tired or fatigued, especially when starting treatment

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

• Pancreatitis
• Kidney Problems
• Gallbladder Problems
• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar):
• Allergic Reactions

Rare but Serious Conditions:

• Thyroid Tumors
• Diabetic Retinopathy

Semaglutide may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to avoid using Semaglutide in the following situations:

• History of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC)
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2)
• Allergy or Sensitivity to Semaglutide
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Severe Gastrointestinal Issues
• Severe Kidney Problems
• Severe Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)