Weight Management
Weight Management
Semaglutide Weekly Injections and Health Coaching
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, a type of medication that mimics the effects of a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. Semaglutide is approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
Mechanism of Action:
Semaglutide works by slowing down the release of glucose from the liver, increasing insulin sensitivity, and reducing appetite. It also delays gastric emptying, which means food stays in the stomach for a longer period, leading to a feeling of fullness.
Dosage:
Semaglutide is available as an injectable medication. The recommended starting dose for weight management is 0.25 mg, administered once a week. The dosage may be increased in a gradual fashion every four weeks to minimize side effects and maximize weight loss up to a maximum dose of 2.4mg.
Semaglutide Potential Side Effects and Contraindications
Potential Side Effects:
Semaglutide, approved in 2021 by the FDA for weight loss, is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, some common side effects may occur, including:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Headache
These side effects are usually mild and temporary, and they tend to improve with continued use of the medication. More serious side effects, such as pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, are rare.
Contraindications:
Semaglutide is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this drug or to any ingredient in the formulation, including any non-medicinal ingredient, or component of the container. Semaglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Semaglutide should not be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Next Steps
Schedule a WEIGHT MANAGEMENT appointment that will include: blood draw, vitals, weight, intake form and initial consultation with a our health coach.
Additional Considerations:
Must have a BMI of 28 or above. We have alternatives for people with a lower BMI. Calculate your BMI HERE
Must commit and pay for 3 months.
Most patients need more than 3 months, using semaglutide combined with Fitness and Nutrition is a long-term commitment
Must commit to weekly follow-up appointments for semaglutide injections at DSR
Must commit to monthly one on one nutrition and fitness consults with Coach Sydney to ensure you build healthy habits and maintain muscle mass
Option to self-inject after the first 3 months. Patients would still be required to come to DSR for monthly Fitness and Nutrition Coaching in person.
Black Box Warnings:
In rodents, semaglutide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration dependent thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined. Semaglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of semaglutide and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g. a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness).