Semaglutide (marketed as Wegovy) is an FDA-approved medication for chronic weight management. It is an injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that regulates appetite and food intake. Semaglutide helps patients feel fuller and more satisfied after eating, leading to a natural reduction in calorie consumption without constant feelings of hunger or deprivation.
In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide lost an average of 12-15% of their body weight over 68 weeks when combined with diet and exercise. For someone weighing 200 lbs, that could mean losing up to 30 lbs! Importantly, semaglutide helps patients keep off the weight long-term, making it a breakthrough for treating obesity and metabolic diseases like diabetes.
Semaglutide is currently only available through specialty hormone clinics like Revival Medical Clinic. We help patients determine if they meet eligibility criteria and provide counseling on appropriate use. As leaders in weight loss and hormone therapy, Revival Medical Clinic is excited to offer semaglutide as part of our personalized programs, partnering with patients for success by addressing lifestyle factors like nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress reduction.
Semaglutide is intended for adults living with overweight or obesity, defined by health organizations as having a BMI over 25 kg/m2 or 30 kg/m2, respectively. It can be an option for individuals who have struggled to lose or maintain weight through traditional approaches like diet and exercise alone.
Specific patient eligibility criteria for semaglutide include: - BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (obesity) - BMI ≥27 kg/m2 at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes (overweight)
Semaglutide is not recommended for people trying to lose small amounts of weight or with the following conditions: - Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant - Type 1 diabetes - Personal or family history of certain tumor types - Severe kidney disease requiring dialysis
Our clinicians carefully screen candidates and monitor safety throughout treatment. Managing patient expectations is also key - semaglutide promotes weight loss at 12-15% of total body weight on average.
Table 1 summarizes the patient criteria for using semaglutide weight loss therapy:
| Patient Group | Semaglutide Recommended? |
|---|---|
| BMI ≥30 kg/m2 | Yes |
| BMI 27-29.9 weight-related condition | Yes |
| Seeking to lose <5% body weight | No |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding | No |
| Type 1 diabetes | No |
| History of certain cancers | No |
| Kidney disease requiring dialysis | No |
Semaglutide belongs to a class of injectable diabetes drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Originally developed to treat high blood sugar, researchers discovered these medications also suppress appetite and promote weight loss.
The mechanism of action involves mimicking the appetite-reducing hormone GLP-1 made in the gut. Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain that regulate hunger and food intake. People injecting semaglutide feel more satisfied after smaller portions, leading them to naturally eat less without constant hunger or cravings.
Secondary weight loss effects come from semaglutide slowing stomach emptying and digestion, so food remains in the stomach and small intestine for longer, enhancing satiety signals to the brain. The medication also reduces fat absorption by the body.
In summary, semaglutide promotes weight loss through several effects:
The multiple mechanisms make semaglutide very effective for sustained, gradual weight loss up to 15% of body weight. Maintaining results long-term is achievable when combined with lifestyle changes.
Semaglutide is taken once weekly by subcutaneous injection just under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or arm. The frequency makes it more convenient than other weight loss injections needing daily doses.
Treatment begins with a low 0.25 mg weekly dose that is gradually increased every 4 weeks up to the target maintenance dose of 2.4 mg per week. This titration schedule minimizes temporary GI side effects as the body adjusts. Patients stay on the 2.4 mg dose unless tolerability issues emerge, warranting a lower dose.
Here is an overview of the standard dose escalation protocol:
Revival Medical Clinic teaches patients and caregivers proper self-injection technique during clinic visits. Most find the 32-gauge pen needles nearly painless. Refill prescriptions are prescribed for 12 weeks at a time, with refill authorizations requiring lab work and monitoring appointments. We provide ongoing support to promote medication adherence and lifestyle changes for success.
In placebo-controlled trials, semaglutide used with diet and exercise promoted significant, sustained weight loss for obese patients. People shed an average of 12-15% of their initial body weight compared to about 2-3% taking a placebo. For example, 15% weight loss for a 300-pound patient equates to losing 45 pounds!
The chart below summarizes efficacy results. The proportion of people losing ≥15% increased to about half of those taking semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly. Semaglutide helps patients keep off the weight long-term, unlike with previous approaches. Participants maintained about 12% weight loss 2 years later.
Table 2: Average Weight Loss Percentage in Semaglutide Clinical Trials
| Patient Group | Placebo | Semaglutide 0.5 mg | Semaglutide 1 mg | Semaglutide 2 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obese BMI≥30 | ~3% | 6.5% | 9.3% | 12.4% |
| % losing ≥15% weight | 8% | 19% | 33% | 49% |
These results are unprecedented for pharmaceutical obesity treatments, making semaglutide an appealing option for many people struggling with excess weight and associated health risks.
While semaglutide does most of the "heavy lifting" suppressing appetite and slowing digestion, patients see better weight loss following lifestyle recommendations during treatment:
Nutrition: We provide personalized nutrition plans emphasizing high protein and fiber to stay satiated on modest calorie deficits of 500-1000 calories per day. Complex carbs, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables are also key.
Physical Activity: Moving for 30 minutes daily, even just walking, burns calories and prevents muscle loss when losing weight. Adding strength training preserves metabolism-boosting muscle.
Stress & Sleep: Getting 7-9 hours of nightly sleep and managing stress prevents spikes in hunger hormones that thwart weight loss. Relaxation also aids medication compliance.
Small, sustainable changes amplify semaglutide results. Patients see 12-15% weight loss on average, with some losing 20% or more of excess body weight when closely following nutrition and fitness guidance. Lifestyle modifications also prevent weight regain after stopping injections.
Revival Medical Clinic offers optional wellness coaching addressing diet, activity, sleep, and stress during semaglutide therapy. We personalize plans balancing motivation with being realistic given a patient's health status and life demands. A non-judgmental partnership focused on progress, not perfection, helps clients feel supported.
Table 3 summarizes key lifestyle recommendations for optimal weight loss with semaglutide:
| Category | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | 500-1000 Calorie deficit dietHigh protein (improves satiety)High fiber (promotes satiety)Adequate healthy fats, fruits, vegetables |
| Physical Activity | 30 minutes daily exerciseWalking, swimming, or other cardioOptional strength training 2-3x/week |
| Wellness | 7-9 hours nightly sleepStress management skillsRelaxation practices |
Like other medications, semaglutide may cause temporary side effects that resolve over 1-2 weeks as the body adjusts. These commonly include:
Rare but serious risks described in 1-5% of study participants include:
Revival Medical Clinic closely monitors patients for side effects and safety with:
Risks prove minimal for most individuals, provided clinicians responsibly screen eligible candidates and teach safe injection techniques. Still, the benefits of 12-15% weight loss and reversing obesity health risks generally outweigh potential complications.
Like other anti-obesity drugs, semaglutide works best when taken long-term since it treats a chronic disease. Maintaining 12-15% weight loss requires persisting on therapy for 1-2 years or indefinitely. Revival Medical Clinicians personalize duration based on:
Ideally, semaglutide gets discontinued once patients shed sufficient excess fat, sustain near-goal weight taking lower maintenance doses, and feel confident with lifestyle habits preventing regain.
Some individuals may take semaglutide for 1-2 years, like getting a "metabolic reset" curbing hunger and carb cravings long-term. However, lifelong treatment akin to blood pressure or diabetes drugs proves necessary for other patients prone to obesity relapse when stopping.
We partner with patients to establish goals guiding the expected treatment length as they embark on their wellness journey with us. Open conversations about priorities, results, and budget inform plans fine-tuned over time.
Currently, semaglutide for weight loss proves expensive, ranging from $1200-$1500 monthly without coverage. Saxenda for diabetes gets covered by more plans, but approved uses/dosing differ. Revival Medical Clinic helps patients determine eligibility for financial assistance, bringing out-of-pocket costs down.
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 12-15% over 12 months taking the highest approved dose alongside diet and exercise changes. Losing 15% means shedding 30 lbs if weighing 200 lbs initially. Some patients lose 10%, while others lose 20% . Unique factors like genetics play a role.
There is no set rule - duration gets personalized for each patient based on the degree of excess weight, health improvements, side effect tolerance, and commitment to habits preventing weight regain after stopping. It could entail a short-term 1-2 year "metabolic reset" or lifelong medication like diabetes.
Patients maintaining adherence to nutrition, activity, and other lifestyle guidance during therapy can keep off most lost weight even after discontinuing semaglutide. However, excess hunger and slower metabolism resurfacing without medication lead many patients to relapse to their baseline weight or beyond. Lifelong treatment may benefit some individuals prone to obesity.
No drug interactions exist with obesity medications like Phentermine, Qsymia, Contrave, etc. However, semaglutide alone often promotes sufficient appetite/weight control without complicating regimens using combinations. We determine what adjunct therapies, if any, to include beyond semaglutide for amplifying and extending client success.
As leaders in the ethically sound medical weight loss field for over 15 years, Revival Medical Clinic uniquely positions itself as a top semaglutide provider offering exceptional patient care. Our values-driven practice commits to forging genuine relationships grounded in trust and compassionate service.
Here is what sets Revival Medical Clinic apart from typical corporate chains:
Schedule a free consultation today to determine if semaglutide-facilitated medical weight loss with Revival Medical Clinic aligns with your desires for reclaiming health.
Semaglutide represents a groundbreaking advancement in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic conditions. By effectively suppressing appetite and promoting sustained weight loss, it offers a valuable tool for individuals struggling with excess weight and associated health risks.
At Revival Medical Clinic, we are committed to providing exceptional care and support to our patients throughout their weight loss journey. Our holistic approach, personalized treatment plans, and emphasis on lifestyle modifications ensure that our clients receive the comprehensive support they need to achieve their goals and maintain their success long-term.
If you are interested in exploring semaglutide as a part of your weight loss journey, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable clinicians. Together, we can determine if this treatment option is right for you and develop a customized plan to help you regain control over your health and well-being.
