SlimShot-Medical Weight Loss

Complete guide to the SLIMSHOT for medically managed weight loss

Medically managed weight loss can have a profound effect on weight loss success rates. Semaglutide is a prescription medication used for weight loss. It works by slowing down the digestion of food and reducing the number of calories absorbed from meals. In addition, semaglutide also reduces hunger levels and increases feelings of fullness.

This powerful treatment combined with diet, exercise and a support network can really get weight loss results.

It is essential to follow directions given by your healthcare provider when taking semaglutide for weight loss. This includes being consistent with taking the medication at the same time each day and following a healthy diet. It is also important to get regular check-ups from your healthcare provider while taking Semaglutide.

When used correctly, semaglutide can be a serious tool for weight management.

To get the most out of your medication, it is important to follow all instructions given by your healthcare provider and to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. With time and commitment, semaglutide can help you reach your weight loss goals.

Does semaglutide really help with weight loss?

Yes, semaglutide has been shown to help with weight loss. In clinical trials, people who took semaglutide lost an average of 8-10% of their body weight, compared to an average weight loss of 2-3% in people who took a placebo. This weight loss can help improve blood sugar control and may also have other health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Semaglutide for the treatment of obesity:

Semaglutide for obesity is a new formulation of Semaglutide that has been specifically designed to treat obesity. The medication is injected once weekly and works by decreasing appetite, increasing the feeling of fullness after meals, and helping to regulate metabolism. Semaglutide for obesity is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, or those with a BMI of 27 who have an additional weight-related medical condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

The FDA approved semaglutide for obesity based on the results of four clinical trials in which patients receiving Wegovy either continued with the treatment or switched to a placebo. The trials showed that patients who were treated lost an average of 5% to 12.4% of their initial body weight after 68 weeks, depending on the trial.

How is semaglutide administered?

Semaglutide is a medication that is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). It is typically taken once a week, at the same time each week. Before using semaglutide, it is important to read the medication guide that comes with the medication and to follow Dr. Lynam’s instructions on how to properly use the medication. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to our team.

What kind of medication is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These drugs work by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring peptide called GLP-1, which is released by the intestines after a meal. By increasing the amount of GLP-1 in the body, semaglutide can help lower blood sugar levels and improve the body’s ability to use insulin. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes and can also cause weight loss in people with obesity or overweight.

What is GLP-1?

GLP-1 is a naturally occurring peptide hormone that is produced in the intestines. It is released in response to food and stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas. This helps to lower blood sugar levels after a meal. GLP-1 also suppresses the release of glucagon, a hormone that promotes the breakdown of glycogen in the liver and the release of glucose into the bloodstream. This helps to further lower blood sugar levels.

9 benefits of semaglutide

  1. Helps lower blood sugar levels.
  2. Can improve the body’s ability to use insulin.
  3. Can cause weight loss.
  4. May help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
  5. Is FDA-approved for the treatment of weight loss in adults who are obese or overweight.
  6. Helps slow the digestion of food and reduce calorie absorption
  7. Increases feelings of fullness and satiety
  8. Can be used in combination with diet and exercise for weight loss
  9. Has fewer side effects than other medications for weight management

Is semaglutide a kind of insulin?

No, semaglutide is not a type of insulin. semaglutide is an anti-obesity medication that works by slowing down digestion and reducing the number of calories absorbed from meals. It is a prescription drug used to help people with weight management goals reach their target weight.

Is semaglutide covered by my insurance?

Semaglutide is rarely covered by insurance. This depends on your insurance provider and the type of coverage you have. It is best to contact your insurance provider and ask directly about coverage for semaglutide before starting a medication regimen. Many insurance providers will cover the cost of prescription drugs, including those for weight management.

What does the FDA say about semaglutide for weight loss?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the semaglutide injection (2.4 mg once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol), for use in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. This under-the-skin injection is the first approved drug for chronic weight management in adults with general obesity or overweight since 2014. The drug is indicated for chronic weight management in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or greater who have at least one weight-related ailment or in patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater. 

FROM THE FDA:

“Today’s approval offers adults with obesity or overweight a beneficial new treatment option to incorporate into a weight management program,” said John Sharretts, M.D., deputy director of the Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, and Obesity in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “FDA remains committed to facilitating the development and approval of additional safe and effective therapies for adults with obesity or overweight.” 

Approximately 70% of American adults have obesity or are overweight. Obesity or overweight is a serious health issue associated with some leading causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, and is linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Losing 5% to 10% of body weight through diet and exercise has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in adult patients with obesity or overweight.

Possible side effects of semaglutide?

Though uncommon, these side effects do rarely occur.

  1. Nausea
  2. Vomiting
  3. Diarrhea
  4. Constipation
  5. Abdominal pain

It is important to note that not everyone who takes semaglutide will experience side effects, and many people tolerate the medication well. If you are taking semaglutide and are experiencing side effects, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if the medication is still right for you and can suggest ways to manage any side effects you may be experiencing.

The RSA support network for medically managed weight loss

It is important to remember that weight loss through medical management is not a “quick fix” solution. It involves making lifestyle changes and developing healthy habits that need to be maintained over time. A good support network can help you stay on track and provide the encouragement needed to reach your goals. Your doctor, dietitian or nutritionist, family and friends can all provide valuable support. They can help you stay motivated by providing feedback, tips, and even tough love when needed. It is also important to use structured programs like Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig if they are available in your area as they can provide additional structure and accountability. Ultimately, the best way to ensure success with medically managed weight loss is to create a plan that works best for you and your lifestyle.

Thinking about medically managed weight loss?

Contact our team to learn all your options.

REFERENCES

Jastreboff, A. M., et al. (2022). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesityNew England Journal of Medicine.
Jin, J. (2015). Medications for weight loss: Indications and usageJournal of American Medical Association.
Lonneman Jr., D. J., et al. (2013). Phentermine/topiramate extended-release capsules (Qsymia) for weight lossP & T.
Nauck, M. A., et al. (2018). Incretin hormones: Their role in health and diseaseDiabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Novo Nordisk A/S. (2020). Novo Nordisk files for US FDA regulatory approval of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight managementGlobeNewswire.
Novo Nordisk. (2022). Ozempic [package insert].
PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2022). Phentermine hydrochloride [package insert].
Pi-Sunyer, X., et al. (2015). A randomized, controlled trial of 3.0 mg of liraglutide in weight managementNew England Journal of Medicine.
Shah, M., et al. (2014). Effects of GLP-1 on appetite and weightReviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). FDA approves weight management drug for patients aged 12 and older.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). FDA approves new drug treatment for chronic weight management, first since 2014.
Vivus LLC. (2022). Qsymia [package insert].
Wadden, T. A., et al. (2012). Weight loss with naltrexone SR/bupropion SR combination therapy as an adjunct to behavior modification: The COR-BMOD trialObesity.
Wilding, J. P. H., et al. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesityNew England Journal of Medicine.

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