What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analog approved in 2017 as a treatment method for
improving glycemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide shows great promise for patients
who are having difficulty losing weight.
Studies have demonstrated that Semaglutide reduced appetite, improved control of eating, and reduced
food cravings in addition to improved glycemic control. The greatest weight loss benefits were observed
when Semaglutide is used in combination with lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and consistent
exercise.

**The drug is indicated for chronic weight management in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater who have at least one weight-related ailment or in patients with a BMI of 30 or greater.

Pyridoxine is also known as vitamin B6. It’s a water-soluble vitamin. Like the other B vitamins, it helps make energy in your body.

Vitamin B6 plays a role in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fats, and the production of neurotransmitters.  It does an excellent job at turning food into energy.

This vitamin also helps to treat nausea. 

Cyanocobalamin is a form of vitamin B12. 

Your body needs vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) to break down fat and carbohydrates for energy, and to make proteins and cells. It is especially important for the health of your red blood cells and nerve cells.

B12 can also help reduce nausea.

How does Semaglutide work?

Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake; it is a powerful appetite suppressant. It also works by increasing the production of insulin and appears to enhance growth of β cells in the pancreas, which are the sites of insulin production. Additionally, it inhibits glucagon, which is a hormone that increases blood sugar. It has been known to aid not only in weight loss but helps to lower glucose levels in those who are pre-diabetic or who have type 2 diabetes.

• Delays stomach emptying, leading to a feeling of fullness and smaller meal size

• Slows intestinal motility

• Lowers blood sugars, in part by reducing the production of sugar in the liver

• Stimulates insulin secretion by the pancreas

How much Semaglutide do I inject?

Patients will begin with the lowest recommended dose titrating up as tolerance grows. 

Injections will be administered once weekly.

Pyridoxine/Sodium Semaglutide is injected under the skin (subQ) in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm one time each week, on the same day each week at any time of day.

Originally used for diabetes and sold under the name Ozempic, a higher dose of the same drug was evaluated for weight loss.

The results were dramatic, with the average individual losing 15(+) % of their body weight during the clinic trial.

Semaglutide is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection GLP-1 agonist for weight loss. GLP-1 agonists were initially developed to improve glycemic control with type 2 diabetics as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It works to enhance the growth of beta cells in the pancreas, which are sites of insulin production.

More recently, high-dose (2.4mg) Semaglutide has been studied in non-diabetic patients suffering from obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine's publication of the STEP trial revealed more than 50 percent of trial participants lost 15 percent of their body weight, and between 33 to 40 percent are losing 20 percent of their body weight. Semaglutide will delay gastric emptying by reducing glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. The delay in gastric emptying can reduce appetite, improve control of eating, and reduce food cravings.

Reported Benefits:
• Weight Loss
• Neuroprotective
• Improved Fertility
• Treatment of PCOS
• Smoking Cessation
• Cardiovascular Benefits

Possible side effects and contraindications:

The most common side effects seen with Semaglutide during the clinical trials included gastrointestinal events commonly seen with this agent class and included nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, belching, indigestion bloating, heartburn, dyspepsia, dizziness, abdominal distension, eructation, hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, flatulence, gastroenteritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

**** The risk of serious side effects increases in patients with hypoglycemia, kidney problems, and
risk of allergic reactions. 

Semaglutide will have a boxed warning on the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors -- as do all  agents in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. The drug should not be used in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with a rare condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Patients with pancreatitis or at an increased risk of pancreatitis should not use Semaglutide.

This medication is not an insulin and should not be used and is not intended for use if:

• You have type 1 diabetes or if you develop diabetic ketoacidosis.
• You have personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome Type 2
• You have a known allergy to Semaglutide
• You are currently breastfeeding or have a plan to breastfeed
• You are currently pregnant

There is also an increased risk of other complications, including:

• Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones
• Inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis
• Damage to the retina in the eye, known as diabetic retinopathy
• Kidney damage

For your initial visit, you will need to schedule an appointment with our office. Upon arriving for your appointment, you will have your consultation with our Nurse Practitioner who will use her discretion (based on the FDA recommendations for treating obesity) to determine if Semaglutide is a safe and good option for you. She will carefully screen you by evaluating your past medical history, any current medications you take, your vital signs, and your body mass index (BMI).

If you are a good candidate for this plan, you will be scheduled for follow-up weigh-ins, so we can continue to properly monitor your treatment and refill your Semaglutide prescription. 

You are NOT a good candidate for Semaglutide if you have any of the following: diabetic retinopathy, low blood sugar, decreased kidney function, pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer (or a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma), or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.

Emsculpt can help optimize the benefits of Semaglutide and Super Slim shots in the following ways:

1. Muscle toning: Emsculpt can target specific muscle groups and induce powerful muscle contractions, helping to tone and strengthen those muscles. This can complement the weight loss effects of Semaglutide and Super Slim shots by improving overall body composition and enhancing muscle definition.

2. Metabolism boost: Emsculpt's intense muscle contractions stimulate a metabolic response in the body, leading to an increase in calorie burn. This can support the weight loss effects of Semaglutide and super slim shots by further boosting the metabolic rate and aiding in fat reduction.

3. Enhanced fat reduction: In addition to muscle toning, Emsculpt has been shown to contribute to fat reduction. The intense muscle contractions break down surrounding fat cells, resulting in a reduction of fat in the treated area. This can complement the fat-burning effects of Semaglutide and Super Slim shots, optimizing overall body contouring and weight loss results.

4. Improved body composition: Semaglutide and Super Slim shots primarily aid in weight loss, but they may not directly target specific areas for toning and sculpting. Emsculpt can help by specifically targeting muscle groups and promoting muscle definition, resulting in a more toned and proportionate physique. This combination can optimize the overall aesthetic results of Semaglutide and Super Slim shots.

5. Motivation and adherence: Seeing visible improvements in muscle tone and body composition through Emsculpt can provide motivation and adherence to your weight loss journey. The combination of Semaglutide, Super Slim shots, and Emsculpt can help you stay committed to your goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This can optimize the benefits of all three treatments.

Once you are evaluated by one of our providers, the medication will be ordered through our practice and shipped directly to our office for pick-up.