Semaglutide is an antidiabetic and anti-obesity medication available through prescription only. Better known under its brand names, Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®. Semaglutide is an effective treatment for patients looking to lose weight or maintain their weight loss results. Learn more about the semaglutide treatment at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide can help you lose weight by regulating your appetite and slowing down your digestive process by affecting the GLP-1 receptors in the brain. Targeting these receptors can help you feel fuller when you eat. However, it is essential to note that semaglutide needs to be paired with a healthy diet and a consistent exercise routine to produce the desired effects.
Semaglutide’s benefits are twofold: it increases the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas while decreasing the amount of glucagon produced by the liver. Insulin helps to reduce blood sugar levels. Glucagon works to increase them. Higher blood sugar levels are linked to organ damage, diabetes, weight gain, and other serious health risks.
Semaglutide has become incredibly popular as a weight loss medication, but it is not designed for people who are only slightly overweight. The best candidates are adults with a BMI over 27 who have additional weight-related health concerns, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or sleep apnea. A one-on-one consultation with Dr. Young is the best way to learn if you are a good candidate.
Semaglutide Treatment
Semaglutide is administered through weekly self-injection in the stomach, arm, or thigh. Injections come in premeasured pens that are both easy to use and relatively painless. Where and when you inject your medication is essential to track as you want to avoid multiple injections in the same spot.
During your time in our care, Dr. Young will provide instructions on injecting yourself properly with semaglutide to help ensure optimal comfort.
Semaglutide is combined with diet and exercise to control blood sugar and assist in weight management. Without a healthy diet and proper exercise, semaglutide will not be effective.
Fortunately, a healthy diet is very different from “dieting,” and getting sufficient exercise doesn’t require becoming a triathlete. However, if you struggle with food and exercise, it can be helpful to work with a nutritionist and physical trainer to develop a plan that meets both your needs and desires.
Semaglutide Recovery and Results
NO RECOVERY TIME
HIGH ACTIVITY
Some patients may experience slight discomfort at their injection site. There is no recovery time required after each injection.
You can still gain weight after taking semaglutide. It is not a permanent solution to weight loss. No longer taking semaglutide means the effects of decreasing your appetite gradually wear off. This is why eating healthy and exercising regularly is essential to maintain a decent BMI.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about semaglutide for weight loss, please call Dr. Young at 913-341-2188 and schedule a consultation today. Located in Leawood, we welcome patients from Overland Park, Kansas City, and all nearby areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Semaglutide Injections Painful?
While some people may experience slight irritation at the injection site, lingering or significant discomfort is not associated with semaglutide injections. Studies have found that semaglutide is significantly more comfortable than dulaglutide, another injectable medication that treats type 2 diabetes.
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What are the Risks of Semaglutide Injections?
Side effects are possible with any medication. Those associated with semaglutide include:
- Headache
- Hives
- Heartburn
- Abdominal Pain/Cramping
- Feeling Overly Full
- Diarrhea
- Skin Rash
- Appetite Loss
- Darkened Urine
A recent study has also found that semaglutide increases the risk of thyroid tumors in laboratory animals, though there is no evidence of similar side effects in humans.
Side effects are uncommon but not impossible. This is one of the more compelling reasons to have semaglutide prescribed by a local physician instead of an internet doctor. Having a doctor who can see and hear you in person, physically examine your frame, and personally evaluate your medical history helps ensure you receive the right and most effective treatment for your needs.
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Will I Have Loose Skin After Taking Semaglutide?
With rapid weight loss, losing weight faster than the skin can shrink is common. In some cases, this self-resolves over a few months. However, some people will need skin tightening treatments to address areas of loose and sagging skin after using semaglutide.
Dr. Young is a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers a comprehensive range of body contouring procedures. These can be used to eliminate excess skin and stubborn fat from any area of the body, helping to highlight the natural contours and musculature of the frame. He can provide additional information about these options during your follow-up visits as the areas needing treatment become more evident.
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Is Semaglutide Suitable for Individuals Who Are Obese?
Semaglitude is typically prescribed for individuals with a BMI, or body mass index above 30. However, this is not suitable for people who are only a little overweight with no weight-related medical conditions.
Furthermore, you may not be able to use semaglutide if you have a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, medullary thyroid disease, kidney issues, or liver problems. If you are taking nonprescription medicine, such as aspirin, you cannot take semaglutide without consulting your doctor first.
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Is Semaglutide Only for the Management of Diabetes?
No, semaglutide can be used for weight management as well. However, it is important to note that a licensed medical professional should only prescribe and administer the medication. In addition, semaglutide is not a weight-loss treatment, nor does it help eliminate stomach fat. There is also a cut-off point for semaglutide if it is used for weight loss.
Similar to medical conditions such as diabetes, weight loss goals are personal. That is why it is important to consult a medical professional who will closely monitor your weight loss.
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Delanie Stoecklein
Delanie is a certified nurse injector and started her nursing career in 2017. She began her career as a nurse at the University of Kansas Health system with experience in orthopedic trauma. Delanie transitioned from the hospital to pursue her passion in aesthetics.
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