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SEMAGLUTIDE

A new player in sustained weight loss!

Has weight loss been a struggle for you in the past? Have you tried stimulant type medications or heard of others using them with poor results? Do you have health issues that preclude you from using other weight loss meds? Do you have prediabetes? Have you ever considered weight loss surgery i.e. bariatric surgery?

aka OZEMPIC OR WEGOVY

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There is a new medication that may be right for you in your weight loss journey.

Semaglutide mimics the effect of "feeling full" leading to a decreased caloric intake. Semaglutide delays gastric emptying by reducing glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. This delay in gastric emptying reduces appetite, improves control of eating, and reduces food cravings.

What is the mechanism of SEMAGLUTIDE?

Semaglutide mimics the effect of "feeling full" leading to a decreased caloric intake. Semaglutide delays gastric emptying by reducing glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. This delay in gastric emptying reduces appetite, improves control of eating, and reduces food cravings.

How is SEMAGLUTIDE administered?

It is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Some patients can be afraid of injections, but these are actually quite straightforward injections with a VERY SMALL needle into the abdominal area (like insulin injections). A big advantage to this type of administration is the once a week dosing vs the daily oral medication. Another plus is that Semaglutide is working 24/7 suppressing appetite without the stimulant effects of typical weight loss medication.

What side effects can occur with SEMAGLUTIDE?

The most common side effects are: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, gas, stomach flu, and heartburn. Note that most of these are manageable by proper dosing and some overlap with the intended effect of "feeling full".

Are you a candidate for SEMAGLUTIDE?

There are only three qualifications for semaglutide:

  1. Resident of Utah or willing to travel to be seen here in Logan, Utah

  2. A BMI over 30 and no weight-related complications

  3. A BMI over 27 with weight-related complications

You can check your BMI here. If you don’t think you meet the above qualifications, you may still qualify if your body composition is determined to show excess fat composition.

Is there anyone that cannot take SEMAGLUTIDE?

There are several instances where it would be contraindicated for use in patients with a history of:

1. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma

2. Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should NOT take Semaglutide.

Does insurance cover SEMAGLUTIDE?

Semaglutide is not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost. It currently is quite expensive (approx. $1300 a month) without insurance. Some patients have been able to get the medication covered and we can send the medication to the pharmacy.  If like most patients you are unable to get coverage and $1300 a month is unreasonable, we can order a much cheaper version of the medication through our clinic.

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