Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used for treating type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Semaglutide helps lower blood sugar levels and reduce appetite by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar and food intake.
At Renewal Hormone Clinic in West Seneca, we offer semaglutide shots as part of our comprehensive weight loss and diabetes management programs. In this guide, we will provide an overview of semaglutide, including its approved uses, how it works, potential side effects, and what you can expect from treatment. We will also highlight the key benefits of semaglutide for weight loss and why it may be a good option for eligible patients.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of semaglutide for two main purposes:
So in essence, semaglutide can benefit both diabetics and overweight individuals. At Renewal Hormone Clinic, we offer semaglutide specifically for weight loss and holistic metabolic health improvement.
Semaglutide helps regulate blood sugar and food intake through the following key mechanisms:
Together, these effects make semaglutide highly useful both for diabetes management and helping people eat less and lose weight over the long term.
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that semaglutide can be very effective for losing weight and sustaining weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. Some major benefits include:
* In trials, people lost 15-18% of their body weight on average with semaglutide compared to placebo over 68 weeks - a substantial reduction. * Unlike many other weight loss medications, the effects of semaglutide last as long as you keep taking it. * It specifically reduces visceral fat (dangerous belly fat). Visceral fat drives insulin resistance and is linked to many diseases.
* Beyond weight loss, semaglutide favorably impacts heart health markers like cholesterol levels and blood pressure. * This can reduce cardiovascular risks in people with obesity, diabetes or prediabetes.
* By improving the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, semaglutide helps many people with type 2 diabetes lower their A1C levels (a key marker of long-term blood sugar control). * This reduces diabetes complications and medication needs.
So in summary, with sustained use, semaglutide shots can lead to substantial, clinically meaningful weight loss and cardiometabolic benefits for eligible patients who also make positive lifestyle changes.
If you decide to pursue semaglutide shots for weight management or diabetes at our West Seneca clinic, here is an overview of what you can expect:
* We first meet with you to discuss your health history, set weight loss goals, screen for any contraindications, and address any questions. * If deemed appropriate, we provide training on how to properly self-administer the semaglutide shots at home. The injections are simple to do yourself with the pre-filled pen device.
* Semaglutide dosing starts low and gradually increases over 5-8 weeks to improve gastrointestinal tolerance. * During the ramp-up phase, you may experience some temporary nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. These typically resolve within days to weeks. * The maintenance dose is usually reached by around 8 weeks. This is then continued long-term for sustained weight loss effects.
* We schedule regular follow-ups to monitor your progress, provide ongoing lifestyle counseling, adjust medication if needed, and order blood tests. * We take a holistic approach to ensure optimal health outcomes during your weight loss journey.
* In addition to transient GI issues when starting treatment, some other common side effects include: injection site reactions, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. * Serious risks like pancreatitis, kidney problems, and vision changes are very rare. But we monitor closely for any side effects. * If troublesome side effects occur, we work on mitigation strategies or adjusting/discontinuing treatment as appropriate.
* The costs of semaglutide treatment, follow-up care, and testing will depend on your specific health insurance plan. We advise checking your coverage details in advance. * For uninsured patients, we offer competitive self-pay rates and financing plans to make this treatment affordable. Reach out for current pricing.
We hope this overview gives you a good sense of how semaglutide shots work and what to expect. Our experienced medical team looks forward to guiding you on your personal weight loss and health improvement journey with semaglutide. We're here to provide compassionate, evidence-based care centered around YOU.
Semaglutide is structurally similar to a human hormone called GLP-1 that regulates blood sugar. When injected weekly, it mimics the effects of that hormone, stimulating the release of insulin when blood sugar levels rise after meals. This unexpected similarity to a natural human protein is what allows semaglutide to effectively improve blood sugar control.
We want to ensure our West Seneca patients get the most out of their semaglutide treatment by having full support for lasting lifestyle changes. Here is some location-specific advice:
Late spring through early fall tends to be the best time for initiating semaglutide shots in West Seneca. The improving weather makes it easier to start exercising regularly and get outside, which complements the appetite and weight loss effects of semaglutide. Of course we can start you at any time of year based on your needs and preferences. But we find patients have more success optimizing physical activity over these warmer months.
We offer comprehensive lab testing for hormones, biomarkers of health, micronutrient status, and more right at our Renewal Hormone Clinic. No need to go elsewhere! We believe optimal medical treatment requires understanding what's going on inside your body. Our on-site phlebotomists make testing fast and convenient before you see our clinicians.
Walkable public parks perfect for fitting in your daily movement include Isle View Park, Veteran's Park, and Kevin Guest Memorial Park. Nearby hiking hotspots include Chestnut Ridge Park, Sprague Brook Park, and Eternal Flame Falls. When you need some rest and rejuvenation, we recommend checking out Top Nails Spa or Massage Luxe.
Some top-rated gyms to help you stay active across West Seneca are the West Seneca Community Center, NY Sports Club, Fitness 19, and TF Brown's Gym. And we also advise getting into nature as much as possible - the miles of trails through Chestnut Ridge Park and Erie County Parks offer wonderful workout options.
Beyond the places already mentioned, other useful establishments we recommend checking out include:
We hope these West Seneca-specific recommendations help you better engage with our wonderful community and make the most of your health journey with our Renewal Hormone Clinic!
We cannot overstate the importance of early detection and prompt treatment when it comes to chronic medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders and hormone imbalances. When left unaddressed for too long, these issues often worsen over time and risk more serious downstream health complications.
The good news is many hormone and weight-related health problems ARE treatable - especially when identified early. At Renewal Hormone Clinic of West Seneca, we offer cutting-edge testing, honest diagnoses, and the latest medical therapies to help patients regain their vitality, get back to thriving, and live their healthiest lives possible.
Whether you or a loved one are dealing with unwanted weight gain, fatigue, stubborn belly fat, emotional issues like depression/anxiety, reproductive problems like erectile dysfunction or menstrual irregularities, or chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease, we encourage you to take action sooner rather than later. Come meet with our caring medical team for comprehensive testing, compassionate care, and personalized solutions tailored to YOUR unique health needs.
We pride ourselves on taking the time to truly listen, educate, and develop trusted relationships with our patients. We accept most major insurances and offer convenient online booking. The first step is often the most important one!