Semaglutide - Renew Wellness

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is an injectable medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps the body produce more insulin when needed and decreases the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream after a meal.

Semaglutide was approved by the FDA in 2017 under the brand name Ozempic and is also available as a lower dose under the name Rybelsus. Some key points about this medication:

• Semaglutide is taken once weekly by injection. The pre-filled, disposable pen makes injection simple.
• It lowers A1c, a measure of blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. The average A1c reduction is 1.5%.
• Unlike many other diabetes medications, semaglutide causes weight loss for most people. Average loss is 10-15 pounds.
• Semaglutide has a robust safety profile. The most common side effects are temporary GI issues like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Because of its weight loss effects, semaglutide is sometimes prescribed "off-label" for chronic weight management. When used specifically for weight loss rather than diabetes, it is called Wegovy.

Mechanism of Action

Semaglutide improves blood sugar control and supports weight loss by:

• Stimulating the release of more insulin when blood sugar is high, lowering blood glucose.
• Suppressing glucagon, slowing glucose production by the liver, which also lowers blood glucose.
• Delaying stomach emptying so food energy is absorbed slower.
• Acting on appetite-regulating pathways in the brain, leading to increased satiety and decreased food intake.

This combination of effects makes semaglutide highly effective for managing diabetes and obesity.

Efficacy of Semaglutide

Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of semaglutide across a range of outcomes:

• In a 2-year study of semaglutide vs placebo in overweight/obese adults, average weight loss with semaglutide was 17% compared to 2.4% with placebo. Nearly 70% of semaglutide patients lost >10% body weight.
• In a trial of semaglutide vs placebo added to metformin, semaglutide patients had an average 1.5 percentage point greater A1c reduction. They also lost 6.5% body weight on average compared to placebo gaining 1.2%.
• Cardiovascular outcomes trials found semaglutide decreases risk of stroke, heart attack and cardiovascular death by 26-51% compared to placebo.

This data shows that semaglutide is highly effective for blood sugar control, weight loss, and protecting heart health.

Who is a Candidate for Semaglutide?

Semaglutide may be an option if you:

• Have type 2 diabetes and struggle to control blood sugar with lifestyle changes or other medications
• Need to lose a significant amount of weight for health reasons
• Have cardiovascular disease and want to reduce future heart risks

Specifically, semaglutide is approved for adults with:

• Type 2 diabetes with A1c ≥7% on one or more other diabetes medications
• BMI ≥30 kg/m^2 (obesity) OR ≥27 kg/m^2 with at least one weight-related health problem

Talk to your doctor if you think you may benefit. They will check lab work and medical history to see if semaglutide is appropriate.

Getting Started with Semaglutide

Starting semaglutide therapy is straightforward. But there are some key steps to be aware of when beginning:

Choosing a Dosage Strength

Semaglutide comes in two doses:

• 0.25 mg - Lower dose, less side effects
• 1.0 mg - Higher dose, greater A1c and weight reduction

Most patients start at 0.25 mg once weekly for at least 4 weeks. This allows the body to adjust and minimizes nausea and other GI side effects. The dose can then be increased to 1.0 mg for more efficacy.

Patients who don't tolerate the 1.0 mg dose can be maintained on 0.25 or 0.5 mg long-term. Lower doses still provide blood sugar improvement and some degree of weight loss.

Injection Training

Semaglutide is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) of stomach, thigh or upper arm using a pre-filled pen device. The injection takes just 10-15 seconds.

Many clinics will provide injection training to show proper technique:

1. Prepare injection site with alcohol wipe
2. Insert needle subcutaneously at 45° angle
3. Hold pen steady and press injection button (no need to count seconds)
4. Hold pen 5 sec then withdraw needle
5. Discard pen

After a few injections, most patients find the process quick, easy and nearly painless.

Timing and Storage

Key points regarding semaglutide injection regimen:

• Take once weekly on the same day each week
• Best day/time is patient preference but be consistent
• If a dose is missed, take as soon as possible then resume regular schedule
• Store unopened pens in refrigerator; after first use store at room temperature

Establish a routine day/time for the weekly injection to help promote compliance. Take shortly before or after a meal to minimize any GI side effects.

Lifestyle Recommendations

To get the most out of semaglutide treatment:

• Increase physical activity as able – aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
• Follow a low-glycemic diet high in vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains
• Drink water before meals and stay well hydrated daily
• Get enough high quality sleep and find ways to manage stress levels

Following these healthy lifestyle habits will complement semaglutide's effects. Working with a registered dietician or personal trainer can provide extra support.

What to Expect with Semaglutide

When starting semaglutide, most notice:

Gradual Appetite Suppression

• Week 1 - Little/no change in hunger or fullness
• Week 4 - Some decrease in appetite and food intake
• Week 12 - Moderate to severe appetite suppression and high satiety with smaller meal portions

The onset is gradual which allows the body to adjust. But semaglutide's effects on the appetite-regulation pathways lead to eating less without conscious effort or hunger pangs for most patients.

Weight Loss Pattern

• Weeks 0-16 - Most rapid weight loss phase (~1.5 pounds per week)
• Weeks 16-40 - Gradual progression toward maximal weight loss (~1 pound every 2 weeks)
• Week 40 - Weight plateau/maintenance

Every patient's response is unique, but this general pattern is commonly seen – rapid improvement followed by a more gradual taper. Weight loss amount also depends on the dosage strength.

Blood Sugar Reduction

• A1c drops quickly after starting, often showing 1% improvement in the first 3 months
• Lower fasting and post-meal glucose levels
• Decreased glycemic variability with fewer blood sugar spikes

As semaglutide improves insulin secretion and reduces glucagon output, blood sugar becomes easier to control through diet and lifestyle alone. Many patients reduce diabetes medications or discontinue altogether.

Heart and Vascular Changes

Beyond glucose and weight control, semaglutide also provides cardiovascular benefits:

• Lowers LDL "bad" cholesterol 10-15%
• Raises HDL "good" cholesterol 5-10%
• Slows atherosclerosis disease progression
• Improves endothelial function and blood flow

For patients with obesity, diabetes or heart disease, this vascular protective effect is extremely valuable and further reduces future health risks.

Side Effects and Safety

Semaglutide is generally very safe and well-tolerated, but some temporary side effects are common when first starting, especially:

GI Symptoms

• Nausea - Most frequent side effect occurring in up to 40% of patients
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Indigestion/heartburn

GI issues typically resolve within 4-8 weeks as the body adjusts. If prolonged or severe, anti-nausea medication can provide relief. Start with the lower 0.25 mg dose and ramp up slowly. Injecting at night or before sleep may also help.

Other Potential Side Effects

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Gas/bloating
• Increased heart rate
• Background retinopathy risk in diabetics

Be sure to stay hydrated and notify your doctor about any severe, persistent or concerning symptoms. Monitor blood sugar closely after starting, as improved glucose control can raise hypoglycemia risk in some cases.

Overall, semaglutide is very well-tolerated considering its powerful effects. With proper precautions, side effects remain mild and temporary for nearly all patients.

Expertise and Quality Care

As a top-rated Renew Wellness, we specialize in innovative diabetes and hormone therapies, including semaglutide. With a patient-first approach, our goal is to provide safe, effective treatment tailored to your unique health needs.

Why Choose Renew Wellness?

• Industry-Leading Protocols - Our semaglutide program follows strict safety guidelines and is overseen by specialized physicians.
• Precision Testing - We utilize advanced diagnostics to evaluate hormone balance, biomarkers, and genetics.
• Evidence-Based Care - Treatment plans driven by published research and real-world patient data.
• Compliance Support - We offer guidance to help you properly administer medication, manage side effects, and stay on track.
• Holistic View - Looking beyond lab tests, we craft lifestyle recommendations to complement pharmacology.

Meet Our Medical Team

Our clinic is directed under the expertise of Dr. David Smith, a board-certified hormone therapy specialist with over 15 years of experience. He leads a team of nurses, patient care coordinators, and consulting practitioners who work collaboratively to deliver personalized treatment.

We also partner with exercise physiologists, mental health providers, and registered dieticians to address all aspects of patient health. Every Renew Wellness staff member is highly qualified, compassionate, and dedicated to improving lives.

Share Your Experience

Has semaglutide impacted your health or quality of life? Share your story to motivate others.

Patient A: "I've lost over 50 pounds thanks to semaglutide treatment from Renew Wellness. My A1c dropped from 10% to under 7% as well. I have much more energy for family activities and finally feel hopeful about managing my diabetes long-term."

Patient B: "As someone who struggled with yo-yo dieting for years, semaglutide completely changed my relationship with food and cravings. Combined with guidance from an amazing dietitian, I've kept off 30 pounds and feel better in my 50s than I did in my 30s. My only regret is not starting treatment sooner."

Conclusion

Semaglutide is a highly effective medication for managing type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related health conditions. With its unique mechanism of action, semaglutide provides excellent blood sugar control, significant weight loss, and cardiovascular benefits. While some temporary side effects are common initially, semaglutide is generally well-tolerated and has a robust safety profile.

At Renew Wellness, we are committed to providing comprehensive, personalized care for our semaglutide patients. Our team of experts will guide you through the treatment process, offering support and lifestyle recommendations to maximize your results. If you are struggling with diabetes, obesity, or related health issues, consider exploring semaglutide as a potential solution. Contact us today to learn more about how our semaglutide program can help you achieve your health goals.