Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, as well as promote weight loss in adults struggling with obesity or who are overweight. It works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake.
When taken regularly, semaglutide has been shown to:
For many, adding weekly semaglutide injections leads to steady, consistent weight loss over time along with better blood sugar control. This makes it an excellent addition to a comprehensive weight management plan.
Some of the key benefits associated with semaglutide treatment include:
- Most people lose between 5-15% of their body weight over 6-12 months - Helps stimulate weight loss no matter what is eaten during treatment - Leads to both fat and weight loss around the stomach area
- Lowers HbA1c levels in those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes - Can help reduce or eliminate the need diabetes medications - Helps the body better utilize and control blood sugar spikes after meals
- Typically leads to more energy and less fatigue daily - May help improve mood, sleep quality, self-confidence, and motivation - Fosters an improved sense of health and wellbeing
- Lowers blood pressure, cholesterol levels, inflammation - Can help reduce other cardiovascular disease risk factors - May support better heart health long-term
Semaglutide helps with blood sugar control and weight loss through its impacts on appetite regulation, slowed stomach emptying, and better insulin utilization.
- Activates areas of the brain involved with feelings of fullness and satisfaction after eating - Helps resist cravings and the urge to overeat - Leads to eating smaller portions naturally without constant hunger or deprivation
- Keeps food in the stomach longer so it takes longer digest - Contributes to prolonged feelings of fullness between meals - Results in better blood sugar control after eating
- Makes the body more sensitive to insulin - Helps insulin work more efficiently to lower blood sugar - Can lower or eliminate the need for other diabetes medications
By influencing these processes, semaglutide empowers the body to better control appetite and blood sugar balance leading to steady weight loss and reduced diabetes progression.
Semaglutide has been approved for use in adult patients who meet the following criteria:
Semaglutide is not approved for use in those under 18 years old or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If unsure if semaglutide is right for your health history and goals, consult with one of our experienced medical providers for personalized guidance.
Semaglutide is a new type of injectable diabetes medication that not only helps lower blood sugar levels, but has also been shown in studies to promote modest weight loss in many patients. This additional benefit is thought to occur due to semaglutide's ability to suppress appetite through its effects on areas of the brain involved in feelings of hunger and fullness.
Taking semaglutide requires giving yourself a short weekly injection with an preloaded autoinjector pen similar to an insulin pen. The general protocol is:
The injection site should be rotated weekly between areas of the thighs, arms, abdomen, or buttocks to allow each area time to heal between injections.
Many find the autoinjector pens quick and nearly painless. For more detailed step-by-step instructions, ask your Hormone Harmony Clinic provider or pharmacist.
Semaglutide takes time to start working so progress happens slowly. Most notice the effects picking up after about 12-16 weeks of consistent treatment.
Some common responses in the first weeks include:
- Interest in food and eating decreases noticeably - Feel satisfied with substantially less food than usual - Naturally begin creating a calorie deficit
- About 70% experience temporary nausea, vomiting, diarrhea - These tend to resolve as your body adjusts - typically within 4-8 weeks
- Most lose about 1-2 lbs per week consistently - Leads to about 10% total weight loss in 6 months - Helps motivation to stick with healthy changes long-term
Be sure to communicate with your Hormone Harmony Clinic provider about any questions or concerns during your first months on semaglutide as they can offer tips for managing temporary side effects.
While semaglutide helps influence appetite and cravings, also focus on making lifestyle adjustments to work synergistically with treatment.
- Focus meals around lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, legumes - Stay hydrated by emphasizing water, herbal tea, seltzer - Limit empty calorie foods - sweets, fried foods, sugary drinks
- Aim for 150 minutes a week minimum - walking, weights, yoga - Focus on finding workouts you enjoy and will stick with - Strength train 2-3 days a week to boost metabolism
- Make time for stress management - meditation, counseling, nature - Reach out for help when feeling discouraged or overwhelmed - Foster community connections for motivation and accountability
Small daily choices to nourish the mind and body builds on progress made with semaglutide. Our medical team can offer guidance to help optimize your self-care routine.
Take advantage of community resources in Middletown conducive for healthy practices while on semaglutide treatment:
- OrangeTheory Fitness: Emphasizes high intensity interval training workouts in supportive group environment - CorePower Yoga: Hot yoga in relaxing atmosphere to build strength. New student discounts available
- Peaceful Mind Counseling Center: Individual and group counseling for stress management and emotional health
- Greens & Grains: Fast casual eatery with many vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free options - Nature's Way Market: Grocery and cafe selling organic produce and premade meals ideal for special diets
Hormone Harmony Clinic partners with establishments invested in community education and empowerment around health, nutrition, and lifestyle balance.
Choosing where to access medical weight loss services like semaglutide is an important decision. Hormone Harmony Clinic strives to provide:
- Thorough health evaluation, labs tests, body analysis upon starting - Individualized treatment plans based on health factors and goals with ongoing support - Appointment reminders and check-ins between visits
- Medications prescribed onsite and delivered to your home - Flexible morning and evening appointment times - Virtual video visits options for check-ins
- Nutrition counseling and meal planning education - Connections to fitness studios, weight loss support groups - Referrals to therapy, sleep resources, specialty care if needed
We are invested in your progress each step so contact us today to learn more or schedule a new patient consultation.
