Medically Managed weight loss program

Despite the fact that diet and exercise are the most accepted and recommended options to lose weight, in cases of difficulties with the other techniques or of medical conditions, pharmacotherpy is a great option for weight loss in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. 

Semaglutide is an injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist which increases insulin secretion, but at higher doses, acts on centers in the brain the control hunger and appetite. It’s given as a once weekly injection for obesity and can reduce body fat by up to 15%! 

GLP-1 is an incretin hormone that plays a role in your appetite and digestion. Incretins are hormones released by your small intestine and sent out by your body after you’ve eaten a meal. With increasing GLP-1 in the body, it will help to lower your blood sugar by triggering insulin and blocking other sources of sugar. This makes your body more insulin sensitive and more efficient in using glucose for energy. Since the level of glucose in your blood stream is decreased, it’s not being taken to the liver where its converted into fat. With glucose being our bodies preferred source of energy, when there is less of it, fat cells will be used instead, thus, inducing fat loss. 

It also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach (called gastric emptying). The result of these actions causes you to feel full — lowering your appetite, reducing cravings, and causing you to lose weight. 

Semaglutide is suitable to use for weight loss if you meet one of the following:

• BMI >30 or greater (Obese)
• Have a BMI >27 with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, or high cholesterol

Avoid Semaglutide if you have:

• History of medullary thyroid cancer
• History of gallbladder disease
• History of pancreatitis
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Normal BMI as it can lead to excessive weight loss and potential eating disorders

Common side effects of Semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, headache, and injection site reactions. The side effects are typically mild and can be reduced by beginning on a lower dose and then slowly increasing the amount you take. 

While taking semaglutide, some people begin to see results within the first eight weeks, but most begin to see results within 12 weeks.

 This program is intended for those who are considered obese (BMI >30 ) or overweight  (BMI >27) with at least one weight-related comorbidity like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol.

A consultation with the Nurse Practitioner is required. After a medical evaluation is completed and you’re deemed appropriate to continue, you will choose one of the three tier options listed below.