Semaglutide is a revolutionary medication that is transforming weight loss treatment. As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, semaglutide helps people achieve significant and sustained weight loss through its unique mechanisms of action. This comprehensive guide from the Renew Medical Clinic in Bloomingdale, Illinois, will cover all the key information you need to know about using semaglutide for weight loss.
Semaglutide (branded as Wegovy) was initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes but has shown remarkable effectiveness as a weight loss medication. In 2021, it became the first GLP-1 drug to be approved by the FDA specifically for chronic weight management.
Semaglutide promotes weight loss by:
In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide lost an average of 12-15% of their body weight over 16 months. Importantly, research shows that most people continue to keep the weight off after stopping treatment.
Semaglutide has been approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition. Such conditions include:
It offers hope for those who have struggled to lose weight through diet and lifestyle changes alone. Semaglutide is appropriate for both men and women.
Individuals with past bariatric surgery may also benefit from adding semaglutide to help enhance and maintain weight loss results.
Those with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease should avoid this medication. For a full list of precautions and side effect risks, consult a medical provider.
At Renew Medical Clinic in Bloomingdale, Illinois, we specialize in supervised weight loss protocols centered around semaglutide. With our integrative care model, we ensure treatment is tailored to your unique health status, needs, and goals. This includes:
Our goal is to help you not only lose weight but also keep it off long-term and enjoy sustainable improvements in your health and well-being.
If you decide to pursue semaglutide for weight loss after an initial consultation, here is an overview of what you can expect:
We begin treatment with a low dose of semaglutide injection solution and steadily increase it over 5-8 weeks. This helps minimize temporary gastrointestinal side effects as your body adjusts.
Starting dose: 0.25 mg weekly Target maintenance dose: 1-2 mg weekly
The medication comes in a prefilled pen device designed for self-injection under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or arm.
Most patients take semaglutide for 6 months up to 2 years, depending on the amount of weight loss achieved and treatment goals.
Maintenance past 1 year is only recommended if you have lost over 5% of your body weight with the medication. Its effects last around 5 months after stopping.
You will meet with your Renew Medical Clinic provider approximately every 4 weeks during the initiation period, then once your weight has stabilized, visits can be extended to every 3 months.
At follow-ups, we will:
With this level of support, most members meet or exceed their target weight loss goals!
In large clinical trials, semaglutide has been shown to deliver weight loss results unmatched by any other medication:
Several factors influence individual response:
With the right supporting lifestyle measures, many people lose 20, 30, or even 50 pounds over a treatment period of 1-2 years.
This table compares semaglutide to other common medications in terms of average percentage reduction in body weight over 40-56 weeks:
| Medication | Average Weight Loss |
|---|---|
| Semaglutide 1mg | 15% |
| Liraglutide 3mg | 5-10% |
| Orlistat | 3% |
| Phentermine topiramate ER | 8-10% |
As you can see, semaglutide is far more effective for significant, sustained weight loss.
The weight loss effects of semaglutide deliver some excellent secondary health benefits:
For those struggling with health issues worsened by obesity, getting down to a healthy BMI can be life-changing.
While semaglutide handles the biological drivers of weight regulation, lifestyle measures amplify its effects:
We advise eating a balanced, low glycemic diet in controlled portions. This assists the drug's mechanisms:
Our nutrition experts tailor meal plans to client preferences using whole foods. We offer recipes, shopping lists, cooking tips, and more!
Adding regular activity accelerates fat burning and metabolism. We recommend:
An exercise prescription is provided based on your fitness level.
We help you identify and address unhealthy habits sabotaging weight loss using various techniques:
Lifestyle coaching is essential for long-term success.
At Renew Medical Clinic, we also screen for and address other underlying issues that can undermine weight loss results and health if left untreated.
Obesity often coexists with deficiencies in key hormones like:
We thoroughly test levels and provide hormone therapy if clinically appropriate.
Poor sleep decreases leptin and glucose tolerance, undermining weight regulation and insulin sensitivity.
If sleep apnea or insomnia is detected, targeted treatment helps restore metabolic and cognitive function.
Conditions like depression and anxiety are strongly associated with excess weight. We incorporate counseling and medical support as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Detecting and addressing these problems in tandem with semaglutide enhances outcomes.
Our clinic founder, Dr. Emily Thompson, is a board-certified Obesity Medicine specialist who has helped hundreds of patients lose weight.
She leads a talented team including nurses, nutrition experts, health coaches, and psychologists. We provide:
Schedule a risk-free meet and greet to learn more about our semaglutide program!
At Renew Medical Clinic, we encourage you to schedule a risk-free consultation to learn how our proven medical weight loss programs with semaglutide can help you finally reach your goals and transform your health.
Semaglutide is a groundbreaking medication that offers a safe and effective solution for sustainable weight loss and improved health. At Renew Medical Clinic, we provide comprehensive support and personalized care to ensure you achieve the best possible results with this innovative treatment. Our integrative approach addresses not only weight management but also other underlying factors that can impact your overall well-being. With our expertise and commitment to your success, you can embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
