Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hormone That Semaglutide Mimics?
The hormone that Semaglutide mimics, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), is a hormone that causes vast effects on the regulation of blood sugar by stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Insulin is a hormone that promotes sugar uptake by the cells, stores sugar as glycogen, encourages the building of fat, and signals the body to build skeletal muscle. In addition, GLP-1 inhibits glucagon release (which slows down the release of sugar into the blood so that you burn more fat), slows down gastric emptying (makes you feel full), and lowers the desire for food intake (because you feel full).
Is Semaglutide a Type of Insulin?
No, Semaglutide is not a type of insulin nor a substitute for insulin. Semaglutide does, however, stimulate your pancreas to release insulin when glucose (sugar) is present. Since Semaglutide relies on your body’s own insulin to have this effect, Semaglutide isn’t used when your pancreas can’t make insulin, such as in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Is Semaglutide a Stimulant?
No, Semaglutide is not a stimulant. While other weight loss medications can have stimulating effects that help curb appetite, Semaglutide works differently. In addition to slowing gastric emptying to make you feel full for a longer period, GLP-1 also directly affects how your appetite is regulated.
How Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?
GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide help to control your blood sugar, but people taking them also tend to lose weight. GLP-1, the critical hormone involved, slows down how fast your stomach empties food (called gastric emptying). In addition to causing your pancreas to release insulin, Semaglutide also blocks a hormone that causes your liver to release sugar (glucagon). Together, these functions can help you feel less hungry, causing you to eat less food and lose more weight.
How Long Does it Take to Lose Weight on Semaglutide?
With Semaglutide, you will slowly work your way up to the target dose, at which time you will see the most weight loss. This was the case in the clinical trials, where participants had their dose adjusted until they reached 2.4 milligrams once weekly. In the phase 3 trial that measured outcomes at 20 weeks, most participants were able to reach the total dose and also lost weight as their dose was increased. They saw additional weight loss over the remaining 48 weeks at the full dose. It is important to remember that weight loss can take time, and you’ll see the best results when you are using your medication in combination with our dietary coaching to learn how to make healthy food choices. The ability to maintain your weight loss after you complete your course of treatment with medication will be dependent on your continuing to make healthy food choices. Sometimes the medicine may not work for you, or you may not be able to tolerate the total dose due to side effects.
How Long Should You Take Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
The FDA has not yet established a limit on the number of months a patient can take Semaglutide. However, studies used to obtain FDA approval for treatment use were 68 weeks in duration.
Is Semaglutide safe?
Yes, the Semaglutide injection is considered to be safe and effective when used as indicated. However, as with all medications, there are always risks to be considered. Semaglutide carries a warning about thyroid C-cell tumors occurring in rodents (with unknown risk to humans). Semaglutide should not be used if you or your family have a history of certain thyroid cancers. Semaglutide should not be used in people with type 1 diabetes or a history of pancreatitis. Semaglutide should be used cautiously in people on other blood sugar-lowering medications.
Any Foods or Medications to Avoid While on Semaglutide?
You will want to limit how much alcohol you ingest while using Semaglutide. Alcohol can have an effect on your blood sugar, and there is a risk that it may drop too low in combination with Semaglutide, especially if you are drinking on an empty stomach. Alcohol can also irritate your stomach, possibly adding to some of the potential side effects of the medication.
You will also want to exercise caution if taking oral medications. Semaglutide slows down gastric emptying, which can potentially impact the amount of oral medication your body absorbs. While trials haven’t shown this to be a significant issue with Semaglutide, you will want to ensure your healthcare provider is aware of any other medications you are taking before starting Semaglutide.
Is Semaglutide Covered By My Health Insurance?
No, Semaglutide is not covered by insurance for people who are not Type 2 diabetic. However, if you meet certain criteria, you can be prescribed this medication as part of our medical weight loss program under the supervision of our medical director, Dr. John White, Jr., a board-certified Obesity Medicine physician with many years’ experience safely treating obese and overweight patients. Semaglutide for weight loss in non-diabetics is a viable treatment option, but unfortunately, the Semaglutide weight loss price is an out-of-pocket expense in that case.
What are the Health Risks Associated With Semaglutide?
Like with any medication or treatment, there are a number of health risks associated with Semaglutide. Below, we have listed some of the more serious Semaglutide weight loss side effects:
- Pancreas Inflammation (Pancreatitis) – Stop using Semaglutide and call your healthcare provider immediately if you have severe pain in your stomach area that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.
- Gallbladder Problems –Semaglutide may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms such as pain in your upper stomach, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or clay-colored stools.
- Increased Risk of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) – The risk of low blood sugar is increased in patients with Type 2 diabetes, especially those who also take medicines for Type 2 diabetes such as sulfonylureas or insulin, while taking Semaglutide.
- Kidney Problems – For people with kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids, which may cause kidney problems to worsen. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
- Allergic Reactions – Stop using Semaglutide and get medical help immediately if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or rapid heartbeat.
- Changes in Vision – This potential side effect is most common in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Semaglutide.
- Increased Heart Rate – Semaglutide can increase your heart rate while you’re at rest. Tell your provider if you feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest and it lasts for several minutes.
- Depression or Suicidal Thoughts – You should pay attention to any mental changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or concern you.
