We use Semaglutide with our Lean Body program. Semaglutide is a GLP1 receptor agonist that works in multiple ways to support weight loss. It is one of the greatest breakthroughs in supporting patients in losing fat but it is not a magic bullet. Mindset, diet, exercise and stress management are necessary for long term success.
Some history about Semaglutide?
In June 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved semaglutide (Wegovy) injection (once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol), for use in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. This under-the-skin injection (subcutaneous) is the first approved drug for chronic weight management in adults with general obesity or overweight since 2014. The drug is indicated for chronic weight management in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater who have at least one weight-related ailment or in patients with a BMI of 30 or greater.
Originally used for diabetes and sold under the name Ozempic, a higher dose of the same drug was evaluated for weight loss. The results were dramatic, with the average individual losing 15(+) % of their body weight during the clinic trial.
Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake; it is a powerful appetite suppressant. It also works by increasing the production of insulin and appears to enhance growth of β cells in the pancreas, which are the sites of insulin production. Additionally, it inhibits glucagon, which is a hormone that increases blood sugar. It has been known to aid not only in weight loss, but helps to lower glucose levels in those who are pre-diabetic or who have type 2 diabetes.
- Delays stomach emptying, leading to a feeling of fullness and smaller meal size
- Works at the level of the brain to decrease cravings and regulate appetite
- Lowers blood sugars, in part by reducing the production of sugar in the liver
- Stimulates insulin secretion by the pancreas
- It is protective against heart attacks and strokes in Type 2 Diabetics
You are NOT a good candidate for semaglutide if you have any of the following: diabetic retinopathy, low blood sugar, decreased kidney function, pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer (or a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma), or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.
Here is some more information on our Lean Up Weight Loss Program.
It is absolutely necessary to adopt healthy lifestyle habits-healthy eating, adequate water intake, adequate sleep and exercise for the results to be long lasting. Resistance training to maintain muscle is very important. Our INBODY device is very important in monitoring changes in body composition ensuring you are losing fat, not muscle.
Because of the shortage in Wegovy and Ozempic, compounding pharmacies are able to compound Semaglutide. We use compounding pharmacies that compound Semaglutide base not the Semaglutide salts that you have likely heard negative reports about in the news.
Side effects of Semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gastric reflux and diarrhea. These side effects can increase with dosage increase. If you have a pre-existing GI issues ie IBS, we may speak with you about starting a gut healing program before starting Semaglutide. We have found that using a conservative dosage schedule helps our patients have success with minimal side effects. We also recommend some supplements to support gut health.
The program is a minimum of 4 months.
$250 – Review your history, take measurements, In Body Body Composition Analyzer is performed(value of $50). We discuss meal options and review the program. Your labs and history are reviewed by Dr. Kelley and we will let you know if you are a good candidate.
Once approved, we will schedule an appointment for us to review everything and teach you how to administer your semaglutide injections. Follow ups are every 2-4 weeks. Body Compositions are checked monthly in the office.
The monthly cost is $395 a month (4 weekly injections). You will have monthly in-office visits.
The cost for the monthly office visit is $75 and includes the INBODY body composition (valued at $50).In-office: 1 month of Lipo injections are $80 (2 injections)