When diet & Exercise aren’t cutting it…
Weight-loss can be challenging and frustrating. Medication assisted weight loss can help you reach your weight goals and get you back on track to living a healthy, long life. Living in Hawaii can be inspiring for those wanting to be outside and active. However sometimes even diet and exercise are not enough to help you shed those extra pounds. Weight-loss requires a multimodal approach, considering all the potential reasons for weight gain; genetics, health conditions, slow metabolism, financial constraints, work-life balance, exercise and eating habits, etc.
Semaglutide has been a very popular drug that is used for treating type II diabetes but has been proven to help weight loss and is now approved by the FDA for that purpose. The medication is administered via subcutaneous injection and works by suppressing appetite and regulating the body's blood sugar levels. While semaglutide has shown promising results in clinical trials, there are also potential risks and side effects that should be considered.
This is a medication intended for those with elevated BMIs above 27 and those who don’t have contraindications to semaglutide.
Benefits of Semaglutide for Weight Loss:
Semaglutide has been shown to help individuals lose a significant amount of weight. In clinical trials, patients taking semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight.
The medication can help to regulate blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes or other blood sugar disorders.
Semaglutide can improve certain cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Risks and Side Effects of Semaglutide for Weight Loss:
Like all medications, semaglutide can cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
There is some concern that semaglutide may increase the risk of thyroid cancer with positive family history of medially thyroid carcinoma, although this has not been definitively proven.
There is also some concern for gallstones and pancreatitis while taking semaglutide, and the risk is higher if you have had a history of these diseases.
The long-term effects of semaglutide for weight loss are not yet known, and there may be risks associated with taking the medication for an extended period of time.
In conclusion, semaglutide can be an effective option for weight loss and can also improve certain cardiovascular risk factors. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and side effects before beginning treatment. Individuals interested in taking this drug for weight-loss should see a provider experienced in prescribing the drug. You should always have labs drawn prior to initiating the medication, and your provider should regularly monitor you. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if semaglutide is a safe and appropriate treatment option for your specific health needs.
Other weight loss options:
Again, weight loss medication can be an effective tool for individuals struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. However, it's important to note that weight loss medications should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, and should only be taken under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Here are some of the most common and effective weight loss medications available:
Orlistat: Orlistat is a medication that works by blocking the absorption of fat in the digestive system. This can help to reduce calorie intake and promote weight loss. Orlistat is available over-the-counter as Alli or by prescription as Xenical.
Phentermine: Phentermine is a prescription medication that works as an appetite suppressant. It is used for short-term weight loss and is typically prescribed for individuals with a BMI over 30 or with a BMI over 27 with weight-related health conditions.
Liraglutide: Liraglutide is a medication originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes that has been approved by the FDA for use in weight loss. It works by suppressing appetite and regulating the body's blood sugar levels.
Naltrexone-Bupropion: This medication is a combination of two drugs that work together to suppress appetite and reduce food cravings. It is approved for use in individuals with a BMI over 30 or with a BMI over 27 with weight-related health conditions.
Metformin: Metformin is a medication that is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It can also be used for weight loss in individuals with insulin resistance or pre-diabetes.
While weight loss medications can be effective in helping individuals achieve their weight loss goals, it's important to remember that they are not a magic solution. They should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. Additionally, it's important to carefully consider the potential risks and side effects of each medication before beginning treatment, and to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine which medication is right for your individual needs.
This information is not to be used as professional medical advice and is strictly for education purposes.
