Diet and exercise can only take a person so far when it comes to losing weight, and surgical procedures like liposuction are not advised for weight loss. You may feel that you have exhausted all your options trying to achieve your weight loss goals.
At Deigni Plastic Surgery, we understand how difficult it can be to lose stubborn body fat. If you choose to undergo surgery before reaching your target weight, you may be dissatisfied with the results and may need a revision if you lose a significant amount of weight post-procedure.
Our Med Spa offers semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and one of the newest weight loss medications on the market. To learn more about how this injectable medication has revolutionized the weight loss industry, consult our talented plastic surgeon about semaglutide for weight loss in Houston.
Semaglutide was originally developed to treat type II diabetes. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, meaning it produces similar effects to the GLP-1 hormone naturally produced by your body.
GLP-1 is released in response to eating, prompting your body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood sugar. In higher amounts, GLP-1 interacts with specific brain areas to suppress your appetite and signal that you are full, while slowing stomach emptying to prolong the feeling of satiation. These effects contribute to weight loss.
While semaglutide is often used for weight loss in Houston, it has several other bodily effects, including supporting lipolysis (fat breakdown) and reducing cravings. Additionally, recent studies have shown that it can lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death if you have diabetes, heart conditions, or blood vessel disease.
Obesity is a chronic condition for many people, but it can be managed with proper care. Finding the right balance of food, exercise, and hormones can assist with weight loss and weight maintenance. For additional support, medications like semaglutide can help.
In 2021, semaglutide received FDA approval for use as a weight loss aid. Most insurance plans cover semaglutide for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. However, if you have a BMI of 28 and have a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, you may qualify for coverage. Insurance companies in Houston may expect you to try consistent diet and exercise prior to using semaglutide for weight loss. Be sure to check your insurance for any specific requirements before starting semaglutide to ensure maximum coverage.
Weight loss results from taking semaglutide will vary, but studies have shown that people experience an average loss of 6 percent of their body weight by 12 weeks and 12 percent by 28 weeks. In one particular study, half of the participants lost 15 percent of their starting weight, with nearly one-third losing 20 percent after 68 weeks. It is important to remember that these individuals, like you, had already committed to a healthy diet and exercise regime before seeking additional support.
Once you reach your goal weight, you can either decide to decrease your dosage to a maintenance level or consider discontinuing the medication entirely. If you reduce the dose and it leads to weight gain, you can maintain a specific dose for as long as needed. Some patients may choose to continue the treatment long-term, especially if they are more susceptible to strokes or heart attacks.
When used for weight loss, semaglutide is administered as a weekly injectable medication. If you choose to take Wegovy, their auto-inject pen prevents you from seeing the needle. For compounded forms of semaglutide, you will need to learn how to give yourself subcutaneous (subQ) injections. Fortunately, both forms use very fine needles and carry a small dosage, making the process relatively quick and painless. There is also an oral version of semaglutide, Rybelsus, but its weight loss benefits are less studied.
Semaglutide requires you to adhere to a calorie-controlled diet. Many patients seek the help of a dietician to help them stay on track. You are also expected to maintain a consistent exercise regime. If you do not know how to set up an exercise plan or struggle to stick to it, working with a personal trainer can help you hold yourself accountable.
Semaglutide is generally safe for most healthy individuals. If you have significant health problems beyond obesity, you may need to confirm with your primary healthcare provider that it is safe for you to take. We will also screen you for conditions that may make semaglutide unsafe for you, such as various endocrine problems.
You may experience some side effects when taking semaglutide. Common side effects include gastrointestinal problems such as:
Patients can also experience headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. However, with consistent use, these side effects can improve over time, or you may learn how to manage them. Although it is possible to notice drops in blood sugar, blood sugar monitoring is rarely necessary unless you are diabetic.
You will start at 0.25 mg once a week for four weeks, increasing as needed every four weeks. Gradually increasing the dose allows your body to adjust to the new dosage with fewer side effects. Most patients do not receive more than 2.4 mg a week.
Dr. Deigni can review your weight loss goals and develop a comprehensive semaglutide treatment plan for weight loss in Houston.
If you are struggling to lose weight through dieting and exercise alone, semaglutide may be the solution for you. It has helped millions of people lose weight and achieve their ideal figure. Call (281) 724-3138 today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Deigni to discuss semaglutide for weight loss in Houston.
