Semaglutide (Ozempic®) - the game changer in sustained weight loss
Have you been struggling with weight loss?
Afraid of taking stimulant drugs for weight loss?
Are typical weight loss drugs contraindicated for you?
Do you have prediabetes?
Are you considering bariatric surgery?
Do you have high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, there is a solution for you - semaglutide.
Semaglutide is a member of a class of drugs that have been used for diabetes management for over a decade - GLP1-RAs (glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists). The weight loss effects of these agents has been known for some time, however, semaglutide appears to be the "best-in-class" GLP-1 RA for weight loss and was recently approved for weight loss by the FDA under the brand name Wegovy®. Semaglutide, Ozempic®, and Wegovy® are all the same drug with different names.
How well does semaglutide work?
Low-dose semaglutide (1.0mg) once-weekly resulted in an average 11 pound weight loss in 12 weeks.
A recent 20-week, phase II trial investigated the effects of subcutaneous administration of semaglutide 2.4 mg on gastric emptying, appetite, and energy intake in patients. Patients receiving semaglutide 2.4 mg in this trial lost 9.9% of their bodyweight, compared with 0.4% in those receiving placebo.
High-dose (2.4mg) Semaglutide has been studied in non-diabetic patients suffering from obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine's publication of the STEP trial revealed more than 50 percent of trial participants lost 15 percent of their body weight, and between 33 to 40 percent are losing 20 percent of their body weight. This number is superior to the current best weight loss agent (phentermine plus topiramate; approximately 10% body weight loss in a year).
How does semaglutide work?
Semaglutide mimics the effect of "feeling full" resulting in a decreased caloric intake. While semaglutide will delay gastric emptying and this delay can reduce appetite, improve control of eating, and reduce food cravings, I believe that semaglutide primarily works in the brain to increase satiety (feeling full).
How is semaglutide administered?
Currently, we are only offering semaglutide as a once or twice weekly subcutaneous injection. While some of you may be afraid of injections, these are actually quite straightforward injections with a VERY SMALL needle into the abdominal area (like insulin injections). There are big advantages to the once-weekly dosing - you don’t have to remember your medications and the semaglutide is working 24/7 suppressing your appetite without the stimulant effects of typical weight loss medication.
Does semaglutide have side effects?
Most common side effects are: nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, gas, and heartburn. These are quite manageable by proper dosing and some overlap with the intended effect of "feeling full".
Am you a candidate for semaglutide?
There are only two qualifications for semaglutide:
A BMI over 30 and no weight-related complications
A BMI over 27 with weight-related complications
You can check your BMI online but a BMI of 27 corresponds to about 180 lbs in a 5'8" person and a BMI of 30 corresponds to 200 lbs in a 5'8" person. If your BMI does not quite meet those numbers, you may still qualify if your body composition determined in the office shows excess fat.
Is there anyone who can't take semaglutide?
There are rare situations where semaglutide is contraindicated. Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Patients with type 1 diabetes and/or a history of pancreatitis are also not eligible for semaglutide.
Does insurance cover semaglutide?
Generally not. If you have an Health Savings Account or Flex Benefits Card, in most cases you will be able to use that for some or all of the Semaglutide Weight Loss Program.
About Dr Edman's Weight Loss Programs:
Dr Edman has been practicing weight loss for over a decade. The core features of the programs are:
Medication (semaglutide, phentermine, topiramate)
Diet - a low carb diet optimized for weight loss
Accountability - monthly weigh-ins and half hour sessions with Dr Edman
The monthly weigh-ins are probably the most crucial component of the program. Any weight loss program will work better with accountability.