Medically Monitored Weight Loss with Semaglutide: Our Program and a Comprehensive Guide to Frequently Asked Questions

Start your weight loss journey with Semaglutide today by booking an appointment with one of our expert providers. They're dedicated to helping you achieve your health and weight loss goals, and empower you to start a new chapter in your life!

 

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Our Semaglutide Medical Weight Loss Program

 

Our Semaglutide Medical Weight Loss Program is a comprehensive, personalized weight loss solution that includes consultation, medication, supplies, and ongoing monitoring with one of our expert healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective progress toward your goals.

Before the first administration of Semaglutide, our clients must undergo lab work to ensure that it is both safe and effective for them to use. We recognize that not all clinics require prior labwork before starting Semaglutide for weight loss. However, we believe in taking this important step for several reasons:

Comprehensive Assessment: Conducting labwork allows us to have a comprehensive understanding of your overall health. By analyzing various biomarkers, we can identify any underlying conditions or contradictions that may impact your weight loss journey.

Personalized Treatment: Every individual is unique, and their response to medication can vary. Labwork helps us personalize your treatment plan based on your specific needs, ensuring that the dosage and approach are tailored to maximize effectiveness.

Monitoring and Adjustments: Regular lab work throughout your weight loss journey enables us to closely monitor the impact of the treatment. If necessary, we can make timely adjustments to the dosage or treatment plan to optimize your results and ensure your safety.

Risk Minimization: Prior labwork allows us to identify any potential risks or adverse reactions associated with the treatment. By understanding your health profile, we can take proactive measures to minimize these risks and ensure the safest possible outcome for you.

By prioritizing labwork before starting our Semaglutide Medical Weight Loss Program, we demonstrate our commitment to your well-being and success. This thorough approach allows us to provide personalized care, closely monitor your progress, and minimize risks along your weight loss journey.

We take pride in going above and beyond to make sure you've made the right choice by choosing us. We're confident that our program will help you achieve your weight loss goals and we can't wait to see the amazing results you'll achieve.

The cost of our monthly Semaglutide Medical Weight Loss Program is $395, which includes consultation, medication, supplies, and ongoing monitoring with one of our expert healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective progress toward your goals. This fee will be auto-debited each month. Patients may cancel anytime before medication orders; otherwise, the patient is responsible for incurred costs. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We are excited to meet with you soon!

Semaglutide: Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Semaglutide and how does it help me lose weight?

Semaglutide injection is a medication used for weight management in adults who are overweight or obese and have at least one weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works by mimicking the effects of a natural hormone called GLP-1, which regulates appetite, food intake, and metabolism.

When Semaglutide is injected, it binds to the GLP-1 receptors in the brain, which reduces appetite and increases feelings of fullness. It also slows down the emptying of the stomach, which leads to a decrease in food intake and subsequent weight loss. 

Semaglutide injection was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m² or greater who have at least one weight-related condition, or in adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater. It is given once a week as a subcutaneous injection and is used in conjunction with diet and exercise.

The FDA approval was based on several clinical trials, including the STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) program, which involved over 16,000 adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition. The results showed that Semaglutide injection led to significant weight loss compared to placebo, and a greater proportion of patients achieved a clinically meaningful weight loss of 5% or more and 10% or more.

For example, in the STEP 1 trial, patients who received Semaglutide injections lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight compared to 2.4% in the placebo group. In the STEP 2 trial, patients who received Semaglutide injections lost an average of 9.6% of their body weight compared to 3.4% in the placebo group. The trials also showed improvements in other health outcomes such as blood pressure, glycemic control, and quality of life.

In summary, Semaglutide injection is a medication used for weight management in adults who are obese or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition. It works by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and slowing down stomach emptying. Its' FDA approval was based on several clinical trials that demonstrated significant weight loss and improvements in other health outcomes.

How do I take Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is administered as a subcutaneous injection once a week. Your doctor or healthcare provider will provide instructions on how to properly administer your Semaglutide injection and how to dispose of used products. It is important to follow these instructions carefully and to rotate injection sites to minimize the risk of injection site reactions.

How quickly does Semaglutide work for weight loss?

In clinical trials, people using Semaglutide for weight loss started seeing results within the first few weeks of usage. After 16 weeks of treatment, many people experienced significant weight loss, with some losing up to 15% of their body weight.

How much weight can you lose with Semaglutide?

The amount of weight that a person can lose with Semaglutide varies depending on factors such as diet and exercise habits, as well as individual differences in metabolism and biology. However, clinical trials have shown that people using Semaglutide can lose up to 15% of their body weight over a period of several months. It is important to note that weight loss results may vary and that Semaglutide should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

Is Semaglutide good for weight loss?

Semaglutide is considered an effective medication for weight loss because it helps to regulate blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, and increase feelings of fullness. In clinical trials, Semaglutide has been shown to be more effective than other weight loss medications and lifestyle interventions. However, like all medications, Semaglutide may not be suitable for everyone and should be used under the guidance of an America's Clinic healthcare professional.

Who should not take Semaglutide?

1. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or a type of cancer called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type-2 (MEN 2), as Semaglutide can increase the risk of developing MTC.

2. People with a history of pancreatitis, as Semaglutide can increase the risk of this condition.

3. People with a history of severe gastrointestinal disease, including gastroparesis or inflammatory bowel disease, as Semaglutide can cause gastrointestinal side effects.

4. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the safety of Semaglutide in these groups, has not been established.

5. People who are allergic to Semaglutide or any of its ingredients.

It is important to talk to an America's Clinic provider before starting treatment with Semaglutide for weight loss to determine if it is safe and appropriate for you. Our providers will evaluate your medical history, current medications, and any other health conditions to determine if Semaglutide is a suitable weight loss treatment for you.

What should I expect after my first Semaglutide injection?

After the first injection, some people may experience nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. These side effects are usually temporary and subside within a few days. After the initial adjustment period, Semaglutide is generally well-tolerated. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your health and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.

What happens if I miss a dose of Semaglutide?

If you miss a dose of Semaglutide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. It is important to take Semaglutide at the same time each week to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your body. If you miss multiple doses or have questions about missed doses, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.

What happens if I take too much Semaglutide?

Taking too much Semaglutide can lead to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which can cause symptoms such as shakiness, dizziness, confusion, and sweating. In severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness or seizures. If you suspect an overdose or experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor or healthcare provider can provide additional guidance on what to do in the event of an overdose.

Is it better to take Semaglutide in the morning or at night?

Semaglutide can be taken at any time of day, but it is recommended to take it at the same time each week for consistency. Some people prefer to take Semaglutide in the morning, while others find it more convenient to take it in the evening. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take Semaglutide as prescribed to ensure its effectiveness and minimize the risk of side effects.

What are Semaglutide's side effects?

Common side effects of Semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Some people may also experience low blood sugar levels, pancreatitis, or allergic reactions. If you experience any side effects while taking Semaglutide, contact your doctor or healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on how to manage these side effects and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

What should I avoid while taking Semaglutide?

While taking Semaglutide, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol and using other medications that can lower blood sugar levels, as this can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Additionally, high-fat meals may decrease the effectiveness of Semaglutide, so it is important to follow a healthy and balanced diet as recommended by your provider.

Are there certain medications that are contraindicated or not recommended to be used with Semaglutide?

There are 247 drugs known to interact with Semaglutide, so it is vital to inform your America's Clinic provider about all medications you are taking before starting Semaglutide. Doing so can help prevent adverse events and potential drug interactions. 

Can I use my insurance to cover the appointment and medication costs?

At America's Clinic, we do not accept insurance in order to provide our patients with the highest quality care, without being beholden to insurance company regulations, policies, financial incentives, and penalties.  We believe that high-quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone, which is why we offer competitive pricing and membership options to all of our patients. By not accepting insurance, we have been able to negotiate directly with our pharmacy partners to offer affordable prices on all medications, which can be conveniently shipped directly to your doorstep.

To further explain: Insurance companies regulate healthcare providers by establishing contracts with them that outline the terms and conditions of how they will provide care. These contracts typically include guidelines that healthcare providers must follow in order to receive payment for their services. Insurance companies may also use financial incentives to encourage doctors to prescribe certain medications or treatments based on several factors. Additionally, they may also use financial penalties to discourage doctors from prescribing certain medications or treatments. 

We hope that clarifies why we feel that these financial incentives and penalties would compromise our provider's ability to provide the best possible care to our patients based on their individual needs.

If you would like to seek reimbursement from your insurance company, you can find the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code(s) on your discharge summary, which will be available on your CharmEHR patient portal after your appointment. Please note that we do not file insurance claims or provide any assistance in this regard.