I Need to Lose Weight: Is Semaglutide My Answer?

Some good news just hit the United States. For the first time in a decade, obesity rates among American adults dropped. Some people are chalking that up to a transformative treatment that’s been making a lot of waves: Ozempic®. 

Plenty of celebrities have come forward saying they’ve taken this or another similar weight loss drug. As this option becomes increasingly popular among the US population — with an estimated one in eight people trying it — it could be credited with the shrinking rate of American obesity.

Does this have your wheels turning? If you’re curious to explore this way to lose weight, talk with Elaine Phuah, DO, MBA, FACOI, and our team at Hanami Medspa in Fort Worth, Texas. We offer treatment with semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and other similar drugs. But that’s not all. With our medical weight loss program, we tailor treatment to you, your body, and your health goals. 

To help you understand if semaglutide is right for you, it’s first helpful to examine how it triggers weight loss. 

Understanding how semaglutide works

Wrapping your head around semaglutide starts with understanding what it’s meant to mimic. 

After you eat, your body releases a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in your gut. This stimulates insulin production in your body as your blood sugar rises after eating. It also slows food’s movement through your digestive system and makes you want to stop eating more. 

Semaglutide is part of a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). When injected, GLP-1 RAs function like your naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. 

Because it stimulates insulin production, Ozempic is an effective diabetes medication. In fact, it was first introduced to help people with diabetes. 

However, because GLP-1 RAs, like semaglutide, mimic the GLP-1 hormone, they also impact your appetite. They slow food down as it moves through your system, so they can help you feel full faster and stay fuller longer. In other words, semaglutide can be a huge help in appetite control and, consequently, in weight loss. 

Deciding if this weight loss treatment is right for you

While semaglutide injections can be extremely effective for weight loss, it’s essential to work with a medical professional to explore this treatment. For starters, you want to ensure this option is safe. If you’ve had pancreatitis or you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, for example, GLP-1 RAs aren’t recommended for you.

Dr. Hanami and our team will help you determine if you’re a good candidate for semaglutide treatment. If you are, we offer semaglutide compounded with tirzepatide, another effective weight loss medication. We get this treatment from an FDA-registered pharmacy to ensure we’re bringing you quality, safe medication. 

To learn more about semaglutide and when it might be right for you, call us at Hanami Medspa or make an appointment online today.