If you’ve ever tried to lose a significant amount of weight, you know it’s never quite as simple as the antiquated “calories in, calories out” advice. In reality, your energy level, appetite, stressors, hormones, metabolism, and other factors influence how easy or difficult it is to lose excess body fat. When diet and exercise alone aren’t enough, semaglutide injections overseen by a medical professional could help you achieve a healthy weight.
What Is Semaglutide?
Sold under the brand names Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®, semaglutide is a prescription medication for type 2 diabetes and long-term weight management. Available in injectable and tablet form, this drug works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) which the body naturally produces to regulate hunger and blood sugar levels.
Semaglutide helps your body produce more insulin when your blood sugar levels are too high. It also works in the GI tract by slowing gastric motility, which means food stays in your stomach longer and prolongs the feeling of fullness. For that reason, it can be a great weight loss aid.
What is Tirzepatide
Sold under brand names like Monjaro and Zepbound, Tirzepatide is a medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is a dual agonist of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. This combination enhances the effects of both incretin hormones, which play a role in regulating blood sugar levels.
Tirzepatide works by increasing insulin secretion, reducing glucagon levels, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight loss. It is typically administered via subcutaneous injection.
The drug has shown promise not only in managing blood glucose levels but also in aiding weight loss, making it an area of interest for those focusing on weight management and obesity treatment. It is important to note that, like all medications, tirzepatide should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it can have side effects and interactions with other medications.
Can I Take Semaglutide or Tirzepatide if I Am Not Diabetic?
Semaglutide was initially developed as a medication for type 2 diabetes, but you don’t need to have diabetes to benefit from it. A randomized controlled trial in 2021 demonstrated that semaglutide is an effective weight loss drug for overweight and obese adults without diabetes. It may also reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions such as heart attack and stroke.
How Do I Use Semaglutide or Tirzepatide for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide can be administered subcutaneously or orally. The dose will vary depending on the brand and the individual. Typically, adults taking Wegovy for chronic weight management inject 2.4 mg once weekly. However, adjustments can be made as needed under medical guidance.
What Should I Do if I Forget a Dose of a Weight Loss Medication?
While it’s best to consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions, here are some general guidelines:
- Injectable Form: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if more than five days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double your injection to make up for a missed one.
- Oral Form: If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next tablet at your usual time. If you frequently miss doses, switching to an injectable form might be beneficial.
What Side Effects Can This Medication Cause?
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide is generally safe and effective for many people managing weight loss or type 2 diabetes. However, it can cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn, constipation, or burping. In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, though these are usually mild and related to gastrointestinal upset.
Contact Us About Medical Weight Loss
If you’re interested in semaglutide to help with weight loss, contact our office. Our provider can determine if it’s a good match for you.