Semaglutide: Learn About This New Weapon in the Weight Loss Battle

A balanced diet and regular exercise are invaluable for anyone with weight loss aspirations, but sometimes, they don’t make the cut to help you reach your target weight. External factors like your genetics, diabetes, disabilities, and cultural background can make weight loss exceedingly difficult even if you’re doing everything “the right way.” If you’ve hit a wall with weight loss, semaglutide injections might be the extra boost you need. 

If you struggle with weight loss, or if you simply want to learn more about semaglutide while exploring your options, Asha Hill, NP, and the team at Pure Bliss Med Spa in Sandy Springs, Georgia, are here to help. You can expect a personalized and supportive experience tailored to your weight loss goals starting with a detailed consultation and physical exam. 

To help you better understand semaglutide and its abilities, we’ll teach you how the medication works, when it’s applicable, and what to expect during treatment.

Understanding semaglutide for weight loss

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 agonists mimic the GLP-1 hormone in your gut, which is released when you eat. 

GLP-1 agonists have two important effects:

Appetite reduction

With a reduced appetite, it’s easier to avoid excessive calories and overeating. GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide help you feel full and satiated by slowing gastric emptying.

Insulin release

The GLP-1 hormone causes your body to produce more insulin, a hormone that facilitates the transfer of glucose (blood sugar) into your cells as a source of energy. This effect is why semaglutide has long been prescribed as a Type 2 diabetes treatment.

Taking semaglutide while following a healthy diet and exercise recommendations may also result in more energy and self-confidence. 

Using semaglutide for weight loss — what to expect

Semaglutide is administered via injection in our office. The team administers each injection, placing the medication in the fatty tissue of your thigh or abdomen. They determine the appropriate dose and frequency based on your initial weight, health, and goals.

You might experience a few gastric side effects from semaglutide such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. High-fiber foods like kale and broccoli can increase gassiness, so be mindful about how much of them you eat. 

How effective is semaglutide?

When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise, semaglutide can significantly enhance your weight-loss efforts. Recent research found that more than 86% of study participants taking semaglutide lost 5% or more of their baseline weight compared to only 31.5% of the placebo group participants.

To get the best possible results from semaglutide, you should limit or avoid:

• Alcohol
• High-fat dairy 
• Carbonated soda
• Greasy or fried foods

As with any medication, you must follow your provider’s instructions closely while using semaglutide for weight loss. Asha and the team at Pure Bliss Med Spa monitor you with regular appointments.

When to consider semaglutide

Our team evaluates patients on a case-by-case basis to determine if semaglutide is an appropriate fit. They might recommend semaglutide within your weight loss program if you:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
• Have a BMI of over 27 with a weight-related medical condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes)
• Struggle to achieve weight loss results 
• Are in good overall health

Pure Bliss Med Spa welcomes you to schedule a consultation for semaglutide at your earliest convenience. Book an appointment online or over the phone today.