If you’ve struggled to lose weight but still carry extra pounds, you’re not alone. Nearly three-quarters of US adults weigh more than a healthy mass, and adults with hormone imbalances have an even higher risk of packing on pounds.
You should pay attention to any underlying issues since your hormones help manage many body functions, including appetite regulation, fat storage, and metabolism. With so many body functions, various conditions could contribute to your hormone-related weight gain.
Some of the most common underlying conditions related to hormone imbalance and excess weight include:
- Chronic stress
- Insulin resistance and diabetes
- Thyroid dysfunction and disorders
- Estrogen dominance
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Perimenopause and menopause
Fortunately, the team of board-certified internal medicine providers at Prima Medicine in Fairfax and South Riding, Virginia, have good news. A new medication called Ozempic® (semaglutide) offers an effective way to combat hormone-related weight gain.
As part of our comprehensive services for adults in Northern Virginia, our team provides medically supervised weight loss with semaglutide injections for adults with weight gain linked to underlying hormonal imbalances.
Keep reading to learn about semaglutide and whether you’re a candidate for this innovative weight-loss therapy.
How does Ozempic for weight loss work?
Semaglutide, developed initially to help control type 2 diabetes, became FDA-Approved in 2021 for weight loss in adults meeting specific criteria.
The drug mimics the hormone your body produces related to appetite and glucose management: glucagon-like peptide-1. Weight-loss patients receive a weekly injection, usually administered at home by the patient.
Adults using semaglutide have successfully lost significant weight since the drug’s active ingredient boosts satiety while reducing their appetite. In other words, you feel fuller and more satisfied after eating less.
As part of our nutrition and weight loss services, the Prima Medicine internal medicine providers and dieticians combine semaglutide with other healthy changes, like improving diet and nutritional intake, adding more physical activity, and personal coaching to help keep you on track.
The best part? Semaglutide has helped adults lose an average of 15% of their starting body weight and keep it off for long periods.
How do I know if I am a candidate for Ozempic?
It depends. Ozempic for weight loss is usually recommended only for patients who have a:
- BMI over 30 OR
- BMI over 27 and one or more underlying health conditions linked to weight gain (e.g., type 2 diabetes)
You should also have realistic weight-loss goals and expectations and remain dedicated to eating healthy, exercising, and making other lifestyle changes to boost your weight loss.
Keep in mind that not all adults who are overweight are candidates for semaglutide. In addition, you should only use this medication under the direct supervision of a medical provider, like the internal medicine physicians at Prima Medicine.
The best way to learn if you’re a candidate for semaglutide for weight loss is by meeting with a team member at Prima Medicine. Your physician reviews your medical history, current health conditions, and relevant lifestyle factors and performs any exams and tests needed to diagnose the underlying issues related to your weight gain.
Ready to learn if Ozempic for weight loss is right for you? Schedule an appointment with a weight loss specialist online or over the phone today at Prima Medicine in South Riding or Fairfax, Virginia.
