If you've ever tried to lose a significant amount of weight, you know it's much more complex than the old "calories in, calories out" advice. Factors like energy levels, appetite, stress, hormones, and metabolism all influence how challenging it can be to shed excess body fat.Â
When diet and exercise alone aren't enough, medical weight loss solutions like semaglutide injections, overseen by a board-certified physician like Dr. Chethana Rao, can provide the medical support you need. With over two decades of experience managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, Dr. Rao at Prima Medicine is here to help you achieve a healthier weight through personalized care.
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 mimics 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.
Benefits of Semaglutide for Weight Loss
For individuals seeking an alternative to invasive procedures like bariatric surgery, semaglutide injections offer a convenient, non-surgical solution. Here are some of the key benefits of choosing semaglutide for weight loss:
- Proven effectiveness:Â Clinical studies have demonstrated that semaglutide can lead to significant and sustainable weight loss over time.
- Non-surgical option:Â Unlike bariatric surgery, semaglutide is a non-invasive treatment, making it ideal for those not ready or eligible for surgery.
- Convenient dosing:Â With only one injection per week, semaglutide is a hassle-free option for busy individuals who don't want to deal with daily medications or treatments.
- Minimal side effects:Â Most patients tolerate semaglutide well, with the most common side effects being mild gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, which typically improve as the body adjusts.
Whether you've been struggling with obesity for years or are just starting your weight loss journey, semaglutide provides a safe and effective way to shed those extra pounds without the need for surgery.
Is Semaglutide Right for You?
While semaglutide offers promising results for many people, it's important to determine if it's the right treatment for you. At Prima Medicine, we begin every weight loss journey with a personalized consultation to assess your unique needs and goals.
You may be a good candidate for semaglutide injections if:
- You have a BMI of 30 or higher (or 27 or higher with weight-related medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes).
- You've struggled with weight loss despite trying diets, exercise, and other conventional methods.
- You are looking for a non-surgical, medical solution for weight loss.
During your consultation, we'll discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and weight loss goals to determine if semaglutide fits your needs best. Our team will also provide guidance on lifestyle changes to support your treatment and maximize results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Semaglutide if I Am Not Diabetic?
Semaglutide was developed as an antidiabetic medication, but you don't need to have type 2 diabetes to experience the benefits. A randomized controlled trial from 2021 found that semaglutide was an effective weight loss drug for overweight and obese non-diabetic adults. It may also lower your risk of obesity-related conditions like heart attack and stroke.
How Do I Use Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide?
While the following recommendations may be helpful, you should ask your provider for specific instructions. If you miss an Ozempic injection, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, you should skip the dose if it's been more than five days since you missed the injection. If you're using Wegovy, you can take the missed dose as soon as possible as long as your next dose is more than two days away. Otherwise, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. You shouldn't double your injections to make up for a missed one.
Missing a dose of Rybelsus works differently. Rather than taking the missed dose as soon as possible, you should skip it and take the next tablet when you usually would. If you're consistently missing oral doses of Semaglutide, switching to an injectable form could help.
What Side Effects Can This Medication Cause?
Semaglutide is a safe and effective medication for many people struggling with weight loss or type 2 diabetes management. However, potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn, constipation, or burping.
In rare cases, semaglutide can cause serious side effects, some of which may require medical attention. That said, adverse reactions are usually limited to mild gastrointestinal upset.
Why Choose Prima Medicine For Semaglutide Treatment?
At Prima Medicine, you'll receive personalized, expert care under the guidance of Dr. Chethana Rao, our Medical Director and Primary Care Physician. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Rao is board-certified in internal medicine and specializes in managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension—key areas related to weight loss.
Recognized as a Top Doctor by Washingtonian Magazine in 2018, Dr. Rao is respected for her compassionate care and leadership. She is actively involved in the American College of Physicians and other professional organizations, ensuring she stays current on the latest medical advancements.
With convenient locations in Fairfax and South Riding, Prima Medicine offers easy access to top-tier semaglutide treatment. We're dedicated to helping you achieve lasting weight loss through comprehensive care plans tailored to your needs. Choose Prima Medicine for proven expertise and compassionate support on your weight loss journey.
Take Control of Your Weight in Fairfax, Merrifield, or South Riding, VA
Semaglutide offers a revolutionary approach to weight loss for those who have struggled with conventional methods. If you're in Fairfax, Merrifield, or South Riding, VA, and are looking for a non-surgical weight loss solution, let the experts at Prima Medicine help you achieve lasting results.
Call us today at (703) 870-3750 to schedule your consultation and learn how semaglutide and our comprehensive weight loss programs can help you achieve your health goals.
