Semaglutide weight loss Durant, IA - Thrive Hormone Therapy

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. As an injectable medication, semaglutide helps people lose weight by:

• Reducing appetite and calorie intake
• Slowing digestion to promote a fuller feeling
• Improving control of blood sugar levels

Unlike other weight loss drugs that act in the brain, semaglutide targets receptors throughout the body involved in appetite regulation and food intake.

Recent research has found semaglutide to be the most effective pharmaceutical option for weight loss available today. In key clinical trials, most patients lost 10-15% of their body weight over 15 months.

How Does Semaglutide Lead to Weight Loss?

• Semaglutide makes you feel fuller faster and for longer by slowing stomach emptying. This decreases appetite and calorie intake.
• It raises levels of hormones that reduce appetite, like GLP-1, and decreases levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin.
• Semaglutide improves your ability to control blood sugar and can lead to reductions in prediabetes and diabetes risk factors.

Is Semaglutide Better Than Other Weight Loss Medications?

In head-to-head clinical trials comparing various weight loss medications:

• People taking semaglutide lost ~13-16% of their body weight on average after 68 weeks compared to ~5-7% for other drugs.
• 86% of semaglutide patients lost at least 5% body weight compared to 55-65% on other medications.

So research clearly shows semaglutide to be markedly more effective for weight loss than alternatives like phentermine, liraglutide, naltrexone, and more.

Benefits of Semaglutide Treatment

Along with significant fat loss, semaglutide provides a range of meaningful health improvements:

Weight Loss and Reduced Obesity

• Most patients lose 10-15% of starting body weight with semaglutide
• Twice as effective for weight loss as other prescription medications
• Loss of harmful visceral fat linked to chronic disease risk

Lower Risk of Diabetes and Prediabetes

• Lowers A1C, fasting glucose, and reduces diabetes progression by 30-50%
• Addresses underlying insulin resistance driving weight gain
• Better blood sugar control with less medication needed

Improved Cholesterol and Heart Health

• Reduces "bad" LDL cholesterol by 12-22%
• Raises "good" HDL cholesterol by 7-9%
• Lowers high triglycerides by 12-20%
• Cuts elevated blood pressure levels

Better Outcomes for NAFLD and Other Diseases

Along with direct effects, semaglutide can indirectly improve fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, joint problems, PCOS and more by treating root causes like obesity and insulin resistance.

Semaglutide Injection Protocol

The semaglutide medication is given as a simple once-weekly injection using small needle devices similar to insulin pens.

Getting Started on Semaglutide Treatment

Starting semaglutide therapy involves:

1. Having initial lab tests done to check kidney/liver function, measure A1C, lipids, etc.
2. Reviewing injection technique and usage guidelines
3. Beginning on a low dose for 4 weeks before increasing to the full therapeutic dosing

Most patients learn to comfortably and easily handle self-injections after a short learning period.

Maintenance Phase of Semaglutide Therapy

During longer-term treatment, patients follow up every 3 months with their clinician, getting:

• Ongoing evaluation of progress and results
• Support for diet, exercise, and lifestyle optimization
• Lab tests to ensure therapy remains safe and appropriate
• Prescription refills delivered on-demand

The maintenance phase continues until the weight loss goal is hit, often taking 9-15 months in total.

Lifestyle Optimization for Best Semaglutide Results

While semaglutide provides powerful pharmacological effects for fat loss, optimizing daily behaviors amplifies its impact:

Diet Recommendations

• Moderate daily calorie reduction of 500-700 calories
• Higher protein intake to preserve lean mass
• Limit sugar; follow a low-glycemic diet approach

Exercise Suggestions

• 150-300 min/week of moderate activity
• Focus on strength training 2-3x/week
• Some activity every day; take more steps

Supportive Habits

• Prioritize sleep; get 7-9 hours nightly
• Manage stress; relax through yoga, meditation, etc.
• Stay accountable; share progress with friends

Layering improved lifestyle habits on top of semaglutide medication leads to better health outcomes. Small, sustainable changes make the biggest difference long-term.

In Conclusion

We hope this overview has enhanced your understanding of semaglutide and the meaningful benefits this innovative therapy offers patients struggling with excess weight or obesity.

At Thrive Hormone Therapy, our outstanding physicians have unparalleled expertise using hormones and peptides like semaglutide to help people lose weight safely, sustainably, and effectively.

We recognize the frustration many feel after years of failed diets and suboptimal medical care. That's why our practice offers a judgement-free zone focused on compassionate support and life-changing solutions.

To learn more and take the first step towards achieving your health goals, consider scheduling a consultation with Thrive Hormone Therapy. Our personalized plans incorporate cutting-edge pharmaceuticals tailored to your unique biology and lifestyle needs.

We provide rapid access to care, on-demand support, and guidance enabling you to lose weight while preventing yo-yoing. Commit to investing in yourself and your future wellbeing - you deserve to feel healthy and confident again.

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