Weight loss medications. Exercise plans. Fad diets. There are a lot of claims out there of having the “silver bullet” for weight loss. What is the key to successful weight management? The answer is, there is a different weight loss solution for each individual, and there is not a one-size fits all plan. Figuring out a personalized plan based on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health factors will lead to more success than a trial-and-error approach.
The wellness team at Strata Med has developed a comprehensive weight loss program that includes the use of supplements and medications, for those that qualify based on clinical criteria, to help facilitate weight loss.
Semaglutide is a weight-loss medication that has been getting a lot of attention in the news recently, and is one that the practitioners at Strata may recommend as part of a comprehensive weight-management plan.
Are you Interested in learning more about this revolutionary weight-loss medication, supported by Strata’s practitioners? See below for common questions and answers from our specialists about Semaglutide:
Q: In simple terms, what is Semaglutide?
A: Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, which is a technical way of saying that Semaglutide supports your pancreas to release insulin, consequently, lowering blood sugar levels. It does this by activating a blood sugar regulating protein found within the cells of your pancreas.
Semaglutide was approved by the FDA in 2017 and is administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection.
Q: How does Semaglutide play a role in weight management?
A: Clinical trials, cited in the New England Journal of Medicine, conclude that out of the 2,000 patients who participated in weekly Semaglutide injections, most lost at least 10% of their body weight; however, more than half lost 15% of their body weight.
Additionally, participants taking Semaglutide experienced improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar, and overall heart disease risk.
Q: Are we taking Semaglutide away from Type II Diabetes patients who really need it?
A: Compounded Semaglutide is described as “generic semaglutide” and is sometimes mixed with vitamin B12 to mitigate side effects. In order to avoid impacting the availability of prescription Semaglutide to patients with Type II diabetes who require the “pharmaceutical grade” we only utilize the best compounding pharmacies to source our formulations and provide our patients with the highest quality product available.
Q: Does Semaglutide have side effects?
A: Some redness and swelling at the injection site may occur. This should start to get better within forty-eight (48) hours. Other side effects include anxiety; darkened urine; headache; increased heart rate; stomach, side or abdominal pain; skin rash; unusual tiredness or weakness; pancreatitis; and gallstones.
Q: As a naturopathic doctor, why do you believe in this Semaglutide as a medication?
A: Unlike many other weight loss treatments, the FDA has deemed Semaglutide to be safe and effective based on the results of several large clinical trials. Semaglutide has had increasingly high success rates, especially when paired with changes in diet and lifestyle.
Q: Why is Strata Med the best place to come for Semaglutide?
A: At Strata Med, we take a whole-person approach to healthcare and wellness. We address a range of physical, emotional, and spiritual factors that can contribute to weight gain or difficulty losing weight. This allows our patients to feel comfortable while receiving support and guidance from different specialties to further improve this medication’s benefits.
Interested in pursuing Semaglutide as a weight-loss solution? Here are 5 Questions to Answer to Determine in Semaglutide is Right for you:
Do you have type 2 diabetes or obesity? Semaglutide is approved for use in adults with type 2 diabetes and in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related condition.
Have you tried other weight loss strategies that have not been effective?
Semaglutide is typically used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program that includes diet and exercise, but it may be a good option for people who have not been successful with other weight loss methods.
Do you have any medical conditions that could interact with Semaglutide?
It’s important to discuss with your doctor any preexisting medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, pancreatitis, or a history of diabetic retinopathy, that could affect the safety or effectiveness of Semaglutide.
Are you willing to commit to a long-term treatment plan?
Semaglutide is typically taken once a week, but it may require ongoing use to maintain weight loss or blood sugar control.
Are you aware of the potential side effects of Semaglutide and willing to discuss them with your healthcare provider?
As with any medication, Semaglutide may have potential side effects that should be discussed with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
To learn more about Strata’s weight management offerings or schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 719.428.2202.
