Semaglutide is a medication used for treating type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It helps lower blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin when blood sugar levels are high, especially after meals. Semaglutide also decreases appetite and food intake, leading to weight loss.
Key benefits:
At Balance Hormone Center in East Alton, Illinois, we provide semaglutide injections as part of our comprehensive weight loss and diabetes management programs.
Monitoring your hormone levels with blood work and symptom tracking is key to determining if you have a deficiency. Our clinicians specialize in interpreting lab results and making accurate diagnoses. We provide continuing care with follow-up testing and dosage adjustments to optimize your hormonal health on an ongoing basis.
Table 1: Common symptoms of hormone deficiencies
| Hormone | Common Deficiency Signs |
|---|---|
| Testosterone | Low libido, fatigue, depression |
| Estrogen | Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes |
| Thyroid (T3/T4) | Fatigue, weight gain, constipation, sensitivity to cold |
| Cortisol | Fatigue, low blood pressure/sugar, muscle weakness |
Semaglutide helps with weight loss by decreasing appetite, slowing stomach emptying, and increasing feelings of fullness after eating. It also lowers blood sugar by stimulating insulin production.
Treatment involves weekly subcutaneous injections started at a low dose which is gradually increased over 5-8 weeks based on tolerance. Injections are continued long-term for sustained results. Most patients tolerate it well with mild, temporary GI side effects.
Weight loss averages 15-18% in a year. Glycemic control also improves with most people reaching HbA1c targets in 3-6 months. For best results, lifestyle modifications to diet and activity are recommended while on treatment.
Use this protocol for initiating semaglutide injections:
Ongoing Monitoring is Key
Regular follow-up is essential to evaluate effectiveness, tolerability, adjusting dose, and ensuring healthy nutrition and lifestyle habits are in place. Our clinic provides dedicated clinician access between visits if any issues arise.
Table 2: Monitoring While on Semaglutide Treatment
| When | What | How |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | HbA1c, fasting glucose | Blood work |
| Monthly | Weight, BMI, waist circumference | In-office measurements |
| Monthly | Side effects, medication adherence | Discussion at appointments |
| Quarterly | Thyroid, vitamin levels | Blood work |
Along with weight loss and lower blood sugar, semaglutide provides other health benefits:
Lifestyle changes - increased activity, nutritious diet, stress reduction - combined with semaglutide lead to optimal wellness. Our clinicians educate patients on making sustainable improvements to amplify treatment effects.
With several types of medications approved for chronic weight management, selecting the most suitable option can be confusing.
Factors to consider:
Table 3: Comparison of Weight Loss Medications
| Drug Class | Examples | How it Works | Average Weight Loss | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLP-1 receptor agonists | Semaglutide, liraglutide | Suppresses appetite > slows eating | 15-18% | GI problems |
| Biguanides | Metformin | Reduces liver glucose production | 5-10% | GI problems |
| SGLT2 inhibitors | Empagliflozin | Blocks kidney glucose reabsorption | 5-10% | Genital yeast infections |
| Lipase inhibitors | Orlistat | Blocks fat absorption from gut | 5-10% | Oily stools, feces incontinence |
Our clinicians have expertise using all classes of medications so can recommend the best treatment regimens tailored to your needs for superior outcomes.
While semaglutide treatment provides robust weight loss and health gains, modifying lifestyle habits amplifies and sustains the benefits. Our clinicians offer comprehensive lifestyle counseling on sustainable improvements patients can make.
Diet
Exercise
Other Lifestyle Areas
Combining medication and lifestyle therapies leads to better health outcomes as well as higher patient satisfaction.
Balance Hormone Center specialized weight management program powered by semaglutide helps patients achieve robust, durable weight loss for improved wellbeing.
Our clinic offers:
Contact us today for a consultation to see if our medical weight loss program is right for you!
Semaglutide injections, coupled with lifestyle modifications, can be an effective solution for individuals struggling with weight management and related health conditions. At Balance Hormone Center, our experienced clinicians provide a comprehensive approach, combining semaglutide treatment with personalized lifestyle counseling and support. By addressing both the physiological and behavioral aspects of weight loss, we help our patients achieve sustainable and long-lasting results, leading to improved overall wellbeing. If you're ready to embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier you, reach out to our clinic today to explore how our medical weight loss program can benefit you.
