Can Semaglutide Help You Shed Those Extra Pounds?
Dr. Jeffrey Ayers at the Gallery of Aesthetics should be your first call on your weight loss journey, and here’s why:
Losing weight can feel like an uphill battle. Maybe you think you’ve tried everything the “experts” recommend: going to the gym, counting calories, following a strict diet… and all to no avail.
Let us cut through all the noise and the advice of the so-called “experts” and put your mind at ease…
The good news: Recent studies have shown that there’s a new contender in the weight loss community: Semaglutide. Originally used to treat diabetes, it has now proven to be effective in promoting weight loss in individuals with obesity.
In this article, we will explore what Semaglutide is, how it works in the body, its potential side effects, and who should and shouldn’t use it.
The bad news: In this world, nothing is perfect, so there’s always a bit of “bad news”… It seems that every spa, hair salon, barber shop, fitness gym, and diet center wants to offer weight loss services and medications. However, many of these facilities do not have properly trained or credentialed medical staff. Sadly, too many people in Utah are practicing medicine without a license and you should be cautious about whom you allow to treat you.
The GREAT news: Dr. Ayers’ experience goes well beyond his medical aesthetic practice. He is a Board Certified family physician, has been practicing for 30 years, and has extensive training in metabolic disorders, hormone imbalances, diabetes, prediabetes, and other chronic illnesses. At the Gallery of Aesthetics, you can rest assured that all treatments are provided by fully licensed and supervised medical staff.
So… What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called “glucagon-like peptide-1” (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These drugs lower blood sugar levels by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which the body naturally produces. In addition to being an effective tool in treating diabetes, researchers have discovered that Semaglutide can also lead to weight loss. When tested in clinical trials, individuals taking the medication lost significant amounts of weight compared to those on a placebo.
How does Semaglutide help people lose weight?
It works on multiple fronts in the body.
In the brain, Semaglutide reduces appetite and increases the feeling of fullness, leading to decreased food intake. It also changes how the brain responds to food, decreasing the desire to overeat.
In the gut, Semaglutide slows the movement of food, leading to a longer feeling of satiation and reduced cravings.
What are the side effects of Semaglutide?
As with any medication, Semaglutide does have potential side effects, the most common including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some individuals may experience low blood sugar, which can be dangerous. Additionally, Semaglutide may increase the risk of developing pancreatitis, a painful and occasionally life-threatening condition. Patients should always speak to their doctor before starting or stopping any medication, and Semaglutide is no exception.
While Semaglutide appears promising for many people, not everyone can use the medication.
For instance, individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should steer clear of Semaglutide. Patients with certain digestive conditions, such as gastroparesis or pancreatitis should also avoid the medication.
Want to learn more about Semaglutide?
All in all, Semaglutide is an amazing medication. Yet, just like any other adjustment you make to improve your health, it’s a long-term investment. Any healthy approach to improving your health and losing weight will take time. Be wary of new “shiny” weight loss methods that advertise losing weight overnight!
Dr. Ayers and his team would love to meet with you and support you and your loved ones on your journey. Call the Gallery of Aesthetics at 801-515-0260 or fill out our inquiry form to schedule a personal consultation today! We’re so proud of you for taking this crucial step toward better health!
