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Posted on 16 Feb 2024
Trying to lose weight with diet and exercise can be difficult, but there aren’t too many other options that actually work. That is until semaglutide. The weight loss medication has been shown to be highly effective at helping people lose weight. But how long should you take it? Let’s take a look!
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is an injectable medication that mimics hormones in your digestive system that signal fullness to your brain. By mimicking this hormone, you will feel fuller for longer, allowing you to more easily stick to your diet and lose weight.
While it was originally used as a medication to help diabetics, it’s relatively recently been found to help with weight loss as well, and it’s taken the world by storm.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide works by increasing the hormone GLP-1, a glucagon-like peptide. GLP is the hormone that signals to the brain that you’re full, and by increasing it, the medication allows you to feel fuller longer, which can ultimately help you lose weight when it’s used alongside a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
As for taking the medication, you take it at home every week. Dr. Barnett will ensure you know how to inject it properly and that you feel comfortable with the process.
You’ll start at a lower dose and then Dr. Barnett will increase your dosage every month to help your gastrointestinal tract get used to the medication. It’s during this period that you may notice side effects like bloating, nausea, and constipation. If you need to increase your dose more slowly because of side effects, let Dr. Barnett know.
We’ll continue to increase your dose as needed to ensure you achieve the results you’re looking for.
How Long to Use Semaglutide
How long to use semaglutide is up to you, Dr. Barnett, and the results you’re looking for. It typically takes about 17 weeks before most patients reach the maintenance phase. From there, you can continue taking it to maintain your weight loss, or if you feel comfortable, you can come off of it and continue with your diet and exercise regimen to maintain your results.
Studies show that, on average, adults using semaglutide lost about 35 pounds or approximately 15% of their overall body weight. The main key to success is consistently taking the medication on time every week while also maintaining a healthy diet and working out regularly.
Schedule A Consultation
Have you been struggling to lose weight after trying everything? It’s a common struggle for so many people, but semaglutide at Neaman Medi Spa may be exactly what you’re looking for. Take the first step and schedule a consultation with Dr. Barnett today. He will listen to your concerns, answer any questions you have, and then determine if semaglutide is right for you. Call our Salem, OR office at 844-338-5445 or use our online scheduling tool.
Dr. Keith Neaman
Dr. Neaman is a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in surgical body contouring. He prides himself on being on the cutting edge of plastic surgery. He takes an informative approach to each consultation, and through open dialogue and communication, he helps his patients decide on a treatment plan that meets their needs.
