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Excess weight and obesity comprise an incredible epidemic with 39.6% of American adults qualifying as obese and another 31.6% of adults being overweight. An additional 7.7% are severely obese.
For many of these people, semaglutide — the newly FDA-approved weight-loss medication that’s generating buzz for its impressive results — offers a near miraculous solution.
If you’ve struggled with weight loss and are dealing with health conditions related to your weight, we here at Yorktown Health in Lombard, Illinois, may recommend semaglutide as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan.
Read on to learn more about semaglutide and if it could be the solution to your weight loss journey.
Semaglutide was originally developed to manage Type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control, but researchers discovered that the drug could also lead to significant weight loss.
Marketed under the brand names Ozempic® and Wegovy®, semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1. This hormone influences appetite and food intake. It regulates your hunger by making you feel fuller, faster. As a result, you eat less and lose weight.
Semaglutide is for patients who are overweight or obese. If your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher, you may be a candidate for semaglutide. Other patients with a BMI of 27 or higher and who are dealing with conditions like Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea may also benefit from semaglutide to lose weight and improve these conditions.
We find that semaglutide is most effective when used in combination with a comprehensive plan, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity. It’s not a magic bullet, but a tool to support your overall weight loss journey.
While semaglutide has proven effective for many, it’s not the right treatment for everyone. You may not be a candidate if you:
We only prescribe semaglutide after a full medical evaluation to ensure it’s appropriate for your health needs.
We typically administer semaglutide as a once-weekly injection. It works by stimulating areas of the brain that regulate hunger and satiety. By helping you feel fuller faster, it reduces overall food intake, making it easier to follow a calorie-controlled diet without constantly battling hunger.
Semaglutide has been shown to promote long-term weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. Over time, studies have shown that patients using semaglutide can lose an average of 15% or more of their body weight.
Significant weight loss can reduce the risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and joint pain. Many patients report feeling better physically and mentally as they progress in their weight loss journey.
At Yorktown Health, we offer comprehensive weight loss evaluations to determine whether semaglutide or another option is the best fit for you. We review your potential results and expected side effects so you can make an informed decision as to whether semaglutide is right in your case.
Reach out to Yorktown Health by phone or use our online tool to book an appointment and find out how semaglutide can help you achieve a healthier body.