Weight loss is a constant—and often lifelong struggle—for many people. While lifestyle is important for weight loss and maintaining weight, many other factors contribute to a person’s body weight including genetics, medical conditions, medications they take, past injuries or surgeries, and a person’s environment. Therefore, sometimes medical weight loss options can be life-changing for people who have struggled with their weight and who may have weight-related health conditions.

Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery provides prescription weight loss medications including semaglutide. The experts at Allure Esthetic customize your treatment plan and monitor your medical weight loss journey.

Understanding The Science Behind Semaglutide

Semaglutide—and other medications in the same class of medications—are the newest medical weight loss option available in the United States. Known as glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, or GLP-1s, these medications mimic the effects of the GLP-1 hormone. This hormone is found in specialized cells in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. It helps to regulate appetite and digestion. It generally releases soon after you begin eating, but its effects do not last long.

By mimicking the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, semaglutide can help patients feel fuller longer and sooner as well as slow gastric emptying. This can help improve overall metabolic health, lower blood sugar, and promote weight loss. Additionally, because semaglutide is a synthetic version of the hormone, it does not break down in the body as quickly as naturally occurring GLP-1. This extends the effects of the hormone.

Time It Takes To See Results

The amount of time it takes for a patient to visibly see results from semaglutide injections will vary. The amount of weight the patient needs or aims to lose, whether they diet and exercise, and how their body biologically responds to the medication all impact how quickly weight loss becomes noticeable.

Generally speaking, patients usually begin seeing the most dramatic effects within six months. However, some patients may notice weight loss—such as reduced clothing sizes—within a couple of months. If a patient is only slightly overweight, the weight loss will become apparent sooner than for those who are significantly overweight.

Patients will also see better results if they make an effort to improve their diet and exercise routine. While weight loss may still occur with little to no changes made, it will happen much slower and the overall results will not be as good. Even small changes can make a difference in semaglutide weight loss results. Also, it gives patients the luxury of changing their lifestyle gradually without seeing major setbacks from the natural progression of making a lifestyle change.

How Long Do You Stay On Semaglutide For Weight Loss?

Semaglutide is designed to be a medication that a patient takes long term. However, the amount of time you stay on it will depend. Though, it is recommended that weight loss patients stay on semaglutide for at least six months. When choosing to discontinue semaglutide, it is safe to immediately stop, but your provider may recommend slowly reducing the dose to limit rebound weight loss.

Other GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss Options

Other GLP-1 agonists are also FDA-approved or widely used for weight loss. Below are a few examples of these medication alternatives to injectable semaglutide.

Oral Semaglutide

Most semaglutide for weight loss comes in the injectable form, but a pill form does exist. Instead of injecting the medication weekly, patients take a daily tablet. This may work better for some people’s lifestyles or preferences. Allure Esthetic can prescribe injectable and oral forms of semaglutide.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is another GLP-1 agonist, but it also targets the GIP hormone. This dual-hormal approach can provide better results for some patients. However, it can also come with worsened side effects for others. If a patient does not respond well or do not see the expected results from semaglutide, their provider may recommend tirzepatide instead.

Liraglutide

Liraglutide is another GLP-1 agonist option. It has been around longest and is effective, but semaglutide and tirzepatide have been shown to be likely to be more effective for weight loss. With that said, this medication is still an option and may work for some people looking into medical weight loss.

Starting Your Medical Weight Loss Journey At Allure Esthetic

Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery sees medical weight loss patients in the office and virtually. The initial consultation will ensure that you are a good candidate for semaglutide weight loss and can administer the first dose if you are in the office. From there, patients can have compounded semaglutide delivered to their home and administer it themselves. If convenient, patients can also come into the office weekly for their injection. Regardless of the administration approach taken, patients will have follow-up appointments to gauge their results and response to the medication

To get started on your medical weight loss journey, call us at 206-209-0988. Patients can also reach out online via chat, contact form, and Price Simulator.