Can You Lose Weight with Semaglutide and Keep the Weight Off?

Obesity is a major health crisis, but losing weight and keeping it off can feel impossible. If you’re struggling, new medications like semaglutide could be a game-changer alongside a healthy lifestyle. Let’s dive into the science and how it could help you.

The Challenges of Weight Loss: Why Diets Often Fail

Obesity remains a chronic health problem in the United States and abroad. Over 4 million people die each year as a result of being overweight or obese as of 2017, according to the World Health Organization. Obesity affects approximately 41% of adults in the U.S. — a figure that’s grown substantially over the last 25 years. It increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer, which can lead to debilitating medical costs. Individuals struggling with obesity incur, on average, $1,861 more in medical costs than those with a healthy weight.

Losing weight is difficult for most people. For successful weight loss, the goal is a 10% reduction in body weight maintained for at least a year. But only 20% of overweight individuals are reaching this goal. People who try to lose weight usually struggle to keep it off. Within two years, people tend to regain more than half the weight they initially lost. Within five years, people tend to regain about 80% of the weight they initially lost, according to the National Institute of Health.

While daily exercise and a balanced diet are crucial for a healthy lifestyle, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, hormonal changes, and mental health problems make losing weight harder.

Semaglutide: A Weight Loss Revolution

So, what’s the solution? Weight loss medications can be a valuable tool, especially when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. The groundbreaking research on semaglutide and weight loss highlights its potential as a game-changing treatment for individuals struggling with obesity. Semaglutide is a FDA-approved once-weekly medication leading the charge in weight loss results. It was first developed in 2012 and has quickly gained popularity.

When looking at GLP-1 vs semaglutide, semaglutide works by mimicking the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. This boost in GLP-1 increases insulin production (which lowers blood sugar) and slows down digestion, allowing you to feel fuller for longer periods.

Studies show patients taking semaglutide alongside lifestyle shifts lose more body weight than those with similar lifestyles but not taking the medication. In large random control trials, patients taking semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight, a 12% increase compared to those who didn’t take the medication.

Is Semaglutide Right for Me?

Semaglutide may be a good option if you have a BMI of 30 or more, struggle to lose weight through traditional methods, or have weight-related health conditions. However, it’s crucial to remember that semaglutide requires a doctor’s prescription. A medical professional can assess your suitability and monitor your progress for safety and optimal results.

Semaglutide and Red Mountain Weight Loss®: Personalized Solutions

At Red Mountain, we offer semaglutide for weight loss to help you achieve your weight loss goals. It’s available in either a weekly injection or daily sublingual tablet, giving you the freedom to choose the method that works best for you.

When combined with our semaglutide weight loss program, Flex™, semaglutide offers the potential for significant weight loss – up to 15 pounds per month! Our team of Licensed Medical Providers has helped over a million people lose weight and keep it off for good.

Frequently Asked Questions about Semaglutide

What are GLP-1’s?

GLP-1’s are prescription medications that mimic a naturally occurring hormone. They were originally used to help control blood sugar and manage type 2 diatest, but they have been found to lead to weight loss.  At the moment, there are three GLP-1’s approved by the FDA for weight management: liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide.

What are the side effects?

Mild side effects may occur with any medication. The most common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. These are usually mild and may improve within a few days of starting treatment.

Do GLP-1 Medications interact with my other medications?

Our Medical Provider will review your medical history as a part of your initial consultation and determine the best DirectMed prescription plan for you. GLP-1 medications can be safely taken with other common prescription medications 0 including those for blood pressure, thyroid, and diabetes – and have no contraindications with other prescription or over the counter medications.

How much weight should I expect to lose?

FDA clinical studies have shown average patients taking semaglutide or tirzepatide will lose 15%-22.5% of their starting weight after 16 months. Individual results will vary based on factors like diet, exercise, age, gender, and other individual circumstances.