NO SPECIAL DIETS. NO DIFFICULT WORK OUTS. JUST RESULTS.
Weight loss can be hard! Eating right and exercising well may simply not be enough, especially as we age. We need a new tool to help us lose weight, and it is here!
Semaglutide (brand name Ozempic) is a medication used to help control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, but studies suggest that it may also help people without diabetes lose weight.
Semaglutide may be used in adults with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg² alone or 27 mg/kg² with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as insulin resistance, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, and gout.
In 4 months, you could lose up to 50 pounds or more!
No special diets. No difficult work outs. Just inject once a week, and watch your weight drop.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide (Brand name Ozempic) is an injectable medication which, when used in combination with diet and exercise, helps with blood sugar control in type 2 diabetics. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, which mimic the hormone GLP-1 in your body to lower blood sugar levels after you’ve eaten a meal.
What is the hormone GLP-1?
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that causes huge effects on the regulation of blood sugar by stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Insulin is a hormone that promotes sugar uptake by the cells, stores sugar as glycogen, promotes the building of fat, and signals the body to build skeletal muscle. In addition, GLP-1 inhibits glucagon release (which slows down the release of sugar into the blood so that you burn more fat), slows down gastric emptying (makes you feel full), and lowers the desire for food intake (because you feel full).
Is Semaglutide a type of insulin?
No, Semaglutide is not a type of insulin or a substitute for insulin. Semaglutide does stimulate your pancreas to release insulin when glucose (sugar) is present. Because Semaglutide relies upon your body’s own insulin to have this effect, Semaglutide isn’t used when your pancreas can’t make insulin, such as in patients in type 1 diabetes.
Is Semaglutide a stimulant?
No, Semaglutide is not a stimulant. While other weight loss medications, like phentermine, have stimulating effects that help curb your appetite, Semaglutide works differently.
How does Semaglutide work for weight loss?
GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide help to control your blood sugar, but people taking them also tend to lose weight. GLP-1, the key hormone involved, slows down how fast your stomach empties food (called gastric emptying). And in addition to causing your pancreas to release insulin, Semaglutide also blocks a hormone that causes your liver to release sugar (glucagon). Together, these functions can help you feel less hungry, causing you to eat less food and lose more weight.
Does Semaglutide curb your appetite?
Yes, it is believed that Semaglutide can help curb your appetite. In addition to slowing gastric emptying to make you feel full for longer, GLP-1 also plays a direct role in how your appetite is regulated.
How long does it take to lose weight on Semaglutide?
With Semaglutide, you will slowly work your way up to the target dose at which time you will see the most amount of weight loss. This was the case in the clinical trials, where participants had their dose adjusted until they reached 2.4 mg once weekly. In the phase 3 trial that measured outcomes at 20 weeks, most participants were able to reach the full dose and also lost weight as their dose was increased. They saw additional weight loss over the remaining 48 weeks at the full dose. It is important to keep in mind that weight loss can take time, and you’ll see the best results when you are using your medication in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. Sometimes the medication may not work for you, or you may not be able to tolerate the full dose due to side effects.
How long should you take Semaglutide for weight loss?
Currently, Semaglutide is only FDA-approved to help with blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes and to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events (like heart attack and stroke) in people with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease. If you are taking Semaglutide for either of these reasons, you’ll take it as directed by your healthcare provider since you are using it to manage a chronic condition. But if you do not have type 2 diabetes and are looking to try Semaglutide to help you lose weight, we’ll have a better idea of long-term safety once the FDA reviews data for this new indication. What we do know is that study participants received treatment for a period of 68 weeks (about 1.5 years) during each of the four trials conducted by the company.
Is Semaglutide safe?
Yes. Semaglutide is considered to be safe and effective when used as indicated. But safe doesn’t mean that there aren’t risks. Semaglutide also carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors occurring in rodents (with unknown risk in humans), and Semaglutide shouldn’t be used if you or your family have a history of certain thyroid cancers. Semaglutide should not be used in people with type-1 diabetes or a history of pancreatitis. Semaglutide should be used cautiously for people on other blood sugar lowering medications.
What is the starting dose of Semaglutide for weight loss?
The dosing being studied for weight loss is 2.4 mg once weekly, which is currently higher than the doses approved in diabetes. What’s more, Semaglutide is being studied in a different population: people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m² alone or 27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity (diabetes excluded).
Is Semaglutide covered by my insurance?
No. Semaglutide is not covered by insurance for people who are not diabetic type 2. However, you can get this medication as part of our Semaglutide Weight Loss Program.
Are there any foods or medications you should avoid while on Semaglutide?
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are on Semaglutide.
First, you’ll want to limit how much alcohol you’re drinking while taking Semaglutide, especially if you are diabetic. Alcohol can have an effect on your blood sugar, and there is a risk that it may drop too low in combination with Semaglutide, especially if you are drinking on an empty stomach. Alcohol can irritate your stomach, too. This might make you feel worse in combination with some of the GI side effects from the medication.
You’ll also want to exercise caution if you are taking any oral medications. Since Semaglutide slows down gastric emptying, this can potentially impact the amount of oral medication your body is absorbing. And while trials haven’t shown this to be significant with Semaglutide, you’ll want to make sure your provider is aware of any other medications you are taking before starting Semaglutide.
What are the known side effects of Semaglutide?
The common side effects of Semaglutide are:
Since the higher dose has not been FDA-approved, we don’t have a list of known side effects yet. However, trial results suggest that they’ll be similar to those above, with effects like nausea and diarrhea being the most common.
Are there any significant health risks associated with using Semaglutide?
Yes. Semaglutide may cause serious side effects, including:
THE BOTTOM LINE
While no magic weight loss pill currently exists, available medications can help. But they should be used in combination with diet and exercise to get the most benefit and set you up for long-term results.
Keep in mind that these medications may not be covered by insurance, and some tend to be expensive. So if you are interested in a prescription to help you lose weight, you’ll want to talk to your provider to see which one would be the best fit for you.
We know that many people are needle phobic and having to use a needle may be a deal breaker. We also offer oral supplements that may aid you in your weight loss journey. If you are looking for a supplement not shown below, give us a call. We will most likely be able to source it for you.
(Caffeine 50mg / Theanine 100mg / Yohimbine HCl 5mg)
Caffeine
Caffeine is a naturally occurring xanthine derivative used as a CNS and respiratory stimulant, or as a mild diuretic. Other xanthine derivatives include the bronchodilator theophylline and theobromine, a compound found in cocoa and chocolate.
Theanine
L-theanine elevates levels of GABA, as well as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters, and they work in the brain to regulate emotions, mood, concentration, alertness, and sleep, as well as appetite, energy, and other cognitive skills.
Yohimbe HCL
Yohimbe supplements are also marketed to help with weight loss and improve body composition. Yohimbine's ability to block the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors located in fat cells could, in theory, lead to increased fat loss and weight loss.
(Caffeine 25mg/ Chromium Picolinate .025mg / DHEA 10mg / Inositol 25mg/ Methionine 25mg / Methylcobalamin .5mg / Naltrexone HCl 8mg / Yohimbine HCl 2.5mg)
Caffeine
Caffeine is a naturally occurring xanthine derivative used as a CNS and respiratory stimulant, or as a mild diuretic. Other xanthine derivatives include the bronchodilator theophylline and theobromine, a compound found in cocoa and chocolate.
Chromium Picolinate
In addition to its effects on glucose, insulin, and lipid metabolism, chromium has been reported to increase lean body mass and decrease percentage body fat, which may lead to weight loss in humans
DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a C19 steroid also known as 5-androsten-3 beta-ol-17-one. DHEA and DHEAS (an active, sulfated form of DHEA), are endogenous hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex in primates and a few non-primate species in response to ACTH. DHEA is a steroid precursor of both androgens and estrogens, and thus is often called 'the mother hormone.
Inositol
Inositol has shown clinical benefits in treating disorders associated with metabolic syndrome. Inositol supplementation has been effectively used to accelerate weight loss, reduce fat mass,7 improve serum lipid profiles and upregulate the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity
Methionine
Methionine is a sulfur-containing branched-chain amino acid. A precursor for cellular methylation reactions, methionine plays an important role in lipid metabolism, polyamine synthesis, immune function, heavy metal chelation, and maintenance of redox balance
Methylcobalamin
Methylcobalamin, or vitamin B12, is a B-vitamin. It is found in a variety of foods such as fish, shellfish, meats, and dairy products. Although methylcobalamin and vitamin B12 are terms used interchangeably, vitamin B12 is also available as hydroxocobalamin, a less commonly prescribed drug product (see Hydroxocobalamin monograph), and methylcobalamin
Naltrexone HCl
Naltrexone is an oral opiate receptor antagonist. It is derived from thebaine and is very similar in structure to oxymorphone. Like parenteral naloxone, naltrexone is a pure antagonist (i.e., agonist actions are not apparent), but naltrexone has better oral bioavailability and a much longer duration of action than naloxone.
Yohimbe HCL
Yohimbe supplements are also marketed to help with weight loss and improve body composition. Yohimbine's ability to block the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors located in fat cells could, in theory, lead to increased fat loss and weight loss.
Arginine becomes nitric oxide (a blood vessel-widening agent called a vasodilator) in the body. Early evidence suggests that arginine may help treat medical conditions that improve with increased vasodilation, such as chest pain, clogged arteries, heart disease, heart failure, erectile dysfunction, peripheral vascular disease, and headaches from blood vessel swelling. Arginine also triggers the body to make protein and has been studied for healing wounds, bodybuilding, enhancing sperm production, and preventing tissue wasting in people with critical illnesses.
Choline is a vitamin-like nutrient that helps export accumulating fats in the liver and helps prevent liver damage. It is needed for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter, which helps maintain cell membranes, transmit nerve impulses, process fat and cholesterol, and perform other tasks.
Cyanocobalamin is the man-made form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 helps your body use fat and carbohydrates for energy and make new protein. It is also important for normal blood, cells, and nerves.
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid (the building block of protein) in the body. The body can make enough glutamine for its regular needs, but extreme stress (the kind you would experience after very heavy exercise or an injury), may cause your body to need more glutamine than it can make. Most glutamine is stored in muscles. Glutamine is important for removing excess ammonia (a common waste product in the body). It also helps your immune system function and appears to be needed for normal brain function and digestion.
Glutathione is an antioxidant that is contained within our bodies and acts as a buffer for any harmful toxins, chemicals, or damaged cells that are introduced. Luckily, the body is capable of producing its own glutathione, which keeps the body healthy and functioning properly. Glutathione can be depleted rather quickly if a person is sick, has been working out hard, drinking, or smoking, which can lead to more illness. In fact, when people have an illness or disease, they also are low in glutathione, which can then lead to additional health issues.
Glutathione has been used in treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, cancer, chronic infections, autoimmune disease, diabetes, autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, asthma, kidney problems, liver disease, fertility, and more. In fact, glutathione is so powerful that it is used regularly to combat the negative radiation effects of chemotherapy!
Another benefit to glutathione is muscle recovery in athletes and those leading active lifestyles. Several studies have shown that test subjects supplementing glutathione had an increase in lean muscle mass over control groups that did not add glutathione. While not considered a testosterone booster, glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and very intense workouts or fitness routines can cause stress in the body. Presumably, the increased glutathione removes the damage and free radicals caused by the workout which speeds up the body’s ability to heal and rebuild muscle.
Inositol is a B vitamin and plays a role in nerve transmission and fat metabolism. Inositol works at the cellular level and is thought to prevent the formation of cancer and may even shrink preexisting cancers. Inositol helps lower cholesterol levels.
Isoleucine is also an essential amino acid that you cannot produce on your own. Dietary proteins are a source of this amino acid as well, including eggs, seaweed, fish, and many seeds. Isoleucine is an important amino acid as it assists your body in the utilization of ketone bodies and fatty acids. This is a critical process of fat mobilization and utilization. A deficit of this amino acid can not only limit your ability to mobilize fat but also cause cerebral dysfunction.
L-carnitine is an amino acid that is found in nearly all cells of the body. L-carnitine plays a critical role in the production of energy from long-chain fatty acids. In addition, it increases the activity of certain nerve cells in the central nervous system.
L-citrulline is used as a sports performance and cardiovascular health supplement. L-citrulline supplementation results in reduced fatigue and improved endurance for both aerobic and anaerobic prolonged exercise. There is not enough evidence to support the claim that L-citrulline supplementation improves power output during exercise.
Leucine is an essential amino acid, which cannot be manufactured in the body. Leucine is used as a dietary supplement because it has been found to slow the breakdown of muscle tissue by increasing the synthesis of muscle proteins.
L-proline is one of the twenty amino acids used in living organisms as the building blocks of proteins. It is a non-essential amino acid that is synthesized from glutamic acid. It is an essential component of collagen and is important for the proper functioning of joints and tendons.
Lysine is an essential amino acid. Lysine has antiviral effects by competing with arginine, which promotes HSV replication. This may help prevent outbreaks of cold sores and genital herpes. Some studies suggest that lysine may make bone-building cells more active and may enhance the production of collagen.
Methionine is an amino acid. It acts as a lipotropic agent (to speed up the removal of fat within the liver) to prevent problems of the skin and nails. It works as an antioxidant through a conversion process to L-cysteine to help neutralize toxins.
NAC or N-acetyl cysteine comes from the amino acid L-cysteine. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. N-acetyl cysteine is also used for preventing liver damage; protecting against environmental pollutants including carbon monoxide, chloroform, urethanes, and certain herbicides; for reducing the toxicity of ifosfamide and doxorubicin, drugs that are used for cancer treatment; as a hangover remedy; for preventing kidney damage due to certain X-ray dyes; and for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrate) is a coenzyme that is produced by our body and is involved in making energy in the body. NADH can be used to improve mental clarity, alertness & memory. NADH may be beneficial in improving athletic endurance/ fatigue and possibly improve the cognitive function of patients with Alzheimer’s.
Niacinamide (B3) is effective and relatively safe for treating high cholesterol levels. Limited evidence shows that niacin may help with clogged arteries and heart disease.
Ornithine has an anti-fatigue effect by increasing the efficiency of energy consumption and promoting the excretion of ammonia. L-ornithine is a free amino acid and is not richly found in meats or fish. So, it is difficult to obtain amounts of L-ornithine from ordinary meals that would be sufficient to promote the anti-fatigue effect. We recommend L-ornithine intake as a nutritional supplement in cases of physical fatigue.
Pantothenic acid (B5), also known as Dexpanthenol, is critical to the manufacture of red blood cells, as well as stress-related hormones produced in the adrenal glands. Vitamin B5 is also important in maintaining a healthy digestive tract, helps the body use other vitamins, and synthesizes cholesterol.
Pyridoxine (B6) is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin B6 is critical for protein metabolism, energy production, and normal nervous system function. It is involved in nearly 60 enzyme systems in the body, necessary for normal growth, red blood cell synthesis, and vitamin B12 absorption.
Riboflavin (B2) is known for increasing energy levels, boosting immune system function, maintaining healthy hair, skin, mucous membranes, and nails, slowing aging, boosting athletic performance, and promoting healthy reproductive function.
Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is a natural part of the human diet. This amino acid is also an antioxidant and plays a key role in many biological processes, such as detoxification, regulation of nerve-cell activity, preservation of eyesight and may improve heart health.
Thiamine (B1) is involved in many body functions, including the nervous system and muscle function, the flow of electrolytes in and out of nerve and muscle cells, digestion, and carbohydrate metabolism.
Valine — Foods high in valine include eggs, elk, seaweed, soy, and watercress. Valine has shown some effect on brain chemistry, which may affect performance, according to a 2001 study published in the “International Journal of Sports Medicine.” Valine, like the other branched-chain amino acids, can be broken down and converted to glycogen for use as fuel. This occurs primarily when your carbohydrate stores are low, or your diet is deficient in specific proteins and amino acids.
Vitamin B12 is a vital water-soluble nutrient critical for maintaining normal functioning nerve cells. Vitamin B12 is also referred to as the energy vitamin since it will provide an energy boost after injection as well as increase metabolism. Vitamin B12 is used in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, and is required for fatty acid synthesis.
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) injection — Cyanocobalamin is the man-made form of vitamin B-12. Vitamin B12 helps your body use fat and carbohydrates for energy and make new protein. It is also important for normal blood, cells, and nerves.
Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) injection — Methylcobalamin is the purer, naturally occurring form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 helps your body use fat and carbohydrates for energy and make new protein. It is also important for normal blood, cells, and nerves.
Vitamin D-3 — Research has shown that certain levels of vitamin D can actually help determine or predict the chance of your weight loss success when following a low-calorie diet program. Vitamin D is known to be beneficial or crucial for the absorption of calcium & phosphorus, which helps develop and maintain healthy bones. Studies have also shown that people with better vitamin D levels have a better mental function in their older years along with healthier body weight.