Semaglutide Weight Loss: Part Of A Weight Management Plan
Trying to figure out what is the best way to lose weight in 2023 can be overwhelming to say the least. A quick review of how well diets and meal plans alone can really work proves lacking. For those who have more than 15-20 pounds to shed, its even more daunting and can lead to indecision and another year where your health is left in question, causing serious weight problems. Read on for real answers on how people like you are finding long-term weight loss in The Woodlands, Texas with Natalie Drake, MD’s customized medical weight loss program that includes Semaglutide injections.
Now doctors can prescribe an FDA-approved medical weight loss option, Wegovy (Semaglutide Injection), for losing weight and maintaining weight loss as part of an overall “get healthy” strategic plan. It works by targeting a person’s appetite and decreasing cravings for food. To get the most benefit and enjoy long-term success, Semaglutide should be used in conjunction with a program of increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet.
The protocol may include a once weekly injection (under the skin) for those with chronic weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
Weight loss outcomes associated with Semaglutide
In a recent 2021 Journal of the American Medical Association study, researchers found “of those 175 patients with overweight or obesity receiving Semaglutide injections, the total body weight loss percentages achieved were 5.9% at 3 months and 10.9% at 6 months”.
With approximately 70% of Americans experiencing obesity or overweight, this approval could not come soon enough. The FDA has stated that losing 5-10% of your body weight with diet and exercise can lower your risks for developing cardiovascular disease. According to John Sharretts, M.D. deputy director of the Division of Diabetes, Lipid disorders, and Obesity at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Semaglutide “offers adults with obesity or overweight a beneficial new treatment option to incorporate into a weight management program.”
What are the side effects of Semaglutide?
According to the manufacturer’s website, www.wegovy.com, the most common side effects of Wegovy ® (Semaglutide) may include: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, tiredness, upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, gas, stomach flu and heartburn. For other safety and warnings please visit the website above.
What is the most effective weight loss plan?
Finding the best solution for healthy weight loss starts with individualized strategies that affect your overall lifestyle and behavior patterns. Once you begin a customized medical weight loss program, you receive the tools, support, specific plans and prescription drugs to help change your body and allow you to become active again.
Treating the entire body with a holistic approach has been proven to be the best and most effective pathway to weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The CDC has recommended this customized, comprehensive plan over one that just counts calories. To achieve a healthier you, it takes treating all of you!
Typical components of the Natalie Drake Weight Loss Program include:
• Assessment of your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference
• Planning for good food choices, customized meal plan and healthy eating habits
• Charting water intake
• Monitoring sleep patterns and stress levels
• Prescribing sleep medications as needed
• Developing a great plan for physical activity
• Specifying and educating you on portions of each food group
• Establishing goals and educating you on specific behavior modification tools to keep you on track
• Learning how to “Rethink Your Drink” by lowering the sugar content
• Planning for specific prescription drugs like Semaglutide injection for weight loss
• Monitoring vitals and measuring progress at each visit
Want to know if you may be a candidate for the program?
Use this CDC BMI calculator to determine if you are overweight and need to enroll in a healthy weight management program:
This program was partially modeled after Cleveland Clinic’s widely successful weight loss and management program. Some components that keep you on target include the following tips:
• Keep exercising on a regular and weekly basis
• Set exercise goals
• Eat a healthy breakfast
• Drink plenty of water to maintain good hydration
• Stay away from sugar-filled drinks
• Eat whole foods rich in fiber and nutrients, not processed ones
• Read food labels
• Practice smaller portions
• Plan your meals at home
• Use healthy cookbooks
• Snack with fruits and vegetables
• Have a goal of watching less than 10 hours of TV per week
How do I get a personalized weight loss plan?
It’s easy. You can call Dr. Drake’s Woodlands office to schedule your weight loss consultation visit at 281-203-5115.