Does Semaglutide (GLP-1) Really Help with Weight Loss?
Semaglutide (GLP-1) is a synthetic peptide that triggers signals in the body that help you lose weight. At WildBerryMD, we offer enhanced Semaglutide (GLP-1) with L-Carnitine to promote increased energy and weight loss along with a clean, healthy diet for your success.
What are Peptides?
Peptides are versions of proteins, just smaller. They signal the body to perform functions related to cognition, healing from injuries, metabolism, muscle building, and cell recovery. Using these natural peptides, drug companies are developing therapies to achieve specific health benefits including weight loss.
What is Semaglutide (GLP-1)?
Semaglutide (GLP-1) is a synthetic GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist). Semaglutide (GLP-1) has been used for diabetes treatment and weight loss, and is FDA approved. With Semaglutide (GLP-1), a patient is injected once a week to promote weight loss over time. This helps the body release the ideal amount of insulin which is responsible for removing sugar from the blood and allowing it to be used for energy.
Let’s take a deeper look at Semaglutide (GLP-1):
What does Semaglutide (GLP-1) do?
- It helps control hunger and cravings.
- It promotes sustained weight loss with diet and exercise.
- It promotes the feeling of fullness.
- It suppresses the hormones responsible for hunger. It reduces the production of sugar.
- It increases your cell’s ability to intake and use glucose.
- It helps with metabolic function – the ability to burn carbs, proteins, and fats.
- It helps to control after-meal blood sugar levels and appetite.
How does Semaglutide (GLP-1) work?
There are different effects that occur all over the body when using Semaglutide (GLP-1).
Brain
Semaglutide (GLP-1) signals the hypothalamus which is responsible for appetite and thirst which reduces your desire to eat and drink. This helps you to eat less, but it is important that you stay hydrated.
Muscle
Semaglutide (GLP-1) stimulates gluconeogenesis, which is the synthesis of glucose in the body. Put plainly, the liver will convert protein rather than carbs to sugar for your body to use in the muscles. This process helps to lower blood sugar, especially on a low-carb diet.
Pancreas
GLP-1 triggers the pancreas to secrete more insulin when it comes into contact with glucose, which lowers the levels of glycogen in the blood after a meal.
Liver
GLP-1 helps to lower levels of blood sugar by lowering liver sugar production.
Stomach
When using Semaglutide (GLP-1), the level of secretion of acid in the stomach and how quickly food leaves the stomach is decreased. This helps you to feel fuller for longer.
Slim Down with Semaglutide (GLP-1) at WildBerryMD
What Are the Side Effects of Semaglutide (GLP-1)?
It’s important to remember that this medication is injectable and self-administered by the patient once per week.
Here Are the Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which affect 10-40% of people who take it. They are more likely to occur with short-acting medications and tend to be less severe as time goes on.
- Constipation, bloating, indigestion.
- Headache – usually occurring on the day of and the day after the injection.
- Occasional redness, itching, or soreness of the skin at the injection site.
- Palpitations or higher than normal heart rate which may result in insomnia.
The More Serious Side Effects
These are rare side effects, but if they occur, they should be treated as an emergency.
- Pancreatitis: Ongoing upper abdominal pain in the upper left or middle of the stomach that may spread to the back, with or without vomiting
- A skin rash or hives
- Itching
- Pounding heart
- Dizziness or fainting
- Allergic reactions such as swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, throat, feet, ankles, or lower legs and trouble swallowing or breathing
- Decreased urination
- Very dry mouth or skin
- Extreme thirst
Potential Complications
- Drugs similar to Semaglutide (GLP-1) (but not Semaglutide (GLP-1) itself) have been shown to promote thyroid cell tumors. This complication has not been studied in humans but you should use caution if you have a family history of thyroid cancer.
- There is a possible risk of pancreatitis. This can be very serious but is unlikely to occur.
Who Shouldn’t Use Semaglutide (GLP-1)
This medication is not recommended for people who:
- Have a history of pancreatitis
- Have a history of gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach)
- Have medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 or a family history of these conditions
- Are on dialysis (as the safety of using GLP-1 agonists in this situation hasn’t been proven)
- History of suicidal and severe uncontrolled mood issues
- People with impaired kidney function due to diabetes who have a GFR (glomerular filtration rate) of 30
What Else Can You Do To Accelerate Weight Loss?
There are many additional steps you can take to accelerate your weight loss journey.
- Stay hydrated.
- Don’t forget to eat! Especially when exercising.
- Check in frequently to assess progress and dosage adjustments.
- Eat healthy whole foods that are nutrient-dense.
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
- Get plenty of sleep.
Ready to get started? Make your appointment with WildBerryMD today to learn more.
Get Started with Semaglutide (GLP-1) at WildBerryMD
Your weight loss journey begins here at WildBerryMD. With our help, you can start Semaglutide (GLP-1) and make the necessary changes to live a happier and healthier life. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today.