For those of us who struggle with weight-related health issues, traditional weight management methods like diet and exercise aren’t always enough of a solution on their own. Enter: medical weight loss programs, which offer science-backed solutions to help you reach your health goals safely and effectively. One especially significant breakthrough in the medical weight loss field is the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, like semaglutide—a medication that’s proven to be highly effective in aiding weight loss. Read on for a deep dive into GLP-1 medications: how semaglutide injections work, the benefits and side effects, and why these weight loss shots are becoming a popular option if you’re looking to make sustainable health changes.
What is Medical Weight Loss?
Medical weight loss programs, like SkinSpirit's Rebalance program, are healthcare-based approaches to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight (under the supervision of medical professionals). These treatment plans incorporate scientifically proven strategies:
- dietary changes,
- exercise, and
- medication for weight loss
What are the Benefits of Medical Weight Loss?
One major benefit of medical weight loss? Medical experts will monitor your progress and make adjustments as necessary. This means that your ongoing weight loss treatment plan will continue to be tailored to—and safe for—your individual needs. With a medical weight loss program, you’ll have regular check-ins to assess how your body is responding to medication (helping you stay motivated, too). Additionally, these programs are geared towards long-term results, helping you develop sustainable lifestyle changes to manage weight over time. The focus isn’t on crash dieting, it’s on giving you the tools to create habits that last.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a medication that’s primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, and, more recently, for weight management. It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists: hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels by:
- Enhancing insulin secretion when blood sugar is high,
- Slowing down the release of glucose from the liver, and
- Reducing appetite.
Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone that is released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating—prompting the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood sugar and promotes weight loss. It is typically administered via injection.
How Do Semaglutide Injections Work?
Semaglutide injections work by influencing the areas of the brain that control hunger, making individuals feel fuller for longer periods and reducing overall calorie intake. As a result, semaglutide has been approved for use in treating weight loss under brand names like Wegovy and Ozempic. We offer a compounded version of semaglutide in our Rebalance and Vitality programs.
What are the Benefits (and Side Effects) of Semaglutide?
By acting on areas of the brain that control appetite, semaglutide reduces hunger and promotes a feeling of fullness. This helps reduce calorie intake and contributes to substantial weight loss, when combined with lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise. Basically, you’ll feel full more quickly, and eat less. But like any medication, semaglutide comes with potential side effects. Common side effects include:
- nausea,
- vomiting, diarrhea
- constipation
Particularly in the early stages of treatment, as your body adjusts to the medication. Some individuals may also experience headaches or fatigue. In very rare cases, more severe side effects, such as pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, or allergic reactions, may occur.
Why Work with a Medical Provider for Weight Loss?
Two words: personalized care. Medical providers take a comprehensive approach to weight loss by assessing your overall health—including factors like metabolism, underlying health conditions, hormone levels, and lifestyle habits. This in-depth evaluation lets the experts tailor your weight loss plan to your needs and goals, for more effective, more sustainable results. Also, you’ll be losing weight more safely under the supervision of a medical provider. Weight loss without professional guidance can carry risks, especially for individuals with underlying medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid issues. Medical providers ensure that your weight loss plan is safe for your body. Plus, you’ll feel more supported on your wellness journey. Our programs include regular check-ins to help monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments to your plan—and keep you feeling motivated and proud of yourself.
Interested in Medical Weight Loss?
We’re always researching and testing new products to find the ones that really work, and GLP-1 injections fit the bill. We developed our weight management programs to redefine our clients’ wellness journeys, with a holistic approach toward achieving and maintaining a healthier weight. If you’re curious about medical weight loss, check out our Vitality and Rebalance Programs with semaglutide injections. (Our Rebalance Program also features one-on-one nutrition and exercise coaching from our expert providers).
To get started, book your $250 consultation (which includes bloodwork and an in-depth body scan) with our expert providers.