Can I Take Semaglutide GLP-1 for Weight Loss?

Initially, semaglutide was used to manage type 2 diabetes by helping the body use insulin more effectively. In more recent years, it’s also been approved for medical weight loss purposes, as higher doses have been shown to reduce hunger and encourage weight reduction.

Semaglutide supports weight loss efforts by acting similarly to a natural hormone called GLP-1, which is important for regulating blood sugar, slowing digestion, and controlling appetite. This weight loss injection allows you to feel fuller for longer after eating, promoting a calorie-controlled diet. By supporting better blood sugar control and acting on the hunger and satiety centers in the brain, this prescription medication supports patients in reaching their weight loss goals when it’s used alongside lifestyle improvements.

Because it reduces appetite and makes you feel satisfied after meals, semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. If you’ve struggled to shed excess weight through lifestyle changes alone, semaglutide injections can be an effective tool for reaching your weight management goals.

For many people on their weight loss journeys, semaglutide is a highly effective treatment when it comes to weight loss, especially for those struggling with obesity or related health issues. Clinical research has demonstrated that people taking semaglutide injections for weight management can lose up to 15% to 20% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks. That said, it’s not only about the number on the scale; semaglutide also helps improve important health markers, such as lowering blood sugar, reducing heart disease risk, and improving how the body utilizes insulin.

The many benefits that semaglutide injections offer make this treatment approach an attractive option for people who want to lose excess weight and improve their wellness. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that while this medication is effective, it delivers the best results when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.

If you’re interested in semaglutide treatment, you may be wondering what criteria make you a candidate for this treatment. To qualify for semaglutide injections for weight loss, you will need to book a consultation session with a medical weight loss specialist. Healthcare professionals prescribe semaglutide injections to patients who are obese or overweight with related health conditions.

Body mass index (BMI) is a factor that doctors consider when deciding if semaglutide injections are right for you. Individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher may be ideal candidates for treatment with this medication. Additionally, individuals who have a BMI above 27 may also qualify, if they have weight-related conditions, such as sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension.

Before prescribing semaglutide, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough evaluation, which will include discussing your personal and family medical history, current medications, and your previous experiences with weight loss treatments. Semaglutide is meant to be part of a broader weight management plan that includes diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. If other weight loss methods have not proven successful or sustainable for you, and if you’re ready to commit to a long-term weight management plan, semaglutide could be recommended for you.

The cost of semaglutide treatment fluctuates depending on factors like the dosage prescribed, the pharmacy you choose, your geographic location, and your insurance coverage. Generally, semaglutide injections for weight loss cost from $1,000 to $1,500 per month if you’re paying out of pocket. If your insurance covers semaglutide for weight loss, your out-of-pocket cost may be as low as $25 to $200 per month, depending on your plan and the terms of coverage.

It’s essential to keep in mind that not all insurance plans cover semaglutide treatment, especially if it’s prescribed for weight loss rather than diabetes. It’s best to double-check coverage specifics with your insurance representative. If your plan doesn’t cover semaglutide, there are patient assistance programs or manufacturer discounts to make the cost of treatment more manageable.

Do you have more questions regarding the suitability of semaglutide? Contact us now or book an appointment today. We serve patients from Langhorne PA, Philadelphia PA, Newtown PA, Levittown PA, Bensalem PA, Yardley PA and surrounding areas.