Ozempic, aka Semaglutide, has been a hot topic for quite some time now, and it doesn’t show any signs of cooling off. What is it? How does it work? Is it actually a safe option for weight loss? Here’s everything you need to know about Ozempic and why it’s one of, if not the, best weight loss treatment in Vienna, VA.
What is Ozempic, and How Does It Work?
Ozempic is a once-weekly medication that contains the drug semaglutide. It’s part of a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), and it has become incredibly popular for various reasons.
It works by binding GLP-1 receptors to stimulate insulin release from your pancreas when you need it. It lowers your A1C and blood sugar levels and slows down the process of food leaving your stomach. It can also help to reduce your appetite.
Is Ozempic Actually Effective for Weight Loss?
While Ozempic has been FDA approved since 2017, it is approved as a drug for type II diabetes. Recently, however, it’s garnering attention for use as a weight loss drug. Is it actually the best weight loss treatment in Arlington, VA, though? The short answer: yes and no.
Ozempic is not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the sole purpose of weight loss, but that doesn’t necessarily make it unsafe or ineffective for this use. Semaglutide, the generic version of this drug, is actually incredibly helpful for patients trying and struggling to lose weight.
The reason for this is because Ozempic slows down food leaving your stomach, making you feel fuller for longer. This is beneficial for people who have a hard time losing weight due to issues with overeating or having a significant appetite where they constantly feel hungry.
Even as an off-label use, which means it’s prescribed outside of its intended use, it can be a safe and helpful way to lose weight for the right patient.
What Other Benefits Does This Medication Have?
For patients with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, it can also reduce their risk for heart attack, stroke, and death by minimizing the chances of major cardiovascular events. This medication can also help keep the liver from storing too much sugar and/or fat.
How Long Does it Take to Shed LBs With the Best Weight Loss Treatment in Arlington? Is It Quick?
There is no set time that people will start to lose weight while taking once-weekly Ozempic. It can take some patients several weeks to see significant improvement in their weight, or it can take only a week or two to feel and notice a difference.
The goal isn’t to rapidly lose weight, however, even with the aid of semaglutide. Ozempic should be used to promote and maintain consistent, steady, and gradual weight loss. Extreme weight loss that occurs too fast sacrifices your long-term results at best and poses serious risk to your health at worst.
Diet and exercise both play a key role in how soon you will lose weight as well. Patience is key for weight loss on Ozempic in order to achieve a sustainable outcome that doesn’t harm your health.
How Much Weight Can Someone Lose on Ozempic?
You can expect to lose at least 5% of your starting body weight when using semaglutide for the purpose of weight loss. About one-third of people who take Ozempic can achieve 10% or more. It ultimately depends on how your body responds to the drug, as well as the lifestyle changes you make.
For the best weight loss results possible, you should consult with a provider who not only offers semaglutide but can also help you create a sustainable plan that includes behavioral changes, healthy diet, and frequent exercise.
How is Ozempic for Weight Loss Used?
Taking Ozempic is actually fairly simple, easy, and quick. It is administered as an injection using a pen injector, which your provider will show you how to use once you’re prescribed the medication for weight loss.
You will start at the lowest dose, which is 0.25 mg, and inject it yourself into the skin of your stomach, upper arm, or upper thigh. You will stay at this dose for a minimum of four weeks unless otherwise recommended by your provider.
Your next dose will be at .5 mg for four more weeks at minimum, and It is then increased to 1 mg if appropriate. However, some patients may need 2 mg to benefit from this self-injected medication. Your dosage and overall weight loss plan is adjusted as needed, so don’t panic if your treatment plan looks different to someone else’s.
Who Should Use Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide injections are best suited for people who are struggling with obesity or are overweight with one or more weight-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. It is especially recommended if you’re struggling to lose weight naturally or your weight loss has plateaued.
Ozempic is not recommended for everyone, so it’s important to consult with a reputable provider who specializes in multiple weight loss treatments, not just semaglutide injections.
Explore the Best Weight Loss Treatment in Vienna, VA, With a Consult at Body Sculpt Laser Center!
Body Sculpt Laser Center is here to help you achieve your weight loss goals with individualized treatment plans! We offer semaglutide injections, nutritional counseling, and even a full-body analysis to assist you during your journey.
Call us at 571-549-1070 to schedule your free consultation and learn more about the best weight loss treatments in Vienna, Virginia including Ozempic!
