Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, is an incretin mimetic medication approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.
Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has shown remarkable efficacy for sustainable weight loss in several large clinical trials. Compared to lifestyle intervention alone, semaglutide users lost up to 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
So how does semaglutide promote weight loss? As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, it mimics the effects of GLP-1, a hormone released from the gut after eating. Semaglutide:
This powerful combination makes semaglutide an appealing medical option for individuals struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
Semaglutide is appropriate for adults aged 18 years and older who meet the following criteria:
Ideally, semaglutide should be prescribed by an endocrinologist or weight management specialist familiar with its use. Careful patient selection and monitoring are important for safe, effective treatment.
If you are considering semaglutide for weight loss, the first step is scheduling a consultation at the Rebalance Clinic.
The compassionate providers will:
Should you decide to move forward, the team will provide ongoing medical management to help you achieve sustainable results. This includes:
Semaglutide therapy begins with a low dose that is gradually increased over 5-8 weeks to improve gastrointestinal tolerability. You will receive instructions on:
To augment semaglutide's effects, the clinic recommends adopting healthy lifestyle changes like:
Implementing such strategies, along with semaglutide treatment, can help induce further weight loss and maintenance of results long-term.
You will meet with your provider approximately every 4 weeks initially, then less frequently as needed for:
Losing weight and keeping it off long-term poses an incredible challenge for many. On average, nearly 50% of lost weight is regained within 1 year, and 80% within 2 years.
However, findings from the STEP clinical trials demonstrate semaglutide's potential to promote sustained weight loss for 68 weeks of treatment. After stopping semaglutide, continued weight management support is key.
In the STEP phase 3 trials, adults with obesity or overweight were prescribed semaglutide 2.4 mg along with lifestyle interventions. Two-year results showcase semaglutide's ability to achieve substantial, sustained weight loss compared to placebo:
| Trial | Semaglutide | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Total Weight Loss at 2 Years | 14.9% | 2.4% |
| % Achieving ≥15% Weight Loss at 2 Years | 51% | 4% |
Despite some weight regain after stopping semaglutide at 68 weeks, individuals still maintained a significant reduction vs. placebo at 2 years. This underscores the value of ongoing lifestyle treatment alongside medication.
Importantly, the STEP trials verified durable improvements in cardio-metabolic health and patient-reported outcomes. At 2 years, semaglutide users had sustained benefits in:
Thus, semaglutide weight loss therapy confers meaningful advantages beyond just weight alone, including gains in overall wellbeing and reduced disease burden.
At Rebalance Clinic, providers offer personalized, compassionate care in a judgement-free environment to help patients reach their weight loss goals. The experienced endocrinologists and nurses partner with each individual at every step.
The clinic recognizes that each patient requires an approach tailored to their unique situation and needs. That's why individualized treatment plans are provided, incorporating prescription medications, nutrition guidance, fitness recommendations, and tools to foster sustainable behavior changes.
The proprietary program leverages cutting-edge hormone balancing protocols to help patients overcome obstacles to weight loss. The clinic stays apprised of emerging research and the latest medical innovations to provide the most advanced therapeutic options.
Conclusion:
The Rebalance Clinic offers a comprehensive approach to weight management, utilizing the latest advancements in semaglutide therapy and personalized support. By combining medical interventions with lifestyle modifications, the clinic aims to empower individuals in achieving sustainable weight loss and improving overall health and well-being. If you are struggling with weight management, consider reaching out to the Rebalance Clinic for a tailored solution to your unique needs.
