Lean Shot
Weight Loss Injection (Semaglutide)
What is the Weight Loss Injection (Semaglutide)?
Semaglutide is part of a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. It increases insulin secretion, which is good for diabetes. But at higher doses, it acts on centers in the brain and suppresses appetite. It is important to use this medication in conjunction with lifestyle intervention. What this medicine does is help patients adhere to a reduced-calorie diet.
GLP-1 is a hormone that’s naturally produced by our bodies in the small intestine when we’ve eaten a meal and it plays a part in helping us to feel satisfied after eating.
However, natural human GLP-1 doesn’t last that long, which is why we often feel hungry or peckish a couple of hours after a meal.
GLP-1 is an incretin, which is a type of hormone that helps to reduce blood glucose levels and stimulate the secretion of insulin.
In people with diabetes, the GLP-1 produced by the body isn’t enough to control glucose and insulin levels, so drugs that mimic the hormone, such as Semaglutide, are used to boost the body’s natural response.
As Semaglutide is a synthetic version of this hormone, it’s usually called a GLP-1 receptor agonist, or alternatively, an incretin mimetic.
This means that it mimics the hormone we produce naturally, but with a few alterations, which explain why weight loss is a common side effect of Semaglutide.
How does the Weight Loss Injection work?
By mimicking the effects of GLP-1, the GLP-1 receptor agonists have many effects. Some of their actions include:
- Help control appetite and blood sugar levels.
- Help the pancreas release the optimal amount of insulin, which transports glucose (sugar) to tissues in the body where it can be used for energy.
- Slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach, which helps to control post-prandial (after-meal) blood sugar levels.
How is the Weight Loss Injection administer
Once a week on the same day
Subcutaneous injection to the lower abdomen using a very tiny insulin needle
What are the Common Side Effects?
Most commonly reported side effects:
- constipation
- headache
- increased hunger
- indigestion
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- unusual tiredness (usually from lack of calories)
• Pricing Information:
◦ $650 for two 3 mL vials
◦ Last a variable length, depending on your current dosing
If interested please call to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation to discuss the medication and treatment plan at our Stone Oak and Boerne locations.
