Benefits Of Weight Loss

Even small amounts of weight loss can lead to substantial benefits. Losing weight can help you balance your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Successful weight loss can improve your self-image, thus enhancing your mental health and happiness. An effective weight loss strategy can also help motivate you to keep going. GLP-1 agonists for weight management are a great stepping stone to help you develop a healthy lifestyle. 

Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Liraglutide is commonly prescribed under two separate brand names–Victoza and Saxenda. The FDA has approved Saxenda for weight loss in patients who are overweight or obese. Daily Liraglutide injections control blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 2 diabetes. In combination with a healthy diet and consistent exercise plan, this is one of many GLP-1 drugs that work well for weight loss. Like other GLP-1 agonists, Liraglutide can cause side effects, including headaches, constipation, heartburn, runny nose, fatigue, and redness or pain at the injection site. However, the most common side effects are easy to manage, making Saxenda a great way to lose and keep off weight.

You should not take Saxenda if you:

• Are taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication
• Have or had issues with your pancreas, liver, or kidneys
• Have severe stomach issues, such as gastroparesis (slowed emptying of the stomach)
• Are prone to depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health issues
• Are currently breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Adjusting Your Lifestyle

To achieve optimal results from your GLP-1 agonist, it is essential to make adjustments to your lifestyle. This includes a healthy diet and a consistent exercise plan. While it can seem overwhelming to make these changes in your life, it will increase the effectiveness of your GLP-1 medicine and lead to a healthier, happier you!

Wegovy And Ozempic (Semaglutide)

Wegovy is a weekly semaglutide injection approved by the FDA to treat individuals with obesity and at least one related condition, such as type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Ozempic is the same medication as Wegovy, and it has FDA approved indication to treat for diabetes; however, there are patients who use it as off-label for weight loss. Wegovy is most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical exercise. This drug is specifically indicated for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or more or individuals with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 with one or more related conditions. Wegovy mimics a GLP-1 hormone, targeting the area of the brain responsible for appetite regulation and food intake.

Serious side effects of Wegovy can include:

• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder issues
• Hypoglycemia
• Kidney problems
• Increased heart rate

Your healthcare provider will determine if Semaglutide is the proper medication for you and monitor your symptoms closely to mitigate any severe risks. If Semaglutide is a good fit for you, it can be incredibly effective at helping you lose weight and keep it off. Sometime, it’s difficult to get Wegovy and Ozempic approved by insurance or get it filled at your local pharmacy because of the supply shortage or the high asking self-pay price of the medication which can be as high as $1,800 for a one month supply. If that is the case, patients should make an appointment with Alpha Hormones medical provider to see if a less costly alternative and compounded version such as Semaglutide with added Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12) injection is right for them. Cyanocobalamin can add the extra energy boost and increase fat metabolism so patients can reach their weight loss goals faster.