Understanding popular GLP-1 weight loss drugs (better known by names like Ozempic®)
For years, Krueger Aesthetics has brought innovations in treatments to support skin health and overall health to the Mukilteo, Everett, Snohomish County, and Whidbey Island, Washington, area. You can trust our responsible and skilled use of highly popularized weight loss drugs like semaglutide, better known by its brand names—Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, and Wegovy®.
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a member of a class of medications known as GLP-1 RAs, which stands for “Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists.” We know that looks and sounds like a mouthful, but these prescription drugs are uniquely designed for weight loss, management of type 2 diabetes, and reducing the risk of conditions like chronic kidney disease among certain populations. Whether you’re looking to lose 50 pounds or just that stubborn last 15, semaglutide could be the tool and boost you’ve been missing. We also offer microdosing for those who are happy with their weight but are seeking to reduce inflammation, enhance workouts, and improve recovery time.
How do GLP-1 drugs work?
This class of drugs is designed to “mimic” the GLP-1 hormone. Made in the gut as a natural response to eating, its key role is stimulating insulin production. When insulin is produced, blood sugar (glucose) declines. Due to its unique response to food and role in insulin production, GLP-1 RA drugs have been prescribed to type 2 diabetics in the U.S. for several years — since they were first approved by the FDA in 2017.
How does it work for weight loss?
When prescribed in higher doses, this class of medication interacts with parts of your brain that control satiety, or that sensation of “fullness” when eating. It effectively curbs your appetite. So, you eat less and feel satisfied sooner. You don’t stop eating; you simply consume less and don’t overeat. If anything, you may enjoy food more and be more mindful of what you eat.
Who is a good candidate for semaglutide?
In addition to promoting sustained disease management among patients with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide is also a protective factor instead of a risk factor. It is associated with many positive effects. When used safely in conjunction with diet and exercise, substantial weight loss may be supported. Furthermore, you keep the weight off when done carefully and. With traditional approaches, weight loss is not always sustainable. In fact, individuals can gain back more weight than when they started their weight loss journeys. Due to semaglutide’s support of a sustained healthy weight, this class of medications is having a life-changing effect on pre-diabetics and those at risk of developing heart disease, certain cancers, stroke, severe sleep, and other serious systemic conditions.
How is semaglutide administered?
Semaglutide can be administered with a small syringe as an injectable, or orally in pill form. Injections appeal to the right patients because semaglutide bypasses the GI tract and can be readily and effectively absorbed and used by the body. With oral semaglutide, a higher dose may be required for the same effects/results as its injectable counterpart. While semaglutide can be taken orally or via injection, Krueger Aesthetics recommends the injection route due to increased efficacy and better results.
What results can I expect?
Semaglutide is setting a new standard in the fight against the obesity epidemic. Half of 2,000 adults in an early study lost 15% of their weight on semaglutide. Almost one-third of those studied lost 20% of their weight. When compared to those who exercised and dieted alone, the results were striking; those participants lost an average of ~2.4% of their weight after 68 weeks. Later research supports these early findings.
Why Krueger Aesthetics for this treatment?
This isn’t your typical online prescription experience. Dr. Murphy offers a holistic approach to weight loss centered on education and support. Your first appointment will be a one-hour session to review the medication, its side effects, benefits, and your current lifestyle habits. Patients also receive 30-minute monthly follow-ups that include side effect management, body composition analysis, meal prep, exercise coaching, and personalized treatment plans. Dr. Murphy is committed to empowering her patients every step of the way.
How do I get started?
We cannot overemphasize that the research above pertains to extraordinary results among study subjects who used semaglutide and incorporated diet and exercise as “prescribed.” If Dr. Murphy and our team at Krueger Aesthetics determine that you are a good candidate for semaglutide based on your clinical history, you must be committed to a healthy lifestyle. Here again, semaglutide is just another tool in your toolbox – albeit powerful – to unleash improved mental and physical health and well-being and reduce your risks of developing many life-altering diseases. Contact our office in Mukilteo today to schedule a consultation. Serving the Everett, Snohomish County, and Whidbey Island, WA areas, we can be reached at (425) 876-9999.
