what you need to know:
Semaglutide
Is it right for you?

The benefits of using semaglutide go beyond weight loss. It improves blood sugar control for people with diabetes. It can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke for people who are overweight or obese, and improve cholesterol numbers.

Semaglutide is used to treat type 2 diabetes, and to promote weight loss for people who are overweight but not diabetic.

Semaglutide affects the same parts of the brain as the hormone GLP-1, which is essential to regulating appetite. It decreases feelings of hunger, and slows down digestion and emptying of the stomach — which keeps you feeling fuller longer.

Because semaglutide slows down emptying of the stomach, you naturally eat less, which leads to weight loss.

Semaglatude is available in injectable form and oral form (tablets or drops). 

Injectable semaglatude is used once weekly, preferably on the same day of the week. Oral forms are taken once per day.

In general, yes. Semaglutide can be prescribed for older adults. Discuss your overall health and current medications with your doctor to ensure that its safe for you.

No. Semglutide is not currently approved for use by children or adolescents, and is only prescribed to adults.

No. Semaglutide is not recommended for people who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant in the near future. 

Absolutely! If you’ve struggled to lose weight in the past, have a history of “failed” diets, can’t keep the weight off through diet and exercise alone, etc., semaglutide can help. It directly targets your body’s appetite regulation system, which is a completely different mechanism than non-medical weight loss options. 

Possibly, but you should discuss it with your doctor and any other healthcare provider involved in your care. Semaglutide directly affects appetite, and this may interact with underlying mental health conditions. Have an in-depth conversation with your providers and let them assess whether it’s the right option for you.

Probably — but make sure your provider is aware of your history. Semaglutide does have potential cardiovascular benefits for people with type 2 diabetes, and may well be beneficial for people with a history of heart disease. However, each individual’s history is unique, so be sure to discuss your history with your provider and let them guide you.

If you have a history of thyroid or endocrine issues, make sure to discuss your history with your provider. Semaglutide is contraindicated for people with a personal or family history of certain types of thyroid cancer, or people with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Yes. Semaglutide was initially prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, so people with diabetes will not only benefit from its weight loss component but also from its ability to improve blood sugar control. If you’re already taking diabetes medication, make sure your provider knows this. 

Like all drugs, some people taking semaglutide may experience side effects. However, for most people these side effects are mild and improve over time. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue, with nausea being the most common complaint. Other side effects can include vomiting, headache, and dizziness. In very rare cases, people taking semiglutide may experience more serious issues (see important safety information [this will be a link to other content]), but for most people side effects are mild and subside after they have been taking the medication for some time.

Nausea is not uncommon when you first start taking the medication. Try eating smaller meals and eating more frequently, and avoiding fatty foods. If your nausea lasts for an extended period of time or is severe, contact your provider and let them know.

Semaglutide can affect blood sugar levels even in people who don’t have diabetes, but the effect is usually minor and does not cause any problems. If you have a history of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), however, or if you’re taking other medications that might affect your blood sugar, you should monitor your blood sugar closely and let your provider know before you start taking the medication.

Semaglutide works by slowing down digestion and the emptying of your stomach, which is how it helps you feel fuller longer. For some people, this can result in mild digestive symptoms such as nausea, constipation, or bloating. For most people who do experience these disturbances, the symptoms are mild and subside over time.

Yes. Current studies indicate that semaglutide is safe for long-term use.

Semaglutide may interact with certain medications, especially those that affect your blood sugar levels or gastrointestinal function, so it’s important to make sure your provider is aware of all medications you are currently taking.

No. Semaglutide is not addictive or habit-forming.

Mild side effects are common during the early phase of your medical weight loss journey, and they usually disappear over time as your body adapts. If your side effects are severe, however, or if they don’t subside after and adjustment period even if they’re not severe, your provider may need to adjust your dosage or make other changes to your treatment.

If you’re thinking of stopping semaglutide, it’s important to talk to your provider first. They can help guide you through the process and help you create a plan for maintaining the weight loss you’ve achieved.

Individual results may vary, but in clinical trials, the average weight loss was 15-20% or total body weight. 

There can be. Some people experience mild side effects when they start semaglutide, so your provider may start you out at a low dose and increase it over time.

That depends on a variety of factors. Some people only take semaglutide for a limited time, while others need to take it long term in order to maintain their weight loss. 

That depends. Semaglutide inhibits your appetite and the emptying of your stomach, naturally reducing the amount of food you eat and the calories you consume, resulting in weight loss. To sustain this weight loss without the aid of medication requires making lifestyle changes that some people may find difficult to maintain.

[Don’t currently have the answer to this but I think it’s a good question; hoping it’s included in the info I get on how the program actually works.]

In most cases, semaglutide is used alone. 

Absolutely! Semaglutide can be a valuable part of your long-term weight maintenance strategy.

Semaglutide itself doesn’t affect mental health in any way, but sudden weight loss — like any other dramatic physical change — can certainly influence your mood. 

Most people actually experience the opposite. As you lose weight and improve your overall health, you will probably find that your energy level increases rather than decreases.

There is no evidence that semaglutide itself affects sleep in any way. But as with your energy level, as the weight comes off and your health improves you may also find that the quality of your sleep also improves.

No. There is no specific diet people using semaglutide need to follow, though making healthy changes to your eating habits may make it easier to lose weight and maintain your weight once you reach your goal.

No. There is no evidence that semaglutide interacts with any specific foods, though people do sometimes find that avoiding fatty foods helps minimize any side effects they may be experiencing during the early phase of treatment.

No. There’s no reason to adjust your workout routine or schedule just because you’re taking semaglutide, though starting an exercise program if you haven’t already can improve your overall health and maximize your weight loss results.

You most certainly can. Semaglutide makes you feel fuller faster, and helps you stay feeling full longer, so you may find yourself eating smaller portions that you were before. Don’t feel like you have to clean your plate — ask for a doggie bag instead.

A little alcohol is fine while you’re taking semaglutide; just do it in moderation. Excessive alcohol can not only increase the risk of side effects, it can also interfere with your weight loss. 

[Also waiting on info for this answer; my plan is to say “While it typically costs X, if you join our awesome program it only costs you X per month and you also get these fantastic benefits like the care coaching, so sign up now!]

It depends. There is a possibility that semaglutide could interact with some supplements or herbs remedies, so speak with your provider and your pharmacist before starting or continuing any over-the-counter products such as these.

In studies, semaglitude has proven to be more effective for weight loss than liraglutide. It also is longer-acting, allowing for once-weekly dosing.

Many people like the convenience of only having to take their medication once per week, but if you’re uncomfortable with injections you can opt for one of the other forms of semaglutide. Simply tell your provider that you’re not comfortable injecting yourself.

If you miss a dose, don’t panic – you won’t suddenly undo all the gains you’ve made. Just take the next dose as soon as you remember it (for injectable semaglutide), unless it’s less than 48 hours before your next injection. In that case, go ahead and skip the missed dose completely and take the next one on schedule. If you’re taking oral semaglutide and you miss a dose, just continue with your regular dosing schedule. Don’t double up to try to make up for the missed dose.