Finding both a safe and effective medication to aid in weight loss has been a goal in medicine for decades, but does it really exist?
Spoiler alert: it does, and its name is semaglutide (popularized under brand names including Ozempic and Wegovy)!
Keep reading for your up-to-date definitive guide to weight loss injections safety and side effects to determine whether this medication is right for you!
What’s the Skinny on Semaglutide Injections for Weight Reduction?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) that mimics the effects of the hormone GLP-1 in the body. This hormone serves many purposes in maintaining health and wellness.
By activating GLP-1 receptors in your brain, semaglutide helps to increase feelings of fullness / satiety and control your appetite to promote weight loss. It is administered through once-weekly injections.
Semaglutide injections have gained popularity as a weight loss medication due to their effectiveness compared to many drugs on the market advertising the same results with less efficacy and more risks.
How Much Does This Popular Weight Loss Medication Cost?
The cost of semaglutide medications varies depending on factors such as the specific brand, dosage, and the geographical location. Without insurance coverage, the cost of semaglutide injections can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars for a monthly supply.
That being said, prices can be significantly reduced with insurance coverage or discount programs. It is recommended to check with your healthcare provider, pharmacy, or insurance company to get accurate pricing information and explore potential cost-saving options, some of which are offered by the developers of Ozempic and Wegovy.
Are Semaglutide Injections Actually Safe to Use?
These weight loss injections have been extensively studied and found to be generally safe and well tolerated when used for shedding pounds. Ozempic and Wegovy are both FDA approved for their intended uses.
As with any medication, there are potential risks and side effects to consider. It is important to discuss your medical history and any existing conditions with your healthcare provider before starting semaglutide treatment.
Who Benefits From Taking Ozempic or Wegovy?
Candidacy is the most important factor in determining whether any medication is appropriate for you.
Semaglutide injections are primarily indicated for individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as type II diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
These medications are best suited for patients who have struggled to achieve weight loss through diet and exercise alone after it’s been determined that they may benefit from additional medical intervention.
Consulting with a reputable medical professional is the only way to find out if semaglutide is right for you.
Who Should Avoid Medications With Semaglutide?
As part of a definitive guide to weight loss injections safety and side effects, it’s crucial to understand when semaglutide may not be right for you and find a specialist who will be honest in informing you of that.
Although semaglutide injections can be beneficial for many individuals seeking long-term, sustainable weight loss solutions, there are certain groups of people who should avoid or use them with caution under the supervision of their healthcare provider.
Semaglutide should not be used during pregnancy or in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
It is important to inform your medical team about any existing health conditions or medications you are taking to ensure their compatibility with semaglutide treatment. Not being honest can seriously compromise your health and wellbeing.
What Are the Side Effects of Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss injections containing semaglutide may cause side effects, although they are generally mild and resolve on their own as your body adjusts to the drug.
The most common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. It is advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
In rare cases, more serious side effects such as pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney problems may occur. You need to report any unusual and / or severe symptoms to your doctor promptly. The risk of complications is minimized when you ensure that this medication is right for you.
It’s important to note that while semaglutide injections can be an effective tool for weight reduction, they are not a magic solution and should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive weight loss plan. This includes consuming a healthy reduced-calorie diet, getting frequent exercise, and making any other necessary lifestyle modifications.
Individual results may vary, and the sustainability of weight loss depends on long-term adherence to healthy habits. Regular follow-up visits with a healthcare provider is essential to monitor progress, address any concerns, and guarantee the ongoing safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Now That You’ve Read Our Definitive Guide to Weight Loss Injections Safety and Side Effects, It’s Time to Visit Milani MedSpa to Learn More!
Milani MedSpa invites you to take back your health and achieve a healthy BMI with weight loss solutions that really work! Safety is our number one priority for all of our patients, which is why we customize each treatment plan according to your individual needs.
Call us at 703-517-6600 to schedule a consultation and learn more about us, as well as how we can help you become your best and healthiest self!
