Weight Loss
If you’ve never struggled with losing or maintaining your weight, you really are very lucky. If you have, you know how disheartening that battle can be. Amid the myriad of diets, exercise routines, and lifestyle changes, some people find themselves hitting a roadblock, unable to achieve the results they want. In such cases, exploring new avenues becomes imperative.
Obesity
For years, obesity has faced pervasive stigma, often viewed as a reflection of personal weakness or moral deficiency. As scientific advances have been made and the medical and scientific communities understand being overweight or obese more fully, understanding has grown that obesity is a disease. The American Medical Association classified it as such in 2013. Recognizing obesity as a disease rather than only a consequence of lifestyle choices provides the opportunity to create a multifaceted approach to its treatment. This paradigm shift underscores factors that influence weight aside from an individual’s behavior. For example, one’s weight is influenced by:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Certain medications
- Access to nutritious foods influenced by geographical factors
- Psychological stress influencing eating habits and metabolic processes
- Sleep disorders disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, potentially leading to weight gain
- Genetics predispose individuals to obesity, independent of lifestyle choices
Advances In Medically Assisted Weight Loss
You’ve almost certainly heard about weight loss medications by now. One of them, semaglutide, has been especially popular. It’s marketed under the brand names Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Ozempic. Rybelsus is taken daily by mouth to treat type 2 diabetes while Wegovy and Ozempic are weekly injections. All three belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists. GLP-agonists emulate the function of the hormone GLP-1, which is essential for:
- Regulating insulin secretion
- Managing blood sugar levels
- Appetite control
By harnessing the power of GLP-1, semaglutide helps individuals:
- Feel fuller
- Manage blood sugar
- Delay stomach emptying
all of which contribute to weight loss.
Clinical studies have shown that semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss compared to a placebo. Study participants have lost 10% of their body weight or more when taking semaglutide while also improving blood sugar control and cardiovascular disease risks.
Like all medications, semaglutide has some side effects. Common side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
However, these symptoms can often be mitigated by starting with a low dosage and gradually increasing over time. For many, the benefits of weight loss and improved health far outweigh any side effects they experience.
Approved by the FDA in 2021, semaglutide offers hope to those struggling with obesity, providing a viable option for achieving sustainable weight loss. While it may not be a magic bullet, when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, semaglutide can serve as a valuable tool in the journey towards a healthier, happier life.
The Wellness Connection Aesthetics & Health
The Wellness Connection Aesthetics & Health in Ellensburg, WA is committed to helping you achieve your best health. One of the ways we do that is to offer medical support for those who want to lose weight. We will do comprehensive blood work to determine whether you have any medical conditions and then we’ll work out a treatment plan for you. Contact us today so we can help you achieve sustainable weight loss.
Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.
