• Obesity has become a global health threat because of the increased risk of developing a variety of health conditions. 
• In a recent study, patients who were prescribed semaglutide lost, on average, 15% of their starting body mass. 
• This medication could be a gamechanger for those struggling to lose weight and have struggled with other programs. 

Self-Administered Weight Loss 

Since 1975, obesity has more than tripled worldwideⁱ. Affecting both men and women, obesity and excessive weight can lead to a profoundly increased risk of developing many serious health conditions like:  

• Heart diseaseⁱⁱ 
• Type 2 diabetesⁱⁱⁱ 
• Stroke^iv 
• And certain types of cancer, including breast, kidney, colon and liver^v 

One of the most difficult things for adults as they grow older is to maintain a healthy weight. That’s why researchers and scientists have been looking for less-invasive weight loss strategies for the past few decades. Their hope has been to provide those struggling with their weight a safe, effective therapy that could offer significant results. That’s why last year’s FDA approval of the peptide semaglutide^vi was such an important advance. 

Sometimes referred to by its brand name, Wegovy, semaglutide works by mimicking peptide-1, which is naturally released by the body following a meal^vii. 

In a study conducted in 2021^viii, nearly two thousand adults with a BMI over 30 (mean BMI 37.9) underwent semaglutide therapy with the peptide or a placebo. Both the treatment and placebo group self-administered weekly over a period of 68 weeks. In addition to the medication, participants in the double-blind study also followed a reduced calorie diet, increased their physical activity and underwent counseling sessions every 4 weeks to help them maintain their gains. 

Significant Weight Loss 

At the end of the study, researchers were amazed by the results. Over the duration of the study, those who received the semaglutide therapy lost, on average 14.9% of their body mass. Those in the placebo group were only able to reduce their weight by 2.4% on average over the same amount of time.  

Any advance to help individuals to reduce their risk for common chronic conditions is a good thing.
–Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RDN 

According to the study, just over half of those in the treatment group lost more than 15% of their base body weight compared to those in the placebo group who only lost, on average, 4.9%.  

Long-Term Improvement 

Although excellent for helping to reduce a client’s weight early on, the benefits of semaglutide can wane over time. That is why it has been shown to be an excellent part of a comprehensive program that factors this decline in efficacy into account. What results is a continuous, steady loss of mass instead of a delayed or protracted journey.  

What results is a continuous, steady loss of mass instead of a delayed or protracted journey.  

Custom Solutions Mean Fast Results 

Although useful for many clients, semaglutide isn’t perfect for everyone.

That’s why all wellness journeys at Healthgains begin with a comprehensive initial evaluation that includes bloodwork, physical exam and a look at family history and lifestyle. We look at dozens of unique biomarkers to create an accurate picture of your current health.  

Our expert medical team then transforms those data points into a customized wellness plan that is unique and specific to you and your goals. With the help of our treatment managers, our clients aren’t just able to meet their goals, they often exceed them. Our wellness concierges don’t just offer support and guidance, they act as an advocate between the medical team and the client to ensure nothing but positive outcomes for all. 

If you have been struggling with your weight, especially as you’ve grown older, then semaglutide might be a part of your unique wellness plan. Call us today at (305) 912-8828 to get started. 

For a free consultation, call (305) 682-1818

References

• ⁱ World Health Organization. (n.d.). Obesity and overweight. World Health Organization. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
• ⁱⁱ MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Heart disease: Types, causes, and treatments. Medical News Today. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/237191
• ⁱⁱⁱ MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Type 2 diabetes: Symptoms, early signs, and complications. Medical News Today. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317462
• ^iv MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Stroke: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Medical News Today. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7624
• ^v Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 18). Obesity and cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/obesity/index.htm
• ^vi Commissioner, O. of the. (n.d.). FDA approves new drug treatment for Chronic Weight Management, first since 2014. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014
• ^vii JJ;, H. (n.d.). The physiology of glucagon-like peptide 1. Physiological reviews. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17928588/
• ^viii Wilding, J. P. H., Al., E., for the STEP 1 Study Group*, Author AffiliationsFrom the Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Rosen, J. R. I. and C. J., Others, E. I. and, Others, D. W. E. and, Others, E. W. and, S. A. Madhi and Others, Cypess, A. M., & Others, V. H. and. (2021, March 18). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: Nejm. New England Journal of Medicine. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

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