Losing weight is a daunting challenge, especially when traditional methods such as dieting and exercising have failed. However, thanks to the advancements in medical science, there has been a series of innovative weight loss agents, and one of the leading breakthroughs has been Semagluide. Let’s take a look at the potential benefits of Semaglutide as a medical weight loss therapy and how it embraces functional medicine and a comprehensive approach to addressing underlying health issues.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a revolutionary medical weight-loss peptide that has recently gained significant attention. It was originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes; however, this easy-to-administer injectable peptide has shown remarkable effectiveness in promoting weight loss. Its unique mechanism of action has set it apart from traditional, minimally-effective weight loss medications. This makes it an exciting option for individuals who are struggling with obesity, weight loss resistance and weight-related health issues.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide belongs to a category of medications dubbed glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). GLP-1 agonists are peptide hormones — baby proteins that act as signaling molecules. They are produced naturally in the human body in the intestines and play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and insulin metabolism. However, they also have a significant impact on appetite and food intake. When Semaglutide is injected subcutaneously (just beneath the skin), it mimics the actions of our natural innate GLP-1 agonists, binding to its receptors and activating them. This process has several main effects that contribute to weight loss, and these include the following:
- Appetite Reduction: Semaglutide targets the area of the brain that controls the appetite-regulating centers. This leads to a decreased sense of hunger. Patients often say they feel fuller for extended periods and eat less in one sitting, which can help reduce overall calorie intake.
- Enhanced Insulin Secretion: After a meal, the pancreas typically releases insulin to help the body process the incoming glucose from the food. Semaglutide amplifies this process by encouraging the pancreas to secrete more insulin, which aids in transporting glucose into cells, where it can be utilized for energy.
- Inhibition of Glucagon: In addition to stimulating insulin production, semaglutide also suppresses the release of glucagon, another hormone produced by the pancreas. Glucagon is responsible for increasing blood sugar levels by promoting the release of stored glucose from the liver. By inhibiting glucagon release, semaglutide helps prevent excess glucose buildup in the bloodstream.
- Slowed Gastric Emptying: Semaglutide slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. This delayed gastric emptying helps control appetite and improves glycemic control by preventing sharp spikes in blood sugar levels after meals.
Functional Medicine and Semaglutide Treatment at Meeting Point Health Can Help Your Weight Loss Journey
At Meeting Point Health, we utilize Semaglutide, as only one part of our Functional Medicine Metabolic Reset Program. Functional Medicine is an integrative approach to healthcare that focuses on addressing the root causes of illness and disease rather than simply treating the symptoms. Here’s how we do it:
A Deeper-Level Testing Approach
At our clinic, we take a comprehensive and holistic approach to weight loss by conducting deeper-level advanced testing to identify underlying factors that might cause weight loss resistance. Crucial aspects of this therapy that we examine include:
- Inflammation
- Hormone imbalances – adrenals, thyroid, sex hormones, neurotransmitters and peptide hormones
- Micronutrient deficiencies
- Cardiovascular health
- Insulin resistance and metabolic health
- Chronic infections and chronic toxicity
Addressing these root causes ultimately paves the way for cellular regeneration, and that is what finally leads to effective weight loss results! Our bodies know how to heal when we remove inflammatory triggers and replace them with the right input.
Embracing Functional Medicine
As mentioned above, we have an enhanced focus on cellular health which has become the cornerstone of our approach to weight loss resistance. Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses solely on treating the symptom, functional medicine delves into the underlying imbalances contributing to weight gain and weight loss resistance. By understanding how connected each of the systems within the body are, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Unraveling Weight Loss Resistance
For many individuals, no matter how hard they exercise or how diligently they follow a dieting plan, they just can’t seem to shed the pounds. This is understandably frustrating. If you find yourself eating less and exercising but still seem to stay the same weight or even continue gaining more, it is a tell-tale sign that there is a deeper imbalance within your body. Our functional medicine approach aims to uncover and address these imbalances to unlock your body’s natural ability to lose weight.
Patient Responsibility: A Key to Success
While Semaglutide can be a powerful tool in the battle of shedding the pounds, it’s essential to highlight the significant responsibility of the patient. You are the only one living in your body, and it is ultimately your journey. We are just walking alongside you, supporting you and guiding you with our expertise and compassion. Adhering to the treatment plan and adopting lifestyle changes are crucial for achieving successful and sustainable weight loss results. We understand that change can be challenging, but with commitment and dedication, patients can reap the benefits they are looking for from Semaglutide.
Counting the Cost: A Comprehensive Plan
It’s essential for patients to be aware that our weight loss program involves a comprehensive approach that includes advanced testing, diagnosis, peptides, bioidentical hormones, nutrition, lifestyle management, health coaching, and supplements. As a result, the treatment plan ranges between $1000 and $1500 monthly. While this might seem expensive, it is important to view it as a complete metabolic reset to every cell in your body, and an investment in your long-term health and well-being.
Our comprehensive plan offers more than just weight loss; it’s a path to cellular regeneration and anti-aging.
Common Questions Asked About Semaglutide
How Much Weight Can You Lose With Semaglutide?
While results may vary, it’s not uncommon to see an impressive drop on the scale, often starting at 5-10% of body weight in the first month, depending on how much weight you need to lose. The longer you stay on treatment, the more weight you will use.
How Fast Is Weight Loss On Semaglutide?
With commitment and dedication to a comprehensive weight loss plan, many individuals have witnessed a steady decline in weight over time, seeing results begin in the first month after starting treatment. We recommend a treatment plan that is no less than 3 months, but most people need 12 months of therapy or more, depending on their goals.
Does Semaglutide Reduce Belly Fat?
Semaglutide has shown remarkable efficacy in targeting visceral fat, commonly known as stubborn belly fat. You will be shedding overall weight, and likely some of that will be from your midsection. Because semaglutide works on insulin, it will also indirectly lower high cortisol levels, which contribute to abdominal weight.
Is Semaglutide Weight Loss Permanent?
This depends on your lifestyle. If you continue to live consciously and mindfully in regards to clean nutrition, hydration, sleep, movement, and getting enough sunlight — then a resounding yes, the results of Semaglutide have the potential to be permanent. Semaglutide will help you lose weight, but following treatment, it is up to you to keep the weight off by continuing to follow recommendations outlined by your functional medicine provider.
Do You Want To Lose Weight? Then Semaglutide May Be Right For You
Semaglutide has emerged as a favorable medical weight loss drug, delivering new hope to those struggling with obesity and losing weight. By incorporating our functional medicine approach and deeper-level testing, we aim to address the underlying causes of weight gain, making the treatment more effective and sustainable in the long run. Remember, this is a journey, and the path may have its challenges. However, with our functional medicine approach, your goals are well within reach.
Contact Meeting Point Health today to book a consultation and explore the transformative power of Semaglutide inside our Functional Medicine Metabolic Reset Program. Experience amazing results with Dr. Stephen and Mary Anne Matta. If you are someone that has struggled with losing weight, then request a consultation today.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Stephen Matta, DO, MBA CAQSM and Mary Anne Matta, MS, MA, LAC
