What You Need to Know About Weight Loss Shots Like Ozempic – Prosperity Health | Functional Medicine Doctor

How Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) Weight Loss Shots Work

Everyone is talking about semaglutide (including brands Ozempic and Wegovy) – the new “miracle” weight loss drug that celebrities like Oprah have used to slim down after a lifetime of weight struggles. And Dr. Hakim at Prosperity Health is one of the first medical providers in the greater Madison Heights area to offer these revolutionary new weight loss drugs.

In this article the weight loss experts at Prosperity Health in the greater Madison Heights area explain what you need to know about semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) weight loss injections (“shots”) – shedding light on its mechanisms, effectiveness, and considerations for potential users.

Ozempic, Wegovy & Generic Semaglutide

Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It acts by mimicking the effects of a natural hormone called GLP-1, which regulates appetite and food intake. By activating GLP-1 receptors, semaglutide helps control cravings and promotes a feeling of fullness, contributing to weight loss.

Ozempic, Wegovy, and generic Semaglutide share the common active ingredient, semaglutide, belonging to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. However, they differ in their specific indications and formulations.

Ozempic was originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes. However, when its amazing weight loss benefits were discovered, it also became widely used to help patients shed pounds. Ozempic comes in a pre-filled injection pen for weekly subcutaneous use.

Wegovy is a higher-dose formulation of semaglutide specifically approved for weight management. Wegovy has shown notable efficacy in promoting significant weight loss – especially when combined with lifestyle modifications. It is also administered through subcutaneous injections (“shots”) on a weekly basis.

Generic Semaglutide simply refers to non-branded versions of semaglutide and is often available at a more affordable cost. Similar to Wegovy, generic semaglutide may be used for weight management. However, it is crucial to note that while Wegovy is a specific formulation for weight loss, generic semaglutide might be prescribed off-label for this purpose.

Patients considering any of these semaglutide medications for weight loss should consult with an experienced weight loss doctor like Dr. Hakim at Prosperity Health in the greater Madison Heights area to determine the most suitable option based on their health needs and goals.

The Recommended Dose of Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy)

The recommended dosage of any semaglutide typically involves a gradual increase to minimize side effects. Starting with a lower dose and progressively adjusting allows the body to acclimate to the medication, optimizing its weight-loss benefits.

The dosage strengths of Ozempic and Wegovy are different. The typically recommended dosage of Ozempic for diabetes is 0.5 mg or 1 mg once a week. Ozempic is available in 0.5 mg and 1 mg pens. However, the suggested dosage of Wegovy for weight loss is 2.4 mg once a week – so Wegovy is available in a single 2.4 mg pen.

Generic semaglutide is not available in a pen and is typically administered with weekly, at-home shots from a vial of medication. This enables Dr. Hakim at Prosperity Health in the greater Madison Heights area to customize the dosage of your weight loss shots to your body’s unique, individual needs.

Side Effects of Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) Shots

Because semaglutide medications (including Ozempic and Wegovy) works by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone in the body (GLP-1) it is typically very safe and well tolerated by healthy adults. Common side effects of semaglutide are generally very mild and may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. Additional possible side effects encompass abdominal pain, headache, and fatigue.

These side effects are often transient and tend to diminish over time – especially if the semaglutide is started at a lower dose and increased gradually over several weeks.

How Much Weight You Can Lose with Semaglutide

Weight loss outcomes vary among individuals and actual results will depend on factors such as adherence to lifestyle changes as well as each patient’s individual metabolic responses.

Several clinical research studies have reported substantial weight loss with semaglutide medications. In research studies for Ozempic, patients lost an average of 13.5 pounds over 26 weeks when used in combination with moderate diet modifications and increase activity or exercise.

And in a 68-week clinical study, patients taking Ozempic lost up to 20% of their body weight, while those on Wegovy lost an average of 16.0% of their starting body weight, compared to only a 5.7% weight loss for those taking a placebo.

Weight Loss Shots (Ozempic, Wegovy) | Madison Heights Area

Today semaglutide – including brands Ozempic and Wegovy – is recognized as one of the most effective, safe, and promising weight loss medications on the market. Celebrities and everyday people alike are finally shedding unwanted pounds thanks to this amazing medication, when prescribed and monitored by a qualified weight loss physician like integrative medicine specialist Dr. Nashith Hakim at Prosperity Health in the greater Madison Heights area.

If you have been struggling to get rid of stubborn fat – and want to get the trim, thin body you have always wanted – semaglutide may be the key to your weight loss success. Schedule an appointment at Prosperity Health in the greater Madison Heights area to discuss your weight loss goals and see if semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) is right for you!