And why Precision Wellness offers a personalized approach for our clients
Semaglutide is a medication approved by the FDA in 2021 for weight loss. It is most appropriate for those who are looking to lose 10-15% of their total body weight (Example: A person who currently weighs 200lbs and is looking to lose 20-30lbs.). This medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, which works by regulating appetite and helping to decrease food intake. While semaglutide is generally well-tolerated, it can cause some side effects. (Source: Medline Plus.gov)
1) Nausea and Vomiting: Two of the most common side effects of semaglutide are nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can occur in up to 30% of people taking the medication. Nausea and vomiting usually occur during the first few weeks of treatment and usually decrease over time.
At Precision Wellness, we offer a variety of solutions to reduce the potential for this side effect: From Zofran to B6 to supplements, placement and time of day of injection, our nurses work will work with you to improve your experience and prevent these side effects.
2. Diarrhea and Constipation: Semaglutide can also cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and constipation. These symptoms can occur in up to 10% of people taking the medication. Diarrhea usually occurs during the first few weeks of treatment and may decrease over time, while constipation is more likely to occur later on.
Similar to Nausea and Vomiting, these side effects can be reduced with the introduction of Probiotics, Prebiotics and other supplments. Our nurses and dieticians will work with you to keep your GI tract on track.
3) Headaches: Headaches are another common side effect of semaglutide. These symptoms can occur in up to 10% of people taking the medication. Headaches are usually mild and go away on their own, but if they become severe or persistent, you should contact your doctor.
Sometimes a result of dehydration, or reduction of nutrients like magnesium, if you experience headaches while on Semaglutide, come in for a quick assessment of vitamin and hydration levels and find out what you need to help your body perform at it's peak again.
4) Low Blood Sugar: Semaglutide can also cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes who are taking other medications that lower blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating, shaking, dizziness, confusion, and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should check your blood sugar level and follow your doctor's instructions for treating low blood sugar.
Our physician will require initial and follow-up lab work while you are taking Semaglutide. And our nurses will conduct brief physical assessments each week. If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, make sure you communicate any of these symptoms to your team. There are often simple steps that will improve the symptom but most importantly, your Semaglutide or other medication dose may need to be adjusted.
(Which could be an indication of improved overall health).
5) Gallbladder Problems: Semaglutide can increase the risk of developing gallbladder problems, including gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder - typically reported after 26 weeks of continuous use. Symptoms of gallbladder problems include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
At Precision Wellness, our approach is to utilize Semaglutide to facilitate rapid weight loss for a short term (less than a year). It is not a long-term solution for weight management. As a participant in the Weight, Optimized Protocol, you will receive support, coaching, assessments, education, and opportunities to transition to long-term, weight management and a healthy lifestyle.
A 30 minute complimentary consultation is available to reveiw the personalized and comprehensive Weight, Optimized Protocol
.
6. Thyroid Cancer: There is some evidence (seen in preliminary studies on mammals) that semaglutide may increase the risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is considered low. If you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, you should discuss this with your doctor before taking semaglutide.
Prior to receiving your first dose of Semaglutide, your physician and nurses/dietician will review your laboratory blood work. Lab reports less than 12 months old are acceptable. We require the following 4 labs prior to the initial physician visit: 1) CBC (Complete Blood Count); 2) CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel); 3) Diabetic Risk (HbA1c); 4) Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. Depending on the length of your course of Semaglutide, follow up visits and repeating the blood work may be necessary.
7) Hair Loss and "Ozempic Face": With any rapid weight loss (more than 1 pound a week) or with extended diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting resulting in a reduction in the body's supply of essential vitamins and minerals, hair loss and a laxity of skin (reduction of elasticity of skin) can be experienced as side effects. But these are not necessary and can be prevented. At Precision Wellness, our oversight, assessments, vitamin, mineral, probiotic, gut health supplements and collagen support work together to prevent these potential negative side effects. And if you've received Ozempic or Wegovy from other sources and have experienced the above symptoms, we have Hair Re-Juvenation/Re-Growth Packages and Skin Rejuvation Pacakages with our licensed estheticians to help reverse these effects.
Our goal is to assist you in successfully attaining your weight loss goals while optimizing your health. We commit to walking alongside you in this journey - whtether it takes 3 months or a couple of years.
If you are interested in any of our Weight, Optimized Packages, please schedule a complimentary consult (follow the link above) or call 912-777-6002.
We serve clients in-person and on-line via Tele-Health.
