GLP-1 Injectable Therapy

Semaglutide is a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for weight management in certain individuals.

It’s a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it mimics a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion, reducing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. This leads to improved blood sugar control and can help with weight loss by promoting a feeling of fullness.

This all depends on how your physiology responds to the therapy, and provided you focus on high-protein meals, minimizing processed foods and exercise. You can expect to lose about 5-20% of your body weight.

There are no major side effects to the therapy, and is extremely safe, as the microdosing principle aims to respect your physiology. Short term side effects may include the following:

• Transient nausea
• Transient abdominal discomfort
• Increased urination
• Mild fatigue in the first 2 weeks
• Mild constipation

It is important to adhere to the prescribed dosage to minimise the risk of developing severe side effects.
There is no risk of hair loss, cancers, heart attacks or cardiovascular disease associated with this therapy, due to the conservative microdosing nature, and the continuous medical monitoring.

You need to give the therapy at least 6 weeks before you start to see weight loss, as the initial loading phase is important to ensure mitigation of side effects.

You can be on the therapy as long as is required to get to your desirable weight. You can also continue a microdosing protocol if you choose to do so.

With any weight loss program, you will lose some degree of muscle mass. The best means to counteract this, is to prioritise healthy protein intake and resistance exercise.

The answer to this is yes, and we do encourage a healthy diet that is rich in whole foods with minimal processed foods, sugar and alcohol. The healthier the diet, the better and faster your outcome will be. Regular exercise, especially resistance exercise, will aid in complementing your healthy diet. We also encourage patients to book a consultation with our clinical nutritionist.

Yes, it’s important to disclose all your medications in your medical questionnaire so our medical team can assess your suitability for the medication.

No, current research does not indicate that semaglutide directly causes fertility issues. Most studies focus on its effects on blood sugar control, weight management, and potential side effects. However, any medication can have varying effects on individuals, so it’s essential to discuss concerns about fertility with your healthcare provider, especially if you are planning to conceive.

If you stop using semaglutide, you may experience a return of the symptoms it was managing, such as elevated blood sugar levels if you were using it for type 2 diabetes or weight regain if it was for weight management. This is why it is important to have regular follow ups with your doctor and discuss slowly weaning off the medication to avoid any adverse effects.

It’s generally advisable to limit alcohol consumption while taking semaglutide, as alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or vomiting. Additionally, drinking alcohol can interfere with your ability to monitor your blood sugar effectively. It’s best to discuss your alcohol intake with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance based on your health situation.

Semaglutide is not recommended during pregnancy, as there may be potential risks to the developing fetus. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor during your initial consultation.

Whether you need to stay on semaglutide long-term depends on your individual health goals and circumstances. For some people, especially those using it for type 2 diabetes, ongoing use may be necessary to maintain blood sugar control. For weight management, some may find they can transition to lifestyle changes that sustain their results after a period on the medication.

Yes, it is considered safe for long-term use for many individuals, especially when monitored by your doctor.

Clinical studies have shown that semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss, often more than many other weight loss medications. In some trials, participants lost around 15-20% of their body weight.