SEMAGLUTIDE PROGRAM

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 Semaglutide is a non-habit forming weight loss medication that is injected once a week and can help patients lose weight. It is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. The program aims to help patients lose weight by suppressing appetite and slowing gastric emptying, which allows patients to eat smaller portions and feel full longer. The program often starts with a lower dose, gradually increasing it every four weeks until the target maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once a week is reached. The program can take up to six to eight months to help patients lose more weight. The program has minimal side effects, but nausea and other digestive issues are common. To reduce the chances of side effects, the program:

• Starts with a lower dose for the first month
• Gradually increases the dose at months two and three
• Aims for a few pounds of weight loss per week 

To qualify for a medical weight loss program that includes weekly Semaglutide injections, you need to be considered obese, which means that you have a BMI of 30 or higher, or be considered overweight (a BMI of 27 or higher) with at least one weight-related health condition. Some people may not be able to take Semaglutide, including those with:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2
• Pregnant, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding
• Personal or family history of pancreatitis