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Wellness's Medical Weight Loss Program. Embrace a holistic path that seamlessly blends the latest in Semaglutide therapy with expert guidance and individualized care, crafted to help you achieve weight loss.
Say goodbye to the burden of high pharmacy costs and welcome a new era of savings with FSA and HSA plans accepted, stepping into a healthier lifestyle is more accessible and empowering than ever, Welcome to a brighter, healthier you.
Semaglutide Weight Loss in Laurel, MD & Washington D.C.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is what is known as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, acting in much the same way as GLP-1, a hormone that is released from the intestine following a meal. Circulating concentrations of GLP-1 cause the beta-cells in the pancreas to release insulin, which lowers blood glucose, and activity in various regions of the central nervous system reduces appetite and enhances satiety. Different forms of semaglutide are FDA-approved either to treat type 2 diabetes or for obesity as an injection, concomitant with diet and exercise.
Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?
"Semaglutide works very well for weight loss," Dr. Saunders shared. A phase 3 2021 clinical trial found the mean weight loss on 2.4 milligram weekly injections of semaglutide was 14.9% versus 2.4% with placebo after 68 weeks among people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. "This [trial] led to the FDA's approval in June 2021 of a once-weekly injectable semaglutide under the brand name Wegovy [for weight management in individuals with overweight and obesity who have at least one weight-related condition]," Dr. Kanji says.
Frequently asked questions about Weight Loss (FAQ)
Our program is designed for individuals in good health seeking effective weight loss. It may not be suitable for those with kidney or liver issues, type 1 diabetes, or a history of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Our medications reduce appetite and food cravings while boosting metabolism. This combination helps you make healthier food choices, burn more calories, and regain control over your weight.
Medical weight loss is a comprehensive, scientifically based approach to weight reduction that is supervised by healthcare professionals. It often includes diet plans, exercise regimens, behavioral therapy, and medications.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analog that reduces hunger and regulates blood sugar. It’s clinically tested and safe. Unlike older medications, it addresses underlying metabolic pathways
The duration varies based on individual goals, health status, and program specifics. Programs can range from a few months to over a year.
Medical weight loss is tailored to the individual, based on medical history, physical condition, and weight loss goals, and supervised by medical professionals, offering a level of personalization and medical oversight not found in commercial programs.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Semaglutide?
A suitable candidate for Ozempic is someone who is at ease with administering a weekly self-injection, has a history of type 2 diabetes, and has a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher," states Dr. Saunders. Similarly, she notes that a good candidate for Rybelsus also needs to have type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 27 or more.
For Wegovy, a suitable candidate must be comfortable with a weekly self-injection and have a BMI of 30 or above (with or without weight-related health issues), or a BMI of at least 27 with at least one weight-related health issue, such as high cholesterol or hypertension, according to Dr. Saunders.
Semaglutide Medications
Semaglutide can be purchased under the brand-name medications Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus," said Aleem Kanji, MD, an endocrinologist certified by the board, who subspecializes in obesity medicine, Ethos Endocrinology, Houston, Texas.
There is currently no generic for any of these medications. The injection, named Ozempic, is FDA-approved to reduce blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also indicated to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and death in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, says Katherine H. Saunders, M.D., an obesity medicine specialist and co-founder of Intellihealth.
The weekly dose ranges from 0.25 milligrams up to 2 milligrams, she says. Rybelsus (tablet) is FDA-approved to lower blood sugar levels in adults living with type 2 diabetes. A dose of 3 milligrams to 14 milligrams is taken daily,
according to Dr. Saunders. And Wegovy (injection) is FDA-approved for adults and kids older than 12 years old with obesity or who have weight-related health issues like high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure, says Dr. Saunders. Doses range from 0.25 milligrams to 2.4 milligrams given every week, she says. Dr. Kanji stated that "Ozempic is off-label sometimes prescribed for treating obesity though the FDA doesn't approve it as a weight-loss drug.