Semaglutide is a medication used to treat diabetes and obesity. It works by helping the body process insulin more easily, which in turn lowers blood sugar levels. This can help you feel full for longer periods. Semaglutide also helps retrain your brain to not feel compelled to clear your plate. The medication is injected into the subcutaneous tissue once a week and can be done at home with minimal discomfort.
Semaglutide has three main mechanisms of action. Slowing gastric emptying, increases insulin sensitivity and reduces compulsions. Semaglutide slows down the speed at which your stomach moves, making you feel fuller longer. This also can create nausea and constipation for some patients. Patients often need to change their diet on semaglutide. Smaller meals and not eating as fast can help patients lose weight on the medication. Shakes and smoothies also tend to be a favorite of patients on semaglutide.
The second mechanism involves increased beta cell production. These cells are responsible for insulin in our bodies. This means your body becomes more efficient at processing blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity. Semnaglutide reduces the urge for patients to clear their plates. Dr Jacob Weinstein DNP ACNP, or Dr Jake as his patients call him, referred to this as “leaving the clean plate club. Our parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents taught us to clear our plates growing up. It was a badge of honor to be in the clean plate club; however, it is an unhealthy habit and directly relates to obesity.” Patients who are on semaglutide for six or more months feel less compelled to eat everything on their plate, even after stopping the medication.
Semaglutide can cause side effects, such as nausea, constipation, tiredness, headaches, and fatigue. These can be managed with over-the-counter medication and sometimes prescription medications for nausea. It is important to be in touch with your provider regularly about any side effects your experience as it may be a sign of other medical issues. Nausea can be managed with medication like zofran, which dissolves under your tongue, and constipation is often treated with laxatives for relief.
Semaglutide is a subcutaneous injection. If you use compounded semaglutide from a vial, follow the step below for injecting. Patients should be aware that the concentration of compounded semaglutide differs from one pharmacy to the next. Check with your local or telehealth provider about your dosing schedule.
Compounded semaglutide is available through telehealth or with your local provider. Patients interested in compounded semaglutide should contact their primary care provider or a weight loss specialist. The pricing varies; generally, compounded semaglutide will cost patients $200-$400 per month. This is dependent on the amount of medication they use each week. Patients should note that their dose of semaglutide will increase over several weeks or months.
If you are starting compounded semaglutide in powder form, check that you will receive bacteriostatic water. You will need this to mix with the powder before injecting the medicine.
If you are interested in starting compounded semaglutide, check with a local provider. Mobile Care Health offers compounded semaglutide delivered to you, teaches you how to inject, and providers who understand the medication. Get started today by texting “semaglutide” to 7193565410