Semaglutide

From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, obesity is apparent as a risk factor for severe COVID-19 illness. Recently, a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrated just how nonlinear this relationship is. The vast majority (over 75%) of U.S. patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were overweight or had obesity. The numbers for intensive care, invasive mechanical ventilation, and death were nearly the same. Semaglutide (GLP-1) and Low-Dose Naltrexone are two options for weight loss that help patients avoid serious COVID illness, aid in long hauler recovery, and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Semaglutide Mechanism of Action

Semaglutide, sold under the brand name Ozempic and Wegovy among others, is an anti-diabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Semaglutide acts like human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), in that it increases insulin secretion which thereby increases sugar metabolism. This means that when you eat your body is able to respond faster to blood sugar spikes.

GLP-1 is a physiological hormone that promotes glycemic control via several different mechanisms, including insulin secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing postprandial glucagon secretion. The overall balance of glucose in the body is dependent on insulin and amylin, which are secreted by the pancreas. Semaglutide is an incretin mimetic, simply put, a drug that mimics GLP-1. Analogs of this hormone (such as Semaglutide) stimulate the synthesis of insulin by stimulating pancreatic islet cells and reducing glucagon secretion. This occurs when you start to eat and before your blood sugar spikes. This makes it easier for the body to break down excess sugar and fat.

Dosing & Side Effects

Semaglitude for weight loss is a weekly subcutaneous injection. The dose is dependent on how well you tolerate the medication. It is a good idea to start on a lower dose and gradually increase over several weeks. This allows your body time to get used to the medication and reduces the side effects. Our semaglutide is compounded with B6 and L-Carnitine, this provides a reduction of nausea and enhanced fat burn respectively.

Side effects for Semagutide:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Decreased appetite

The best way to mitigate these side effects is to work with a provider that has experience in using GLP-1 for weight loss. The first day you take this medication, you will need to be fasting for 12-14 hours prior to the injection. Having an empty stomach decreases nausea and chances of vomiting, something you definitely want to avoid! We also encourage people to avoid dairy products as these are difficult for your body to digest, they require more enzymatic energy.