Have you struggled to shed excess weight despite a strict exercise regimen or trendy diet plan? Trust your weight loss to the medical professionals and FDA-approved medication this time. Medical weight loss injections, including semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, can bring you closer to your goals with a proven track record of success.
At WellMedica in Reston, we combine medical weight loss injections with a customized program and ongoing clinician support for a safe, well-rounded medical weight loss plan. Read on to learn more about weight loss injections and how the WellMedica team can help you achieve your goal weight.
Understanding Semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, both brand-name medications. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but may be prescribed off-label for weight loss, while Wegovy is FDA–approved for weight loss. Semaglutide is also available as a generic medication.
Mounjaro contains a different active ingredient: tirzepatide. Both tirzepatide and semaglutide are classified as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
GLP-1 agonists work in a few different ways to support weight loss:
- Blood sugar regulation and lipolysis
GLP-1 agonists trigger insulin secretion and slow down the release of glucagon. Insulin and glucagon are both hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. By affecting these hormones, GLP-1s lower blood sugar levels and stimulate lipolysis, the body’s natural fat-burning process.
- Hunger signaling
GLP-1 agonists affect leptin and ghrelin, two hormones that affect appetite and satiety. These medications typically reduce cravings and appetite, and people may also feel satiated with smaller food portions.
- Slower stomach emptying
GLP-1 agonists cause the stomach to empty slower, making you feel fuller, faster, and longer. Most individuals can eat much smaller food portions and feel satisfied with GLP-1s.
- Conversion of white fat to brown fat
GLP-1 agonists may help turn white fat into brown fat (the type of fat that we have in greater volume when we’re young). Brown fat contains a high volume of mitochondria and has more metabolic activity, meaning it breaks down glucose and fat molecules to regulate body temperature.
- Reduce your set point.
The set point is the weight or fat mass your body naturally consumes. It’s influenced by your health, genetic makeup, and environment and may not be influenced by traditional weight loss methods. GLP-1 agonists, however, may curb the slowed metabolism that often accompanies conventional weight loss, allowing for a lower set point.
Is Semaglutide Safe and Effective?
In clinical trials, semaglutide helped most participants lose 10% of their body weight. Over half of the trial participants reduced their body weight by 15%.
The FDA studied and confirmed semaglutide’s safety and efficacy in four 68-week trials. For those determined to be candidates, semaglutide is considered safe with medical supervision, although side effects are possible. The most common side effects are headache, fatigue, dehydration, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, burping, bloating, diarrhea, and indigestion.
Am I a Candidate for Semaglutide?
Semaglutide (Wegovy) is FDA-approved for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher and those with a BMI of at least 27 with weight-related medical problems (i.e., high blood pressure or diabetes). It’s generally recommended for people who meet this requirement and haven’t achieved long-term weight loss with lifestyle changes alone.
You may not be a candidate for liraglutide for weight loss if you have a history of:
- Gallbladder, kidney, or pancreas conditions
- Thyroid disease or endocrine tumors
- Stomach or intestinal problems
- Depression, mental health disease, or suicidal thoughts
- Eye diseases
- A known allergy to semaglutide or one of its components
What Diet Should I Follow with Medical Weight Loss Injections?
Your diet still matters with a medical weight loss injection. The injection alone is not enough to optimize your weight; it must be combined with a well-balanced diet.
Additionally, GLP-1 injections may lead to gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, gas, and bloating. A well-rounded diet won’t exacerbate (and may even prevent) these symptoms, making it easier to stick to your weight loss plan.
The recommended diet for most individuals on GLP-1 agonist medications includes:
- Low-starch vegetables, including zucchini, leafy greens, and mushrooms
- Fresh fruits, including berries, oranges, and apples
- Lean proteins, including chicken breasts, beans, and eggs
- Non-fat dairy, including Greek yogurt and cottage cheese
- Whole grains, including oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice
- Healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and seeds
As far as caloric intake goes, the correct number of calories per day will vary from person to person. Your Reston physician can determine your ideal caloric intake based on your activity level and size.
Foods to Avoid with Medical Weight Loss Injections
Certain foods can exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects from GLP-1 agonists, making it more difficult to reach weight loss goals. Some foods can also compromise the effects of GLP-1s by spiking blood sugar levels.
It’s best to avoid or limit the following foods and drinks while taking medical weight loss injections:
- Fatty foods, particularly fried foods, ice cream, and processed snacks
- Foods high in refined carbohydrates, including white bread and pastries
- Food and drinks with added sugars, including sodas and sports drinks
- Alcohol, as it can rapidly increase your blood sugar
- Starches, including potatoes and corn
How Fast Do You Start Losing Weight with Medical Weight Loss Injections?
The speed at which medical weight loss injections work will vary depending on the patient. For some people, semaglutide starts working within the first week.
However, most people start to experience shifts in their appetite and minor weight changes within the first few weeks of using GLP-1 agonist injections. Within four to five months of starting the injections, you’ll likely experience most of the weight loss.
Semaglutide has various effects that are classified as short-term, medium-term, or long-term.
- The short-term effects of semaglutide include reduced appetite and increased satiety after meals or snacks. Many people experience these effects within the first four weeks.
- The medium-term effects of semaglutide include notable weight loss and a more dramatic decrease in appetite. This generally occurs five to 20 weeks after starting the injections.
- The long-term effects of semaglutide may appear after five months of starting the medication. These effects may include sustained weight loss and an improved metabolism. Stick to a balanced diet and regular exercise to maintain the long-term effects of semaglutide.
What Makes the WellMedica Weight Loss Plan Unique?
At WellMedica in Reston, we go several steps beyond the average semaglutide treatment plan to secure your long-term weight loss. With ongoing support and personalized care, we help you achieve lasting results that work for your body.
Here’s what sets the WellMedica Weight Loss Plan apart:
Close Medical Supervision
You shouldn’t have to embark on your weight loss journey alone. Dr. Dima at WellMedica provides close medical supervision for your semaglutide weight loss plan, providing accountability to help you adhere to your plan. Her close supervision also ensures your safety throughout the plan, with the ability to make adjustments as needed.
Alone, weight loss can be frustrating and overwhelming. But with expert support from the team at WellMedica, you can confidently work toward your goals, guided by professional insights.
Customization
Every human body is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss will never work for all patients. At WellMedica, we provide a high degree of customization in our weight loss plans, considering your genetics, underlying conditions, weight loss history, lifestyle, and goals to determine the best approach. We conduct a thorough medical history and physical before prescribing any weight loss program to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
With complete personalization for every aspect of our weight loss plan, we can reveal the path forward for weight loss that lasts.
Fast, Sustained Weight Loss
While the ultimate goal is sustainable weight loss, we understand that many of our patients seek quick results. Our unique program is designed to help you quickly achieve your weight loss goals while ensuring your safety every step of the way. The program combines fast results with a structured approach that enables you to maintain weight loss over time.
A Proven Track Record of Success
The WellMedica Weight Loss Plan has a track record of successful results from actual Reston patients. It’s a tried-and-true program that you can trust to secure your weight loss goals.
Learn More About Medical Weight Loss Injections in Reston
There’s no better time to achieve your weight loss goals. If you’re interested in the benefits of semaglutide for weight loss, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dima at WellMedica today. She can determine if you’re a candidate for medical weight loss injections and provide a customized plan based on your lifestyle, personal goals, and genetic makeup.
