Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

Semaglutide

If you’ve been having trouble sticking to a low-calorie diet plan, weekly treatments with Semaglutide may be what you need under medical supervision.

Let's chat!

ozempic and wegovy medication

WHAT IS SEMAGLUTIDE?

Semaglutide is a peptide weight loss medication that is the first of its kind. Semaglutide increases insulin secretion from the pancreas. It also suppresses appetite by slowing down the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. It was initially FD- approved in 2017 for the management of type 2 diabetes. Those using it to control their blood sugar began losing weight. Most recently, it was approved in January 2023 at a different dose for weight loss.

In clinical trials, Semaglutide helped most recipients lose 10% of their body weight. More than half of them reduced their weight by 15%. The FDA studied Semaglutide’s safety and efficacy in four, 68-week trials. Common brand names for Semaglutide include Ozempic and Wegovy.

Discover the Power of Semaglutide in Reston VA at WellMedica

At WellMedica, led by renowned aesthetic physician Dr. Dima Ali, patients from Reston VA and surrounding areas can now experience the powerful benefits of Semaglutide—a revolutionary weight loss treatment that is transforming the landscape of medical aesthetics and wellness.

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a cutting-edge, FDA-approved peptide medication originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes. It functions by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar, insulin levels, and digestion. However, an unexpected and groundbreaking benefit emerged during clinical trials—substantial weight loss.

In January 2023, Semaglutide was FDA-approved at a higher dosage specifically for weight management. The results have been extraordinary, with users achieving up to 15% reduction in body weight under medical supervision.

How Semaglutide Works for Weight Loss

Semaglutide acts on multiple fronts to promote sustainable and healthy weight loss:

  • Appetite Suppression: It slows gastric emptying, helping you feel full longer and reducing overall food intake.

  • Insulin Secretion Enhancement: It increases insulin release from the pancreas, aiding in blood sugar control and reducing fat storage.

  • Craving Control: By working on brain receptors that regulate appetite, it reduces food cravings and emotional eating.

These effects make Semaglutide a uniquely powerful tool for those struggling with obesity or excess weight, especially when combined with personalized lifestyle changes.

Why Choose WellMedica for Semaglutide in Reston VA?

At WellMedica, we combine science, safety, and beauty under one roof. Our clinic, situated in the heart of Reston VA, is known for offering advanced medical aesthetics and integrative wellness services. Dr. Dima is a leader in aesthetic and anti-aging medicine, bringing decades of experience to every patient encounter.

Here’s why clients choose WellMedica for Semaglutide:

  • Medical Expertise: Dr. Dima tailors treatment plans to each patient’s medical history and lifestyle.

  • Comprehensive Wellness: We integrate Semaglutide with nutrition coaching, body contouring, and other wellness strategies.

  • Proven Results: Our clients have reported consistent weight loss, enhanced energy, and improved self-confidence.

What to Expect from Your Semaglutide Treatment Plan

Initial Consultation

Your weight loss journey at WellMedica begins with a comprehensive health evaluation. Dr. Dima reviews your:

  • Medical history

  • Weight loss goals

  • Hormone levels

  • Nutritional habits

Customized Semaglutide Program

Once approved for treatment, you will receive a tailored plan that may include:

  • Weekly injections of Semaglutide (brands include Wegovy or Ozempic)

  • Ongoing monitoring of weight, blood sugar, and appetite

  • Adjustments in dosage as needed

  • Support for lifestyle modifications, including diet and activity

Supportive Therapies

WellMedica offers additional tools to enhance your results:

  • Body contouring treatments for sculpting

  • Hormone balancing for metabolism support

  • Nutraceuticals to support nutritional deficiencies

  • Skin tightening or anti-aging solutions for post-weight loss aesthetic needs

Clinical Efficacy: What Do Studies Say About Semaglutide?

The efficacy of Semaglutide is well-documented in clinical research. In four large-scale trials that lasted 68 weeks:

  • Average weight loss was 10%

  • More than 50% of participants lost at least 15% of their body weight

  • Improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and glycemic control were also observed

These results confirm Semaglutide’s role as a game-changer in medical weight loss.

Is Semaglutide Right for You?

You may be a candidate for Semaglutide in Reston VA if you:

  • Have a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with weight-related conditions

  • Struggle with sustained weight loss despite diet and exercise

  • Do not have a history of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or specific medical exclusions

Dr. Dima conducts a thorough screening to ensure Semaglutide is safe and effective for your unique profile.

Semaglutide vs Other Weight Loss Medications

Unlike appetite suppressants or fat blockers, Semaglutide has a multifaceted mechanism that affects:

  • Appetite regulation through hormonal mimicry

  • Gastric motility by slowing digestion

  • Insulin signaling which impacts fat storage

Because of this, it produces more consistent and sustainable outcomes, especially under medical supervision like that offered at WellMedica.

Safety and Side Effects

Semaglutide is generally well-tolerated but may cause mild side effects in the initial weeks, including:

  • Nausea

  • Fatigue

  • Constipation

  • Headache

These effects usually subside as your body adjusts. At WellMedica, your health and comfort are closely monitored throughout your journey.

Combining Semaglutide with Cosmetic Treatments

As you lose weight, you may experience changes in skin elasticity or facial volume. WellMedica provides a wide array of non-surgical cosmetic solutions to help you maintain a youthful, toned appearance:

  • Facial rejuvenation

  • Dermal fillers

  • Skin tightening treatments

  • Laser therapies

Our holistic approach ensures you feel confident in your appearance from every angle.

Those who have a BMI of 30 or more or those who need to lose weight because they have medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension may benefit from Semaglutide treatment. A thorough medical history and physical must be completed before starting any weight loss program.

Those who should not take Semaglutide for weight loss include anyone with a history of:

  • Gallbladder, kidney, or pancreas disease.
  • Thyroid disease or endocrine tumors.
  • Stomach or intestinal problems.
  • A history of depression, mental health concerns, or suicidal thoughts.
  • Eye diseases.
  • A known allergy to Semaglutide or one of its components

This medication is injected subcutaneously, or under the skin. It is given on a weekly basis (once every 7 days).

Semaglutide mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (or GLP-1).  This hormone targets areas in the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. After you eat a meal, glucagon is released in the GI tract, which triggers insulin release from the pancreas, lowering your blood sugar. Doing so helps you eat less. Semaglutide should be combined with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and exercise. However, these measures are not necessary to lose weight with Semaglutide injections.

Semaglutide mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (or GLP-1).  This hormone targets areas in the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. After you eat a meal, glucagon is released in the GI tract which triggers insulin release from the pancreas, lowering your blood sugar.  Doing so helps you eat less Semaglutide should be combined with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and exercise. However, these measures are not necessary to lose weight with Semaglutide injections.

Some of the health benefits associated with Semaglutide include the following:

  • A decrease in blood sugar without any increase in hypoglycemia.
  • Suppressed appetite due to a sense of fullness in the brain and a slowing of the emptying of food from the GI tract.
  • Reduced body weight, lipids, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress.
  • Better insulin synthesis and secretion.
  • More significant improvement in cardiovascular risk factors associated with obesity.

Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects are the most common side effects reported, especially if there is an abrupt increase in dosage. Some of the most common side effects include headache, fatigue, dehydration, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, burping, bloating, diarrhea, and indigestion.

The FDA studied Semaglutide’s safety and efficacy in four 68-week trials. Individuals who received the injections safely lost 6.2% of their initial body weight compared to those who received a placebo.

Insulin and other diabetes medications may interact with Semaglutide, as it can affect blood sugar. That is why it is important to tell the doctor all medications you are taking, including over the counter supplements.