Last June, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a novel weight loss drug for Americans with a BMI of 27 or more. This under-the-skin weekly injection is the first approved drug for weight management in over 7 years and offers a safe and effective way to suppress appetite and lose significant weight.
How does it work?
Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone your body naturally makes called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) which acts on areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake, leading to reduced caloric intake. While this peptide-mimicking drug is very effective for weight loss, research support additional benefits as well, including:
- Reduced blood pressure
- Helping to stop the progression of plaque in blood vessels
- Reduced average blood glucose
- Reduced triglycerides
What our patients are saying
"I'm really happy with the results- I've lost 8 pounds in the past 3 months, which might not sound like much to some, but for me, that's nothing short of a miracle. And it's consistent weight loss, which is even better. At that rate, that works out to about 14%-15% of my total body weight over the course of a year...Couldn't be happier!" KH
"I've always struggled to keep weight off. For the first time in my adult life, I'm losing weight, feeling amazing and I don't feel restricted or limited. I've lost over 20 pounds in 3 months!" DR
Is it safe?
The safety and efficacy of semaglutide was studied in four trials that each lasted over a year. Three studies were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials and one was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal trial. More than 2,600 patients took semaglutide for up to 68 weeks in these four studies, while over 1,500 patients received placebo. In the largest study, participants lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight compared to those taking placebo.
Is it right for you?
While we have successfully been offering semaglutide at BioLounge with stellar results, it may not be right for everyone. If you're interested in semaglutide, schedule your 20-minute weight loss appointment with Jeff Grimm, NP.
Learn more about weight loss options at BioLounge here.
About Megan Barnett, MS
Megan Barnett is a functional medicine practitioner in Portland, Oregon. In her clinical practice, she helps patients identify the root cause of their health problems, then designs individualized and evidence-based approaches to alleviate symptoms and help their bodies heal. She has a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Kansas State University and a Master of Science in Nutrition and Functional Medicine from University of Western States.