Weight Loss FAQ's

What are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?

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In 2021, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported around 70% of American adults are obese or overweight. To combat obesity and help the American population decrease the risk of cancer and disease, the FDA approved Semaglutide as part of weight loss treatment for adults dealing with chronic weight management.  Recently, the FDA also approved tirzepatide for weight loss as well. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are glucagon-like peptides (GLP-1) that work as a naturally occurring hormone that signals the brain to regulate appetite and food digestion. Through Semaglutide injections, the peptide is introduced into the body via the circulatory system, helping adults struggling with chronic weight decrease their appetite and feel fuller after meals. Semaglutide is marketed under names Ozempic® and Wegovy®. Tirzepatide is commonly known as Mounjaro™.

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Visit the FDA's Approval of Semaglutide for Weight Loss  here

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Visit the FDA's Approval of Semaglutide/Wegovy for Reducing Risk of Serious Heart Problems 

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View the Required Semaglutide Medication Guide Information here

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How Does It Work?

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GLP-1 is an incretin hormone that helps regulate appetite and digestion. During digestion, incretin hormones are dispersed throughout the body and send signals to the brain to trigger insulin production, which helps lower blood sugar. As that occurs, incretin hormones slow down the body’s gastric emptying, so food takes longer to leave your stomach. In doing so, the hormones help to keep your appetite satisfied as they work to decrease your blood sugar intake. Medications like Semaglutide are typically produced in doses and work to mimic the effects of the GLP-1 hormone over a prescribed time. Semaglutide has been tested and found very effective for adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30.

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Do You Still Have To Diet and Exercise?

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It is essential to stick to an exercise routine while using weight loss injectables. Even though the medications are proven to help weight management, they are not a miracle cure for weight loss. Combining weight loss injectable treatment with a balanced diet and exercise regimen can significantly improve your weight loss results. You will need to eat a “clean” diet of nutrient-dense foods and proteins. If you start to eat healthier foods, you will feel good and have higher amounts of energy. We also recommend drinking at least 80 ounces of water per day to avoid dehydration and add some exercise to your lifestyle. As you lose weight and depending on how much you lose, you may lose muscle mass along with fat. Ensuring you maintain a regular exercise regimen will help you lose weight and maintain healthy levels of strong muscle.

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Who Is the Best Candidate To Receive Weight Loss Injectables?

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A typical dose can be used by anyone suffering from obesity, regardless of ethnicity, age, or BMI. However, the best candidates to receive injectables are overweight adults suffering from obesity (BMI levels of 30 or above) or related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, or osteoarthritis. Patients using GLP-1 injections for weight loss typically see a 10% to 16% decrease in body fat after consistent dieting and exercise.

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Contraindications / Who May Not Use Weight Loss Injectables?

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While the majority of patients can safely take these medications, not everyone can due to certain conditions. Contraindications include:

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• Pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant within 2-months (this applies to men and women who are planning to try and have children) 

• Personal or family history of thyroid c-cell tumors

• Personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome, Type 2

• History of pancreatitis

• History of cancer (considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type of cancer)

• Current diagnosis of cancer

• Type 1 Diabetes

*Hidration is unable to prescribe weight loss injectables for those with eating disorders or any clients under age 18.*

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GLP-1 injections may increase the risk that you will develop tumors of the thyroid gland, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC; a type of thyroid cancer). Laboratory animals who were given semaglutide developed tumors, but it is not known if this medication increases the risk of tumors in humans. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2; condition that causes tumors in more than one gland in the body). If so, your doctor will probably tell you not to use semaglutide injection. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: a lump or swelling in the neck; hoarseness; difficulty swallowing; or shortness of breath.

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What Are the Side Effects of Weight Loss Injectables?

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Due to its weight loss properties, patients may experience gastrointestinal side effects while using injectables for weight loss. The most common side effects include:

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• Stomach pain

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Bloating

• Constipation

• Indigestion

For patients with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer, GLP-1's may cause more adverse side effects. Additionally, the FDA warns that these medications may increase the risk for thyroid tumors, especially for people dealing with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome Type 2.

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How Should Weight Loss Injectables Be Dosed?

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The most effective method to administer these medications is through injection. You will need to inject the peptide under the skin once a week during the first four weeks of treatment, though the dosage amount may vary among patients. The appropriate dosage level is based on your medical history and body type. To effectively aid and monitor patients with their weight management, physicians typically prescribe 0.25 milligrams to start the process. After four weeks, your physician may gradually increase the dosage. It is normal to begin losing weight at a slower pace at the beginning while the dosage is relatively low. Larger weight loss changes typically start after 6 to 12 weeks, and your program may need to be much longer depending on your weight loss goals. It's important to stick with the program and the dosage schedule to stay healthy and reduce your weight in a responsible and comfortable manner.

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How Long is the Dosage Program?

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Semaglutide is administered weekly, on the same day, for at least 20 weeks to realize the full benefits.  Hidration offers dosages in 6, 12, and 20 week packages. Clients will be evaluated based on amount of desired weight loss and suitability for the prescription. Clients will need to commit to at least 6 weeks of treatment to begin our program, returning weekly for continued evaluation and injections.  Pricing as shown reflects increase in medication dosage as clients progress through the treatment. Continued treatment beyond clients' selected program will be charged based on dosage and number of weeks of additional commitment.

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