Losing weight is a beast that many people struggle to fight. If you’re one of these people, then you have undeniably heard about semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
If you are considering it to help you reduce the number on the scale, you’re likely wondering about safety. So, is semaglutide weight loss injection safe? Read on to learn more!
What’s the Skinny on Semaglutide? How Does It Work?
Weight loss has been a hot topic for decades now, and making it easier to achieve it has been an even hotter topic. The need for weight reduction medications certainly exists, yet it seems like doctors and patients alike just haven’t found the right solution… until semaglutide came along.
Most commonly sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, semaglutide belongs to a class of medications referred to as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs for short.
This medication mimics the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone that is released in the gut when you eat. Initially developed for type II diabetes, it quickly found its way into the weight loss scene for good reason.
A role of GLP-1 is to prompt your body to produce more insulin, which is why it’s so helpful for patients with type II diabetes, however it offers many more benefits than this. To be more specific, semaglutide interacts with the brain to suppress your appetite and make you feel full for longer periods of time.
Because of this, it is a highly effective medication for managing one of the core causes for weight gain and struggling to lose weight.
How Much Do Semaglutide Injections Cost? Are They Expensive?
The cost of semaglutide is $800 to over $1,000 per month in most cases, which can be incredibly pricey and difficult to afford for many people.
With insurance coverage, it is possible to pay as little as $25 per month. That being said, many insurers tend to be picky and difficult to work with, so coverage isn’t always possible. If this is the case for you, don’t lose hope. There are many ways to make semaglutide injections attainable and affordable.
Novo Nordisk offers affordability programs to make their medications readily available to patients with various budgets. Additionally, many medical spas have payment plans, alongside promotions and discounts. Don’t be afraid to explore these options and ask your provider about them.
Most Importantly, Is Semaglutide Weight Loss Injection Safe?
Safety is the most important factor in pursuing any medication or program that promotes weight loss. Many options for weight reduction tend to create unsafe and extremely fast weight loss circumstances (yes, this can be a bad thing) that result in regain at best and serious health complications at worst.
Gradual and steady weight reduction should be your goal in order to keep yourself safe and healthy and ensure that your weight loss is long lasting. Fortunately, medications like Ozempic and Wegovy offer exactly this.
But, there is no such thing as a medication without side effects or potential for complications. Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own as your body adjusts to semaglutide, and include the following:
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Gas
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
Serious side effects are rare and occur most often in patients who are not an appropriate candidate for this injectable medication. Be sure that you qualify for this medication, and don’t take it if you’re not a good candidate.
Who Can Benefit the Most From Weight Loss Injections?
Not everyone is going to benefit from medications like semaglutide. It is recommended for people who have a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 and up with one or more weight-related conditions such as type II diabetes or high blood pressure.
To find out if you’re a candidate for once-weekly semaglutide injections, talk with a reputable medical professional. They’ll go over the pros and cons, how to use it, the cost, and similar details to see if it fits your needs.
Patients with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or medullary thyroid cancer, or those who have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type II should avoid his medication.
What Are Some Tips to Get the Most Out of Semaglutide?
Optimizing your experience with weight loss medications is actually quite easy. Make sure you work with your healthcare team and combine semaglutide with a program that focuses on nutrition, exercise, and more.
In addition to this, you should:
- Choose a healthcare provider who has extensive experience prescribing weight loss medications and has many happy, successful patients who have taken them or are currently taking them.
- Prioritize diet and exercise. Semaglutide isn’t meant to be a standalone miracle treatment. Instead, it works best with a balanced, nutritious diet that is low in calories, plus plenty of physical activity each day.
- Be upfront and honest about your medical history, and don’t be afraid to bring up side effects or concerns with your specialist so you can manage these as best as possible.
Watch the Number on the Scale Drop With Semaglutide Weight Loss Injections From Estar!
Our team has answers to all of your questions such as, “Is semaglutide weight loss injection safe?” Using your goals, current health and weight, budget, and similar factors, we’ll help you decide if semaglutide is right for you, plus other ways to take control of your life with healthy solutions and habits.
Call us at 301-917-3870 to schedule your consultation today and learn more!
