Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Houston, Katy, and Webster, TX
Semaglutide – A REVOLUTIONARY MEDICATION FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Semaglutide is gaining popularity quickly, and for good reason, IT WORKS! We’ve been offering medical weight loss programs for over 20 years, and this is truly a game changer. Our patients are losing weight and keeping it off.
Contents
- 1 Semaglutide – A REVOLUTIONARY MEDICATION FOR WEIGHT LOSS
- 2 How Does Semaglutide Work
- 3 Why Choose Houston Weight Loss Center?
- 4 What Is The Cost of Semaglutide?
- 5 Do I Qualify For Semaglutide?
- 6 Check Your BMI Now!
- 7 Who should not take Semaglutide?
- 8 Are There Side Effects Of Semaglutide
- 9 Why Does Semaglutide Cause Nausea?
- 10 Getting Started On Semaglutide
- 11 How long does Semaglutide Take to Work?
- 12 How Long can you Take Semaglutide?
- 13 How Do You Get a Semaglutide Prescription?’
How Does Semaglutide Work
Semaglutide is a non-stimulant appetite suppressant that acts like a hunger-regulating hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It works by delaying gastric emptying which makes you feel full longer after eating a smaller amount of food, reduces blood glucose levels by stimulating the pancreas, and significantly reduces appetite leading to weight loss and overall health improvements.
Why Choose Houston Weight Loss Center?
Health is personal and where you go matters, so it’s important to find a provider you trust. MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS IS ALL WE DO! We are a team of doctors, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants that care about your journey. You can email, call, or schedule in-person appointments with us whenever needed, with any question.
We prescribe Semaglutide as part of our weight loss program that includes one on one coaching, weight loss meal plans and education.
- Our clinics specialize in medical weight loss, offering comprehensive weight loss education and clinical support (in-person)
- We have 3 convenient locations – Houston Heights, Katy, and Webster
What Is The Cost of Semaglutide?
The cost you will pay for Semaglutide varies depending on your insurance coverage. We will work with you and your insurance to try to get the medication covered.
If you do not have prescription coverage, the cost of brand name Semaglutide starts at about $800/month. While brand name Semaglutide is in shortage, we can prescribe compounded Semaglutide. Compounded medications are not FDA approved and are not covered by insurance. The cost of compounded Semaglutide varies by pharmacy but ranges from $75 to $200/month depending on dose.
Do I Qualify For Semaglutide?
Only after a visit with one of our providers can we determine if you qualify for Semaglutide. However, there are minimal BMI requirements:
- An initial BMI of 30 or greater
- An initial BMI of 27 to 29.9 with at least one additional weight-related health issue such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, or pre-diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, or PCOS.
Check Your BMI Now!
Who should not take Semaglutide?
Patients whose family has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not take Semaglutide. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems, pancreas problems, have a history of diabetic retinopathy (loss of vision), or are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant before taking Semaglutide.
Are There Side Effects Of Semaglutide
Like most medications, Semaglutide does have side effects. Semaglutide side effects are usually very mild and occur most often at the beginning of treatment.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Belching
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
Semaglutide should be used in combination with diet and exercise to be both effective and to help manage initial side effects. Over-eating or eating junk food while taking Semaglutide has been reported to increase the intensity of side effects. Eating smaller portions and low calorie, low-sugar foods has been reported to reduce the side effects significantly.
Semaglutide does have several potentially serious side effects. In laboratory trials it has been shown to cause tumors in the thyroid (including cancer) in some cases. It may also cause inflammation of the pancreas, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney problems, or serious allergic reactions.
Why Does Semaglutide Cause Nausea?
Nausea is the most commonly reported side effect of taking Semaglutide. It’s not entirely clear why exactly Semaglutide causes nausea, but because it delays gastric emptying (food stays in your stomach longer) it can lead to extra pressure inside the stomach. This may trigger feelings of nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach. The good news is that experiencing nausea while taking Semaglutide is typically mild and tends to go away over time.2
Getting Started On Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a once weekly self-administered injection. If you qualify for Semaglutide at your first appointment, you will be prescribed 0.25mg per week dosage for the first 4 weeks. If well tolerated, the Semaglutide prescription may then be increased to 0.5mg per week in the second month, 1mg per week in the third month, up to 2mg per week in the fourth month and thereafter.
How long does Semaglutide Take to Work?
Most patients get some effect immediately, but maximum effect may take several months. Generally, your provider will start you on a low dose and increase slowly over four months. Some patients feel the effects within the first month, however others may not feel significant appetite suppression until they reach the higher dosage a few months into treatment.
How Long can you Take Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is approved for “chronic weight management”, which means we can prescribe it for you as long as you need it. The medication is designed for long-term use, so if it is helpful to your weight loss journey, you can continue to take Semaglutide.
How Do You Get a Semaglutide Prescription?’
Call us today! (281) 400-1290 or request your first appointment to see if you qualify.