Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, released in the gut in response to eating.

One role of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood sugar (glucose). For that reason, health care providers have used semaglutide for more than 15 years to treat Type 2 diabetes.

But GLP-1 also interacts with the parts of the brain that suppress your appetite and signal you to feel full. When used in conjunction with diet and exercise, it can cause significant weight loss — and a reduced risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease — in people who are obese or overweight.

Here are some reasons why semaglutide may be used for weight loss:

• Appetite Suppression: semaglutide appears to reduce appetite, leading to decreased food intake. This effect can contribute to weight loss, as individuals consume fewer calories.

• Improved Insulin Sensitivity: By improving insulin sensitivity, semaglutide may help the body utilize glucose more effectively. This can have positive effects on metabolism and contribute to weight loss.

• Slowed Gastric Emptying: semaglutide slows down the rate at which the stomach empties, leading to a feeling of fullness for a longer period. This can help individuals eat smaller portions and reduce overall calorie intake.

• Caloric Expenditure: Some research suggests that semaglutide may increase energy expenditure, potentially contributing to weight loss.

The minimum BMI to qualify for semaglutide treatment is 25 or higher.

During your in initial in-office consultation with Dr. Gupta, you will thoroughly review all medical information and discuss your eligibility for a personalized semaglutide treatment plan.

The duration for which individuals stay on semaglutide can vary based on individual factors, including the person's response to the medication, their weight management goals, and their overall health. Typically, Dr. Gupta will assess the progress of each patient periodically and make decisions about continuing or discontinuing the medication based on individual response.

At Gupta Plastic Surgery, you will undergo multiple consultations with Dr. Gupta at crucial junctures to identify the safest and most effective medication dosage for you. Throughout these consultations, Dr. Gupta will closely monitor your response to ensure that the medication is effectively addressing your needs. Many side effects can be easily managed and only in rare instances does treatment need to be stopped.

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Administer medication once weekly on the same day each week, at any time of the day, with or without meals.

This medication was designed to be unrefrigerated for shipment and has been tested to be stable in extreme temperatures, however it should be kept inside your refrigerator in the refrigerator-safe pouch provided to you, to ensure longevity and freshness of the product.

At Gupta Plastic Surgery your well-being takes precedence in the prescription of semaglutide medication. We uphold a critical standard for patient care that we do not compromise on. This includes comprehensive lab work before initiating any semaglutide treatment. The results of laboratory tests assist us in assessing whether semaglutide aligns with the specific requirements of your body.

Dr. Gupta will vigilantly oversee essential indicators, such as Complete Blood Count, Complete Metabolic Panel, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides), TSH, and HbA1c. This thorough monitoring aims to detect any potential underlying liver, pancreatic, kidney and thyroid dysfunction before initiating, and during treatment.

It takes approximately 2-3 days after your scheduled visit for us to receive your results. Dr. Gupta will then review your results with you to start your weight loss journey.

Our collaboration with Quest Diagnostics across the country has simplified the process for you. Once your lab work is requested, we will alert you and provide a convenient link. You can easily schedule appointments at your convenience through Quest. This is to be done every 6 months.

There are many online providers that are cutting corners and not meeting the standard of care. We firmly believe in the principle of first do no harm and thoroughly screen each individual to rule out possible reasons where semaglutide therapy might be contraindicated.

HbA1c is short for Glycated Hemoglobin.

The HbA1c test measures the average blood sugar levels over a period of time and is primarily used to assess diabetes management. It provides a long-term picture of your blood sugar control and helps monitor the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

TSH stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.

The TSH test measures the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is crucial for evaluating thyroid function. Abnormal TSH levels can indicate an underactive or overactive thyroid, which can impact your metabolism, energy levels, and overall well-being.

Lipids play various roles, including energy storage, insulation, and hormone production. Lipid tests, such as HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), total cholesterol, and triglycerides, provide valuable information about an individual's cardiovascular health.

The comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).

The CMP test assesses different markers related to your body's metabolism, including liver function, kidney function, blood sugar levels, and electrolyte balance. It can provide insights into conditions like liver or kidney disease, diabetes, and electrolyte imbalances.

A complete blood count (CBC).

The CBC test measures various components of your blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can help detect conditions like anemia, infections, and blood disorders.

Get ready to begin your journey towards a healthier, happier you by completing the medical intake form today. Simply click on the "Get Started" link to get going then call us to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Gupta.

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For assistance, please reach out to our Gupta Plastic Surgery team at (858) 408-6100.

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