If you are like most people, weight is something that you think about.  None of us wants to be overweight.  We all desire to be healthy.  Some of us, for a multitude of reasons, struggle more with weight more than others.  ​This is where the GLP peptites can be a game changer. Peptids in conjunction with nutrition and an exercise plan, can transform how a person can loose weight, and keep it off. 

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​How does Semaglutide Work?

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Semaglutide is a peptide that is similar to the body’s hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works in several ways to manage blood sugar and promote weight loss.  Peptides are a short chain of amino acids that play a vital role in many physiological processes, including weight loss.  

 

Controls Blood Sugar: Semaglutide stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas when blood sugar levels start to elevate. Insulin lowers blood sugar by transporting glucose from the blood into the cells. This help prevent blood sugar spikesafter meals.

 

Suppresses Appetite: Semaglutide acts on the brain’s appetite centers to promote a feeling of fullness and satiety. This causes a person to eat fewer calories overall, promoting weight loss.

 

Slows Gastric Emptying: Semaglutide slows down the rate at which the contents of the stomach empty into the small intestine. This affects the rate at which carbohydrates are broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream, decreasing the post-meal rise in blood sugar levels.

 

Slows Digestion and Absorption: Semaglutide slows down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels.

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Fat Mobilization:  Peptides like semaglutide  change the way your body decides how to store fat — a process known as fat mobilization. Generally, the body does not want to use stored fat unless you’re working out more or eating less. Semaglutide acts on GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), telling your brain that you’re fuller before you actually are. This causes your body to turn to stored fat for energy.

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Suppresses Glucagon Release: Glucagon is a hormone that signals the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream. By suppressing glucagon release, Semaglutide helps prevent excess glucose production and elevated blood sugar.

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Proven Efficacy: Clinical Trials and Research of Semaglutide ​

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A 2018 study found that semaglutide was well-tolerated for 52 weeks, and patients in the control group had a weight loss range between -2.3% to -13.08% with doses ranging from 0.05mg to 0.4mg. 

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There are lots more studies available, just ask if interested. 

 

Possible side effects of Semaglutide

 

As with any medication, there are possible side effects with Semaglutide. 

 

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Gas and bloating

• Abdominal pain or GERD

• Dehydration

• Pancreatitis (rare but serious)

 

Some people taking Semaglutide experience some side effects. These side effects can be lessened by a slow introduction of the medication and by working on dietary strategies. 

 

The Jenny Lake Functional Wellness approach to using Semaglutide

 

Semaglutide is indicated for people that are overweight or have a BMI >30 (that is classified as being obese).  It is not a quick-fix for people wanting to lose 5-10 pounds. It can be a game changer for people needing to loose 40-100 pounds that have failed with all other methods of weight loss. It is also not for someone who is unwilling or unable to put healthy habits into place with diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors. Semaglutide is given as a once weekly injection at home.   

 

Dr. Jennifer Sofie meets personally with the patients before agreeing to prescribe Semaglutide. She reviews a patient’s full medical history, current lifestyle and lab results to ensure that Semaglutide is the proper choice. She prescribes Semaglutide based upon a patient’s BMI, fasting insulin levels, fasting glucose levels, HgbA1C, TSH, kidney and liver function and an agreement to follow dietary and exercise guidelines.   These labs then need to be checked every 3 months while on therapy.

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