If you’ve lost weight and gained it back, you might feel frustrated, and you’re not the only one. According to research, about 80% of people who lose a significant amount of weight don’t keep it off for even a year. But, we have great news: Semaglutide injections offer new hope, even if you’ve been let down by diet medications in the past.
Semaglutide is a whole different approach, and it’s proving remarkably effective for many people struggling with extra weight.
At Cosmetic Surgery Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, our anti-aging and weight management specialist, Dr. Trent Fogleman, offers semaglutide injections as part of our medical weight loss program.
This FDA-approved treatment is part of a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed for diabetes management but now recognized for their ability to help with weight loss.
When our patients join the weight management program, one of the first questions they usually ask is, “How does it actually work?”
Semaglutide injections work by imitating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in your body. This natural hormone is integral in appetite and metabolism regulation. Normally, the body releases GLP-1 after eating.
Its key actions within your body are controlling blood sugar and appetite and slowing stomach emptying.
Semaglutide enhances insulin secretion when you eat. The insulin helps “unlock” your cells to absorb glucose instead of allowing it to build up in your blood.
In addition, semaglutide reduces glucagon release. Glucagon signals the liver to release stored sugar into the bloodstream, raising blood sugar. By inhibiting its release, semaglutide helps you maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Both mechanisms help prevent spikes and crashes that often lead to cravings and overeating. This makes it easier to stick to a healthy diet and avoid unhealthy snacks.
Semaglutide works on the brain’s appetite control centers and influences brain-gut communication. It promotes feelings of satiety (fullness) and satisfaction.
Many say semaglutide stops “food noise,” or constant preoccupation with food. It can free up a lot of mental space to focus on other things that matter to you.
This appetite control makes it much easier to control your food intake without feeling hungry or deprived.
Semaglutide slows the rate at which food moves through your stomach. Delaying digestion helps you feel full sooner and keeps you full for longer. This can go a long way in reducing between-meal snacks and helping you eat smaller portions.
By addressing multiple factors involved in eating and weight gain, semaglutide creates a great foundation for long-term, sustainable weight loss.
If you’re struggling with your weight and have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, semaglutide could be right for you.
People with a lower BMI (27-29) may also be good candidates if they have weight-related conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
But, perhaps the biggest candidacy question of all is: “Are you ready to start a whole new way of life?” While semaglutide offers the possibility of dramatic weight loss, it’s not a quick fix or magic shot. You still need to eat healthy, practice portion control, and schedule regular exercise.
Cosmetic Surgery Center supports you throughout your weight loss journey. Dr. Fogleman and our team make sure you have all the tools you need to get the most from semaglutide.
If you’re ready to take control of your weight and explore whether semaglutide is right for you, call us at 402-526-5449 to schedule a consultation at our Oklahoma City office.
