Weight Loss Support: Am I a Good Candidate for Semaglutide?

Semaglutide for weight loss has been all over the news recently, thanks to its success in helping people lose excess weight. But as popular as it is, semaglutide isn’t right for everyone. Here’s how to tell if you should consider it.

If you’ve been struggling with weight loss, there’s a good chance you’ve at least heard about semaglutide, the diabetes drug that’s proven exceptionally effective at helping people lose weight. But as good as it is at helping some people drop unwanted pounds, it’s not an ideal option for everyone. 

The team at MICARI Aesthetics & Veins helps patients lose weight and keep it off with custom-tailored weight-loss treatments featuring an array of options, including semaglutide therapy. Here’s how to tell if this revolutionary therapy is right for you. 

How semaglutide works

Semaglutide is a type of drug called a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a hormone secreted by your intestine, pancreas, and other parts of your body to help regulate blood sugar (glucose) and appetite. It’s this aspect that makes semaglutide an appropriate choice for managing diabetes.  

For weight loss, semaglutide offers some additional benefits. First, semaglutide helps slow gastric emptying — how quickly food moves out of your stomach. By slowing down this part of the digestive process, you wind up feeling full longer so you don’t eat as often.  

At the same time, semaglutide works on the brain’s appetite center, reducing the production and release of hunger hormones and blunting your appetite. In the liver, semaglutide slows down glucose production to reduce insulin resistance. And finally, semaglutide helps muscle tissue use glucose more efficiently, so you burn more calories.  

Benefits of Semaglutide for Weight Loss

The benefits of semaglutide for weight loss go beyond the number on the scale. Weight loss patients often experience improved overall health. Some share a renewed sense of confidence. Here are some core advantages:

1. Sustainable weight reduction. Semaglutide is renowned for promoting gradual and consistent weight loss. Moreover, it can reduce the likelihood of regaining lost weight.
2. Appetite control. As it influences appetite-regulating centers in the brain, GLP-1 helps you feel fuller. You experience this action with smaller meals and decreased food cravings.
3. Better blood sugar management. Although originally developed for diabetes care, semaglutide helps stabilize blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of insulin spikes that trigger hunger.
4. Improved metabolic function. Many patients notice an increase in energy and metabolic efficiency, making it easier to maintain an active lifestyle.
5. Support for cardiovascular health. Studies show that semaglutide can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart-related complications associated with obesity.

Deciding if semaglutide is right for you

You may be wondering, “Am I a good candidate for GLP-1?” Although semaglutide can be very effective in helping patients lose weight, it’s not right for everyone. To be a candidate, you must be overweight or obese with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. You’re also a candidate if you have a BMI of 27-30 and another condition, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. 

Semaglutide isn’t recommended for anyone who has a personal history of:

• Gallbladder disease
• Pancreatitis
• Medullary thyroid cancer
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)

In other words, who should not take semaglutide includes anyone with these conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

You should also know that semaglutide interacts with certain medications, including some antibiotics, retinoids, and cortisone products, as well as some nutritional supplements. During your consultation, let your provider know about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you’re taking, along with any vitamins or supplements. 

Before prescribing semaglutide, we take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam, along with blood work and other lab tests to assess your health. We also measure your BMI and check for existing conditions that could make you a candidate. 

If we prescribe semaglutide for you, we tailor your dosing and adjust it as needed during your therapy. We’ll also determine if the oral or injectable route is the better option for you. For most people, semaglutide therapy takes about 3-6 months. 

Common Side Effects of Semaglutide

As with any medication, there are potential semaglutide side effects to consider. Most are mild and temporary, particularly when doses are gradually increased under medical supervision. 

Common side effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Mild abdominal discomfort or bloating
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Headache or dizziness
• Fatigue

These symptoms typically ease as your body adjusts to the medication. Rare but serious effects are pancreatitis or gallbladder issues. Feel free to discuss with your provider before starting therapy. Regular check-ins and lab monitoring at MICARI Aesthetics & Veins help ensure your safety and comfort throughout treatment.

Tips for Optimizing Results

To maximize your results with semaglutide for weight loss, it’s important to combine the medication with healthy lifestyle habits. Here are some expert tips:

1. Follow a balanced nutrition plan: Focus on lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains to maintain steady energy and support fat loss.

2. Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps curb appetite and supports digestion, especially as semaglutide slows gastric emptying.

3. Incorporate regular exercise: Even moderate activity like walking or strength training enhances your metabolism and muscle tone.

4. Manage stress: Chronic stress can affect appetite hormones and slow weight loss progress. Incorporate relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

5. Keep consistent appointments: Regular visits with your provider ensure that your dosage is properly adjusted and your health is closely monitored.

These steps not only enhance the medication’s effects but also help you develop sustainable habits for long-term success.

Find a weight-loss solution that works

GLP-1 agonists can help people lose weight even if previous attempts at weight loss have failed — but they’re not always an ideal solution. To learn if semaglutide is right for you and to learn about other weight-management options we offer, call 631-910-7599 or request an appointment online with our team in Bellmore, New York, today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does semaglutide help with weight loss?

Semaglutide helps control appetite and slow digestion, making it easier to eat less and lose weight steadily.

Who should not take semaglutide?

People with a history of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or certain endocrine disorders should avoid taking semaglutide.

What are the common semaglutide side effects?

The most common side effects include nausea, mild stomach upset, constipation, or fatigue.

How long does it take to see results with semaglutide for weight loss?

Most patients notice visible results within three to six months of consistent treatment.

Is semaglutide safe when combined with other medications?

Semaglutide can interact with some drugs, so it’s important to discuss all medications and supplements with your provider first.