Semaglutide Medication
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What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a medication that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar by mimicking a natural hormone your body already makes called GLP-1. This hormone signals the brain that you’re full, slows digestion, and helps control cravings. As a result, semaglutide can help reduce hunger, support steady weight loss, and improve metabolic health. It’s available under brand names such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®, depending on dosage and purpose. When combined with healthy lifestyle habits and medical oversight, semaglutide can be a highly effective tool for long-term weight management.
Semaglutide was originally developed for Type 2 diabetes. During clinical research, patients consistently lost weight, which led to additional studies and a formulation specifically for chronic weight management. In 2021, the FDA approved a semaglutide product for long-term weight control (brand name Wegovy®). Today, medically supervised semaglutide is one of the most widely used, evidence-based options for patients seeking safe, effective, and sustainable weight loss with professional guidance.
Semaglutide offers meaningful, steady weight loss by working with your body’s natural hunger and fullness signals rather than fighting against them. Because it mimics the GLP-1 hormone, semaglutide helps reduce appetite, curb cravings, slow digestion, and create a longer-lasting feeling of fullness after meals. This leads to smaller portion sizes, fewer “snack attacks,” and a smoother, more controlled eating pattern throughout the day. Patients often notice that they feel satisfied sooner and don’t think about food as frequently, which helps support consistent weight loss without extreme dieting or deprivation.
When semaglutide is medically supervised by Dr. Harris, the experience is tailored to your body and your specific health needs. Regular check-ins help ensure the medication is working safely and effectively, while dosage adjustments are made gradually to minimize side effects and support steady progress. Many patients also see improvements in blood sugar balance, energy levels, blood pressure, and metabolic markers — benefits that go beyond the scale alone. With the right guidance, lifestyle support, and medical oversight, semaglutide can be a powerful tool for long-term, sustainable weight loss and improved overall wellness.
Semaglutide is generally well-tolerated, especially when dosing is increased gradually under medical supervision. Because the medication works by slowing digestion and influencing appetite signals, some patients may experience mild side effects while the body adjusts. The most common effects include nausea, feeling full more quickly, or temporary changes in bowel habits (either constipation or loose stools). These symptoms are usually short-lived and improve as the dose is titrated slowly. Staying hydrated, eating smaller meals, and choosing lighter foods can help reduce discomfort. Dr. Harris monitors your progress closely, adjusts dosing when needed, and provides guidance to help your body transition comfortably.
Common temporary side effects may include:
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Mild nausea or queasiness
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Early fullness during meals
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Constipation or softer stools
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Occasional burping or slight taste changes
Semaglutide — What to Know
Safe, structured support for appetite, fullness, and blood-sugar control—always with physician oversight at Dr. Harris Medical Weight Loss.
What It Does
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps you feel satisfied sooner, reduces cravings, and supports healthier glucose control.
- Signals fullness and reduces “food noise,” aiding portion control.
- Supports steady, sustainable weight loss with lifestyle changes.
- Once-weekly injection for consistent appetite regulation.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
Eligibility is individualized after medical evaluation.
- BMI typically ≥30, or ≥27 with weight-related risks (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia).
- Ready for follow-ups, protein-forward eating, hydration, movement, and sleep.
- No contraindications (e.g., personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2, pregnancy).
Why Monitoring Matters
Baseline tests guide individualized, comfortable dosing.
- Labs may include CBC/CMP, lipids, A1C; others as clinically indicated.
- Vitals and symptoms review to minimize side effects during titration.
- Education on meals, hydration (64–80 oz/day), and when to contact the office.
Dosing Overview
“Start low, go slow” to keep you comfortable.
- Begin at a low weekly dose; increase gradually based on tolerance and results.
- Once-weekly, same day each week; consistency improves outcomes.
- Pause or hold increases if nausea or GI symptoms appear—comfort first.
Side Effects & When to Call
Most GI symptoms are mild and improve with time.
- Common: nausea, fullness, heartburn, constipation/loose stool, decreased appetite.
- Tips: smaller meals, slower eating, limit greasy foods, hydrate 64–80 oz/day.
- Call for severe vomiting, signs of dehydration, or intense abdominal pain.
Note on Compounded Semaglutide: If a compounded version is prescribed, it is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual patients and is not FDA-approved. Dr. Harris will discuss options and monitoring to ensure safety and quality.
Tips & Information
Some Tips For Our Patients While Taking GLP1
Every medication takes a little time for the body to adjust, and semaglutide is no different. Because it works by slowing digestion and enhancing your natural fullness signals, you may notice some changes in how your appetite and stomach feel during the first few weeks. These effects can vary from person to person, and your experience will be unique to your own body. This adjustment period is completely normal and expected as your system learns to respond to the medication.
To help you feel confident and supported, we’ve put together simple guidance and tips to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. Understanding how your body reacts—and knowing what’s normal—can help you get the best results from your semaglutide treatment. You are not expected to figure this out alone. We’re here to monitor your progress, adjust your dosing when needed, and support you every step of the way on your weight-loss journey.
Dosing Semaglutide
- We Start Very Low (Microdose): The first dose is intentionally small to allow your body to adjust gently and reduce nausea or stomach discomfort.
- Gradual Dose Increases: Doses are increased slowly every few weeks based on how your body responds — there is no “rush” or one-size-fits-all schedule.
- Comfort Comes First: If you experience side effects, your dose may be held at the same level longer before increasing — this is normal and expected.
- Once Weekly Injections: Semaglutide is taken once per week, on the same day each week, for steady and consistent appetite control.
- Dosing Is Personalized: Your dose is determined by your hunger levels, progress, and how your body feels — not just a chart.
- Your Input Matters: Regular check-ins allow us to adjust your dosage slowly and safely so your weight loss is comfortable, sustainable, and supported.
Diet and Hydration
- Protein First: Aim for protein at each meal (chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, lean meats) to maintain muscle, support metabolism, and help you feel satisfied.
- Smaller, Slower Meals: Semaglutide slows digestion — eating smaller bites and taking your time prevents nausea and helps your stomach adjust.
- Hydration is Essential: Drink 64–80 oz. of water daily. This helps digestion, prevents constipation, reduces fatigue, and keeps your metabolism functioning smoothly.
- Limit Greasy or Heavy Foods: High-fat meals can increase nausea while your body is adjusting. Choosing lighter foods helps you feel more comfortable.
- Don’t Skip Meals: Even with reduced appetite, try to eat small balanced meals — your body still needs steady nutrition to burn fat effectively.
- Listen to Your Fullness Cues: Stop eating when you feel satisfied, not stuffed — semaglutide makes this easier, and honoring those cues improves results.
What to Expect in 6 Weeks
- Week 1–2: Appetite Softens Gradually You’ll likely notice feeling full sooner and thinking about food less often. Hunger doesn’t disappear overnight — it gently quiets.
- Early Fullness Is Normal You may only need smaller portions. Go slow while eating and stop when you feel satisfied — even if there’s food left on your plate.
- Some Mild Stomach Changes May Happen Nausea, bloating, or constipation can occur as your digestion adjusts. These usually improve with smaller meals, hydration, and time.
- Energy Levels May Shift Some patients feel more steady energy, while others feel a bit tired in the first week or two. This typically balances as your body adapts.
- Your Dose Will Increase Slowly We use a microdosing approach, adjusting gradually every few weeks. Comfort comes first — your dose is not rushed.
- Results Build Consistently — Not Overnight Expect slow, steady progress. The goal is sustainable weight loss that feels natural and supported — not rapid drops that rebound.
Compare Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, Phentermine, and GLP-1 Medications
| Criteria | Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) |
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) |
Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira) |
GLP-1 Class (General) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMI Eligibility | ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidity | ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidity | ≥30, short-term use only | Varies by drug, typically ≥30 |
| Mechanism of Action | Dual GIP & GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Appetite suppressant (stimulant) | GLP-1 receptor modulation |
| Average Weight Loss | 15–22% over 72 weeks | 10–15% over 68 weeks | 5–8% over 12 weeks | Varies by agent (10–20%) |
| Dosage Frequency | Once weekly injection | Once weekly injection or daily oral | Daily oral tablet | Once weekly (most common) |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, constipation, fatigue | Nausea, diarrhea, headache | Insomnia, dry mouth, restlessness | GI discomfort, nausea |
| Tolerance / Duration | Long-term, sustained tolerance | Long-term, sustained tolerance | Short-term (≤12 weeks) | Long-term management |
| Average Monthly Cost | $1,000–$1,200 | $900–$1,100 | $30–$50 | $900–$1,200 |
| FDA Approval Year | 2022 | 2017 | 1959 | 2005–present (class) |
| Brand Names | Mounjaro, Zepbound | Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus | Adipex-P, Lomaira | Trulicity, Victoza, Saxenda |
| Ideal Patient Type | Obesity + type 2 diabetes | Obesity + prediabetes or T2D | Short-term weight reduction | Chronic weight management |
Start Your Weight Loss Journey With Dr. Harris
Save $100 this month on your first appointment. Whats included: EKG, Blood Work, First Week of Medication,
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Fort Lauderdale,FL33319 Phone: (954) 486-4647
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Boca Raton, FL 33434
Phone:(561) 852-7770
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