Have you tried diet after diet and workout after workout, just to be left frustrated when you still can’t reach your weight goals?
Our bodies can be complicated and for many people the recommendation to “eat better and exercise” isn’t enough to help them lose weight. Sleep issues, chronic pain, hormone imbalances, thyroid disease, and stress are just a few of the factors that can affect your weight, and there’s not a single path to weight loss.
One promising weight loss therapy for many of my patients is known as Semaglutide Peptide Therapy. Peptides are involved in many of the body’s crucial functions, including hormone regulation and metabolism support. Semaglutide (often referred to by the brand name Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) is a peptide that has been used in diabetes treatments for many years but has recently been identified as a game-changer for weight loss as well.
Today we’ll look closer at what makes Semaglutide Peptide Therapy treatment so popular and answer your pressing questions about how it works, whether it’s safe, and why a naturopathic approach is the best choice for this therapy. Dr. Roz is an experienced naturopathic medical doctor in Scottsdale, AZ, and is ready to support you on your health journey.
What is Peptide Therapy?
This is a big enough question that we did a deep dive on peptide therapy for you before, but let’s review the basics. Peptides are the building blocks of proteins, and they are involved in nearly every biological process. There are over 7,000 different peptides that occur naturally in your body, and each one serves a specific function, such as healing, muscle and bone regeneration, regulating sleep and hormones, and supporting your metabolism. In peptide therapy, doctors use synthetic peptides to mimic the naturally occurring ones to target specific processes and produce the desired effects.
When it comes to helping with weight loss, the focus is on peptides that work with your body to slow digestion, help you feel full and satisfied for longer, and lower inflammation. There are a few different options, but the one we’re focusing on today is one of the most popular on the market: semaglutide.
Why Consider Semaglutide Peptide Therapy for Weight Loss?
With the variety of weight loss solutions available, it can feel complicated to choose the right one. In addition to consulting your doctor, we recommend looking at a few key areas: safety and effectiveness, personalization, and whether it works well with other therapies.
So how does semaglutide measure up? Let’s take a look:
- Safety and Effectiveness: In the Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome, semaglutide was identified as one of the “next generation of weight loss medications.” It is approved by the FDA for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, with clinical trials reporting an average loss of 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks for patients using it for weight loss. Studies show that it works well for weight loss for the first year before slowing down around week 60.
- Personalization: Semaglutide does not have to be a one-size-fits-all therapy, although conventional doctors often rely on the standard dosage, which comes with a higher risk of unpleasant side effects. The naturopathic approach is to use a compounding pharmacy to start out low and increase the dose slowly, focusing on finding the maximum benefits with the minimum dose. This allows the treatment to be customized as you progress and track your symptoms and progress.
- Integration with Other Treatments: Semaglutide works well with other treatments, especially supplements and lifestyle changes. In fact, to get the maximum benefits, these lifestyle changes are recommended:
- Proper nutrition with plenty of lean protein to support muscle mass
- Regular physical activity
- Lower stress levels to keep hormones balanced and reduce insulin resistance
Be sure to discuss other treatments with your doctor before starting or stopping them, to ensure they work well together.
Next, let’s explore the things that make semaglutide such a popular option for weight loss.
Benefits of Semaglutide Peptide Therapy for Weight Loss
Semaglutide peptide therapy has many benefits, including:
- Accelerated Fat Loss by improving the metabolism.
- Improved Muscle Mass due to peptides preserving and building lean muscle, as long as you are eating enough protein.
- Appetite Regulation by curbing appetite and reducing cravings.
- Boost in Energy and Stamina that can lead to more effective workouts and overall activity, plus better sleep.
But one benefit stands out above the others: improved insulin control.
Insulin is a storage hormone, and it encourages the body to store extra weight. This is why people who are insulin resistant have trouble losing weight, no matter what diet or exercise they do. By improving your body’s insulin control, semaglutide lowers insulin resistance and supports your ability to lose weight, even when you’ve had trouble with it in the past.
The health benefits don’t stop there, though. For people with a fatty or dysfunctional liver contributing to their weight gain, semaglutide improves metabolic health. By lowering cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure, it supports your cardiovascular health. And by reducing inflammation, your brain health will improve and your risk for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s (often referred to as Type 3 diabetes) will be lowered.
Plus, losing just 5% of your body fat has been shown to improve heart health and reduce the risk of weight-related complications.
With all these benefits, the next logical question is, is it safe? Only your doctor can answer this for your specific health, but keep reading for a review of the overall safety of semaglutide peptide therapy.
Is Semaglutide Peptide Therapy Safe?
Peptide therapy is considered to be very safe when prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Semaglutide Peptide Therapy is FDA-approved for treating Type 2 Diabetes and obesity. You’ll need a prescription to get access to it, and you may need to meet certain requirements to get insurance approval, such as being over a certain BMI or suffering from specific health conditions.
The side effects of semaglutide are mild for most people and can be managed by working with your doctor. At our clinic, Dr. Roz is highly experienced in integrative endocrinology and peptide therapy. She will help you weigh the benefits against any risks or side effects. She can also create a personalized treatment plan to minimize side effects by slowly introducing the medication and using supplements to offset them.
A slow introduction is one of the biggest advantages of working with a naturopathic doctor like Dr. Roz, who uses a compounding pharmacy. For example, a dosing pen from a conventional doctor typically gives 25 units of the medication, so the lowest you can start with is 25 units. A compounding pharmacy can prepare much lower doses, so you may start with 5 units, allow your body to get used to that, and then adjust the dosage based on the patient’s tolerance.
Starting semaglutide too quickly can overwhelm your body, leading to unpleasant symptoms and making you feel unwell. A naturopathic doctor like Dr. Roz will schedule regular check-ins to monitor blood sugar levels and kidney function while taking peptides. They will use this overall look at your health to determine how you are responding to the treatment and when it’s time to increase the dosage.
The Role of Patient Education
Peptide therapy for weight loss is not a “set it and forget it” kind of prescription. Patients who are not willing to make lifestyle changes along with the medication may not be the best fit for this treatment. That’s where patient education our clinic does comes in.
Ideally, your doctor will encourage you to be an active participant in your healthcare journey. Tools like symptom tracking, frequent communication, and coaching you through the recommended lifestyle changes are crucial to your success. Every doctor will approach this a little differently, but here are a few ways that we support you:
- Education and recommendations for supplements that help alleviate side effects.
- Nutrition recommendations to ensure you are eating the right amount of protein and other foods your body needs to avoid symptoms such as hypoglycemia and muscle loss.
- Help with symptom tracking and regular communication to ensure you are experiencing the benefits of the therapy and keeping up with the recommended lifestyle changes.
Often, the benefits of semaglutide peptide therapy for weight loss, such as improved blood sugar levels and lower inflammation, outweigh the risks that may occur. For patients without diabetes, risks can be lowered even further by cycling on and off the medication during the weight loss process. A trusted doctor, like Dr. Roz, can help you make these decisions and come up with a treatment plan that works for your body.
What to Expect in a Peptide Therapy Session
Before beginning peptide therapy, it’s natural to wonder what to expect from the process, so we’ll walk you through the basics.
- Initial Consultation: This is to go over your health history and determine if semaglutide peptide therapy is the right option for your health needs.
- Treatment Plan: Once care is established, your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs. They will consider your reason for seeking treatment, your current lifestyle, the changes you are willing to make, and more, and together you’ll set realistic goals to keep you motivated. You will also receive any education you need to accomplish your goals effectively.
- Administration: Semaglutide is typically given as a once-weekly injection, and it may be given in the office or self-administered at home.
- Follow-Up: You and your doctor will come up with a schedule to check your progress, monitor side effects, and ensure your dose is right for your needs. These may get less frequent once you are established, but checking in with your doctor often is recommended with peptide therapy.
A qualified healthcare provider with experience in peptide therapy will make this process go smoothly while offering you the support that you need to get the maximum benefit from your treatment. If you’re in the Scottsdale area, reach out to our office today to schedule a consultation, explore your options, and find out how to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Semaglutide Peptide Therapy for Weight Loss
We’ve covered a lot today, but we want to make sure you got all your questions answered, so here are a few of our most frequently asked questions:
- How quickly will I see results?
You can expect it to take 3-6 months to see results. During the first month, you’re just reducing inflammation, so while you may not see weight loss, you’ll likely start noticing a difference in pain and energy levels. Next, your blood sugar levels will lower, and then you’ll see the weight start to drop. By month 6 you’ll be fully into the weight loss stage. You’ll see more benefits the longer you stay on it because your body will be able to tolerate it better.
- Are there any side effects?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, such as nausea and constipation. These are addressed by Dr. Roz, by starting patients with a low dose and taking supplements like magnesium citrate for constipation. More serious issues are rare but can include thyroid tumors or pancreatitis, which is why close contact with your doctor is important.
- Can peptide therapy be combined with other weight loss treatments?
Yes, and it’s most effective when combined with a healthy diet, physical activity, and lower stress. For questions about other therapies, talk with your doctor about safe options or schedule a consultation with Dr. Roz to find out more.
- How often will I need treatments?
Semaglutide is administered weekly by injection. Depending on the health condition you’re treating, you may cycle on and off the medication instead of staying on it indefinitely, though this is not recommended for patients with diabetes.
- How much does it cost?
If you go the conventional method, brand semaglutide typically ranges about $800 to $1500/month without insurance. When you work with a naturopathic doctor like Dr. Roz, your compounded prescription medication costs will typically start around $300 to $600, depending on the recommended dose.
Getting Started With Semaglutide Peptide Therapy for Weight Loss
Semaglutide peptide therapy is generally a safe, effective, and personalized weight loss option that can help you reach your health goals and make lasting changes. With benefits like better heart health, increased energy, and improved overall health, it’s an encouraging option for those who have struggled to find a weight loss solution that works.
Dr. Roz has worked with patients just like you to improve their health, lose weight, and feel more vibrant and energetic. If you’re ready to start feeling better, contact our office to learn more about peptide therapy and other treatments.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Roz at our Scottsdale, AZ clinic to find out how semaglutide peptide therapy can help you achieve your weight loss goals.
