Semaglutide Weight Loss Program in Huntsville & Decatur, AL

Dr. John R. Roberts is a board-certified physician specializing in pain management and weight loss. He knows that managing your weight can be an integral part of pain management. If you are interested in learning more about how Dr. Roberts can help you manage your weight, call (256) 715-7483 to request an appointment at our weight loss center in Huntsville or Decatur.

Importance of Weight Management

Approximately 70% of American adults are overweight. Obesity or being overweight is a serious health issue associated with the leading causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, and is linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Losing 5% to 10% of body weight through diet and exercise has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in overweight adult patients.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection that is FDA-approved for weight loss. It mimics a hormone in the body which controls insulin secretion, glucose metabolism, and slows down how fast your stomach empties food. This keeps you fuller for longer, prevents over-eating, and subsequently helps you lose weight.

The compound was initially approved in 2017 to help control blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes. People taking Semaglutide for blood sugar control lose weight as an additional benefit. After studying the use of the medication in people without Type 2 diabetes, the FDA approved Semaglutide for weight loss in qualified adults.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (or GLP-1) which is released in your digestive tract after food intake. There are three main functions of this hormone. It is responsible for increasing insulin production which brings sugar from our bloodstream into our cells so that we can utilize it for energy, subsequently lowering our blood sugar levels and helping with cravings. Secondly, it reduces the new production of sugar, called gluconeogenesis. Lastly, it slows gastric emptying, so food moves more slowly through your digestive tract, keeping you fuller for longer.

Semaglutide is the first of its kind as a safe and highly effective hormone-based weight loss medication.

Health benefits associated with Semaglutide include the following:

• Lower blood sugar without any increase in hypoglycemia

• Reduced body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress

• Suppressed appetite

• A sensation (in the brain) of fullness

• Increased insulin production and secretion

• Reduced glucagon – fasting and after eating

• Slowed gastric emptying in the intestines to help you feel fuller for longer

• Weight loss

How Many Injections Will I Need?

You should use Semaglutide for at least 4 months. Each month the dose will be increased in small amounts so that your body can adjust to the medication, and to reduce side effects. After 4 months, you can continue taking a maintenance dose of the Semaglutide if more weight loss in desired. Semaglutide can safely be taken long-term.