GLP-1 Agonists Medications

Medical Weight Loss in Seattle with GLP-1 Agonists Medications

Do you need to lose weight but have been repeatedly unsuccessful? You're not alone. GLP-1 Agonists Medication injections may be the answer. More than 70% of American adults are overweight or obese, with many attempting to lose weight through different kinds of weight-loss programs that include diet and exercise.

If you are having difficulty making the necessary lifestyle changes to lose excess weight, or if your efforts aren't enough to help you reach and stay at a healthy weight, consider using a weight loss medication like GLP-1 Agonists Medication. When combined with healthy lifestyle changes, many patients can reach a healthy weight more efficiently and effectively without undergoing invasive bariatric surgery.

What are GLP-1 Agonists Medication Injections?

GLP-1 Agonists Medication is the generic name for the drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. Doctors prescribe Ozempic to treat diabetes, while the brand name Wegovy is FDA-approved for losing weight and long-term weight management. GLP-1 Agonists Medication belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1. Ozempic received Food and Drug Administration approval for diabetes treatment in 2017, and it cleared Wegovy for weight loss treatment in 2021. Both have slightly different doses and indications. This weight loss medication regulates hormones in the brain, digestive system and adipose fat tissue to suppress appetite and cravings and promote a sense of fullness.

While sedentary lifestyles and consumption of high-calorie processed foods have boosted obesity rates, medical researchers have discovered genetic causes for weight gain and the need for chronic weight management. Some people's bodies may want them to retain fat. Thus, weight loss medications that dramatically reduce appetites and produce significant weight loss could be game changers.

Am I a Good Candidate for GLP-1 Agonists Medication Injections?

Under FDA authorization, GLP-1 Agonists Medication is indicated for obese or overweight people, especially those with health conditions like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and other health problems that would benefit from significant weight loss. The health care professionals at VIVAA do not have body mass index (BMI) requirements for this treatment, as we consider each patient individually. We understand your desire to maintain weight loss and will perform a thorough drug evaluation along with your medical history.

During your consultation, you should advise us regarding the following medical conditions:

• Kidney disease or problems with your pancreas
• Have type 2 diabetes and a history of diabetic retinopathy
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant as weight loss drugs can harm an unborn baby
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
• Have suffered from depression, suicidal thoughts or mental health issues

GLP-1 Agonists MedicationsGLP-1 Agonists Medication slows stomach emptying and can affect other medications, especially those that must pass through the stomach quickly. Other prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements can also affect how this weight-loss medication will work for you, so it's essential that you tell us about everything you take.

Who Should Not Take Wegovy?

In addition to the previously noted conditions, other contraindications for taking GLP-1 Agonists Medication injections include:

• A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
• An endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
• You have had severe allergic reactions to other GLP-1 Agonists Medication-containing products

How Much Body Weight Can I Lose?

Although everyone is different, most patients typically lose 10 % to 15% of their body weight after regularly using GLP-1 Agonists Medication for six to eight weeks, combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Studies show that losing even 5% to 10% of excess weight through diet and increased physical activity alone can significantly reduce your cardiovascular risk. However, patients should note that discontinuing this medication can result in regaining lost weight.

In addition to achieving chronic weight management, taking GLP-1 Agonists Medication can lower high blood pressure, reduce blood sugar levels and bloodstream fat, alleviate joint pain, reduce sleep apnea and elevate mood.

What are the Most Common Side Effects?

Most side effects are mild and involve digestive issues such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, heartburn, headache, fatigue, dizziness, runny nose and sore throat. Most will lessen over time.

Serious side effects are rare but can occur, especially if you have one of the risk factors previously mentioned:

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
• Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in patients with type 2 diabetes
• Kidney problems
• Serious allergic reactions
• Changes in vision
• Increased heart rate while at rest
• Depression or thoughts of suicide

If you have a severe allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble swallowing or breathing, severe rash or itching, gaining or feeling dizzy, or a very rapid heartbeat, discontinue treatment and call your health care provider immediately.

Why Choose VIVAA for GLP-1 Agonists Medications Weight Loss?

We know that losing even a small amount of body weight can have a massive impact on your overall health. Our medical spas in Seattle are committed to helping our patients achieve individual goals. We celebrate small wins along the way and create personalized programs tailored to produce successful chronic weight management. Although GLP-1 Agonists Medication is quite effective, many patients do not qualify for insurance coverage unless it is used to treat diabetes. We remain committed to making your weight loss journey more affordable.

To learn more about weight-loss drugs and schedule a complimentary consultation, call us at 425-250-9999 or use our online consultation scheduling form.