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Semaglutide in Virginia Beach, VA

Achieve Lasting Weight Loss With Semaglutide

At Ageless Skin Rejuvenation, we are proud to offer the latest medical weight loss treatments to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Enter semaglutide. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, semaglutide is a powerful addition to a comprehensive weight loss plan. Obesity affects about 42% of adults in the United States and sometimes it is too difficult to rely on willpower alone to lose weight, and more importantly, keep it off.

Semaglutide has become one of the most popular options around for medical weight loss. In 2021, almost 2 million people in the United States were taking semaglutide, which is three times more than in 2019. But even though it’s popular, is it also effective? The answer is a resounding yes. Multiple studies have shown the benefits of semaglutide. More recently, a Nature article published in May 2024 studied nearly 18,000 patients from 41 countries who were treated with semaglutide, and the results were bright. Patients experienced meaningful weight loss over 65 weeks and sustained that weight loss for up to 4 years. 

Ready to find out if semaglutide is right for you?

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection that mirrors GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a naturally occurring hormone in the body which helps to regulate appetite, digestion, and blood sugar. Initially used as a treatment for overweight type 2 diabetics, semaglutide works by slowing down how fast the stomach empties itself, reducing your appetite. In turn, this reduces food intake because you aren’t as hungry and you feel fuller for longer. Semaglutide is particularly beneficial for those who tend to eat too much when stressed or while multitasking.

What to Expect From Your Semaglutide Treatment

When you would like to start your semaglutide treatment at Ageless Skin Rejuvenation, our experienced team of nurse practitioners and nurses will meet with you for a consultation to determine your goals, medical history, and any questions or concerns you might have. Next, our team will tailor your semaglutide treatment regimen to your unique needs. Semaglutide is administered via an injection once a week, which you can do yourself at home.

Typical Treatment Timeline

  • Initial Effects: Expect to start feeling your appetite change in just a few weeks, as well as some initial weight loss.
  • 4 Weeks: By your fourth dose, you should notice some more weight changes. Continue to prioritize eating healthy and exercising along with your weekly dosage.
  • 8-12 Weeks: By this point, your body has had time to adjust to the medication. You may see weight loss of 5-10% of your initial body weight.
  • 17+ Weeks: At 17 weeks, you can expect to reach your maintenance dose. Your body has fully adjusted to the medication, and you can continue to see more weight loss.

How Semaglutide Compares to Other Medical Weight Loss Options

Various medical weight loss options are available, some of which can be very effective. But there are also other factors to consider, such as potential side effects and cost.

  • Tirzepatide: Another GLP-1 medication, tirzepatide works similarly to semaglutide by slowing digestion and controlling appetite. While the side effects seem to be similar, caution is recommended for non-diabetic patients who use tirzepatide for weight loss management, as much is not known about its limitations.
  • Diet and Exercise Alone: Yes, eating healthy and exercising may be all some individuals need to achieve their goal weight. However, research has shown that obesity needs to be treated as a chronic metabolic disease that cannot be cured by pure willpower and lifestyle changes alone. Sometimes, you need some extra help.
  • Weight Loss Surgery: Surgery, such as bariatric surgery, is very effective but has a high risk of complications and an increased cost.

Benefits of Semaglutide for Weight Management

Semaglutide has numerous benefits: 

  • Proven Effectiveness: Semaglutide has gone through multiple clinical trials and shows an average weight loss of 15% of initial body weight.
  • Appetite Suppression: If you are a frequent snacker or stress eater, semaglutide’s appetite suppression will be very beneficial.
  • Improved Blood Sugar Control: Semaglutide helps to lower and regulate blood sugar levels, in turn helping the body burn fat instead of storing it.
  • Easy and Convenient: With just one injection per week that can be performed at home, semaglutide is a convenient and low-maintenance option. 

 

Additionally, semaglutide has a wide range of full-body benefits in addition to assisting in weight loss. We are still learning more, but this is what we know so far about this beneficial medicine:

  • Can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Can increase sleep, mobility, and self-esteem from weight loss
  • Can lower your chance of having a major kidney disease event, such as needing dialysis or getting a kidney transplant
  • May lower the risk of developing dementia, such as Alzheimer’s
  • May reduce the symptoms of alcohol use disorder

What to Know About Semaglutide’s Potential Risks and Side Effects

As with any medication, semaglutide has some risks and side effects, most of which are typically mild. As semaglutide slows how fast the stomach is emptying, many of the side effects are related to the gastrointestinal system. If you have a procedure or surgery planned, please inform your healthcare provider as they may require you to withhold your medication for a certain amount of time. 

Examples of side effects experienced may include:

  • Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, and burping/excess gas
  • Stomach issues, such as nausea, vomiting, pain, or bloating
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness

FAQs About Semaglutide

When considering taking a new medication or treatment, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider first. At Ageless Skin Rejuvenation, our nurse practitioners and nurses will review your medical history, current conditions, and lifestyle factors to help understand the causes of your weight gain and determine semaglutide candidacy. You may be a candidate for semaglutide if you:

  • Have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater
  • Struggle with obesity despite lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise
  • Are committed to long-term weight loss and healthy changes

 

Avoid semaglutide or speak with your healthcare provider if you are or have experienced the following:

  • Uncontrolled constipation or gastroparesis
  • History or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
  • History of gallbladder disease
  • History of pancreatitis
  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
  • A stomach or intestinal disorder
  • Kidney disease
  • History of depression
  • Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

Unless you have type 2 diabetes, insurance likely won’t cover semaglutide for weight loss. Depending on your specific medication dose, the cost can range from $250- $1,600 per month. For a more specific answer on cost, contact us for a consultation to determine your specific treatment plan. You can also visit our Pricing Guide for more.

A healthy lifestyle is a key pillar in any weight loss journey, starting with a balanced diet. Focusing on whole foods will help you feel better, avoid cravings, and feel fuller for longer. Foods to focus on should be:

  • High protein: Such as lean cuts of meat, eggs, tofu, and fatty fish. Protein is the building block of muscle, and the more muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn at rest.
  • Whole grains: Such as oats, brown rice, and quinoa. Whole grains are high in fiber and slow the digestive process down. This increases your metabolism and can help reduce midsection weight.
  • Vegetables: Vegetables help you get a broader range of nutrients without increasing calories. Choose options like cauliflower, spinach, and broccoli, which are high in fiber. Bell peppers and zucchini are high in antioxidants and can reduce inflammation. Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots help support healthy blood sugar levels.
  • Healthy fats: Such as avocados, nuts and nut butter, and seeds. Healthy fats help provide long-lasting energy and regulate blood sugar.

Avoid processed and high-sugar foods, as these can spike your blood sugar levels. Additionally, drinking alcohol may cause severe low blood sugar, so speak with your healthcare provider about your alcohol history.

Regular physical activity, along with eating a balanced diet, will set you up for the best possible results. The best type of exercise is something you enjoy and can do regularly. Whether you like yoga, Pilates, walking, swimming, or at-home exercises, the key is consistency.

No, semaglutide stimulates insulin production but is not a substitute for insulin. While both regulate blood sugar levels, they have different roles.

While many patients achieve their weight loss goal in three months, you can safely take semaglutide for over 2 years. We can evaluate your treatment time as we track your results and response to the medication.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you have questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider.

Store your semaglutide in the refrigerator and do not freeze. Throw away needles in a rigid, closed container that cannot stick through, such as a milk jug. Keep all medication out of the reach of children.

When you and your healthcare provider have decided to stop your treatment, a gradual dose reduction is necessary to prevent you from gaining back weight. It can take five to seven weeks for the medication to be eliminated from your system after your last dose. Slowly reducing the dose also prevents withdrawal symptoms, such as a sudden spike in appetite.

Start Your Weight Loss Journey With Semaglutide Today

Losing weight can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be. At Ageless Skin Rejuvenation, we are ready to help you take control of your weight and achieve the results you have been working hard for. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you are comfortable with your unique treatment plan. By combining weekly semaglutide injections with a balanced diet and physical activity, you can finally achieve your weight loss goals. 

Contact us today for a consultation and begin your weight loss journey. You can reach our medical spa in Virginia Beach, VA, at 757-707-1231 or schedule an appointment through our convenient direct booking platform.