Semaglutide GLP-1 Specialist in San Antonio, TX

One of the advanced treatments we provide is semaglutide, a medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Today, semaglutide is also widely recognized for its effectiveness in medical weight management.

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking a natural hormone in your body, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production and decreasing the amount of sugar released by the liver. Importantly for weight management, semaglutide also affects areas of the brain that control appetite, helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing hunger.

Clinical research has shown that, when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss. It is typically administered as a simple, once-weekly injection. Because of its proven results, semaglutide has been approved under several brand names for weight loss in adults who are overweight or have obesity—even in those who do not have diabetes.

At Lone Star Center for Health and Wellness, we are committed to offering our patients the most effective and up-to-date options for weight management. One such option is semaglutide, an FDA-approved medication that has shown significant promise in helping adults achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

In June 2021, the FDA approved a higher-dose formulation of semaglutide—marketed under the brand name Wegovy—specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Clinical studies have demonstrated that, when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, semaglutide can lead to substantial and sustained weight loss.

While lower doses of semaglutide are available under other brand names, such as Ozempic (primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes), only the higher-dose Wegovy formulation is FDA-approved for weight management purposes.

Suppose you are struggling with weight loss or have concerns related to obesity or its associated health risks. In that case, the experienced team can help determine if semaglutide is right for you. We offer comprehensive evaluations and personalized care plans to ensure you receive the most suitable and effective treatment tailored to your individual needs.

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it works by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating appetite, food intake, and blood sugar levels. Unlike older medications such as phentermine or orlistat—which suppress appetite via the central nervous system or block dietary fat absorption—semaglutide enhances feelings of fullness and reduces hunger, helping our patients decrease their calorie intake more effectively.

At Lone Star Center for Health and Wellness, we administer semaglutide as a convenient, once-weekly injection, offering an alternative to the daily oral medications commonly used for weight loss. Clinical research has shown that semaglutide can lead to significant weight reduction, with many patients losing 10-15% of their body weight. Additionally, this medication improves blood sugar control, making it particularly beneficial for our patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

While semaglutide is generally well tolerated, it is most commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea, especially during the early stages of treatment or when the dose is increased. This is different from medications like phentermine, which may cause increased heart rate, insomnia, or elevated blood pressure.

At Lone Star Center for Health and Wellness, your safety and well-being are our top priorities when considering any new treatment. Semaglutide is a medication we offer for the management of type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, but it may not be appropriate for everyone.

Certain individuals should not use semaglutide. If you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or if you have been diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), semaglutide is not recommended due to an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Additionally, anyone with known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or its ingredients should not take this medication due to the possibility of severe allergic reactions.

If you have a history of pancreatitis, please inform your provider, as semaglutide may increase this risk. Patients with severe gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastroparesis or other disorders that affect gastric motility, may also experience worsening symptoms since semaglutide slows gastric emptying. Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding are generally advised to avoid semaglutide because its safety has not been established in these populations.

For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 8233 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78229. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Alamo Heights TX, Balcones Heights TX, Leon Valley TA, Terrell Hills TX, Windcrest TX, and surrounding areas.