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Weight Loss Management

Weight Loss Management

Obesity is a common, serious, and costly medical condition. The prevalence of obesity and overweight has increased over the past decade. From 1999-2000 through 2017- March 2020, US obesity prevalence increased from 30.5% to 41.9%. Obesity carries a strong relationship with several conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the United States was nearly $173 billion in 2019 dollars. Medical costs for adults who had obesity were $2000 higher than medical costs for people with a healthy weight.

At Aesthetics and Medical Laser, we utilize one of the latest approved medical supervised weight loss therapies. This new treatment program involves the use of a medication that mimics the body’s natural weight control hormones, Glucagon like peptide- 1 (GLP-1).

What is GLP-1 ?
GLP-1 is a type of incretin or gut hormone released by the small intestines whenever we eat. To some extent, this natural chemical is also produced in the pancreas (pancreatic GLP-1) and the central nervous system (brain-derived GLP-1).  Its main role is to regulate your appetite, digestion, and blood glucose while ensuring that you get just enough energy from your food.  Because of its therapeutic effects, pharmaceutical companies have developed drugs mimic GLP-1’s effects to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

What Does GLP-1 Do?
GLP-1 triggers the release of insulin which in turn allows your body to utilize the glucose derived from food as a source of energy. It inhibits the secretion of glucagon which is responsible for the release of glucose into the blood stream from various body storage sites. GLP-1 acts as an enterogastrone. It slows the forward movement of the gut, reduces gastric acid secretion in the stomach thereby slowing down the rate of digestion and stomach emptying. It acts on the satiety-hunger center in the brain (hypothalamus) to lessen the urge to eat more food. By cutting down on food intake, many patients do achieve remarkable goals in their weight loss treatment.

Semaglutide  

Semaglutide also branded as Ozempic® is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It is FDA-approved for weight loss management as well as treatment of Type 2 diabetes.   This medication has been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.  It has been shown to reduce the risk of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic® is administered once a week by subcutaneous injection, making it more convenient to use.   Side effects of the medication include but are not limited to thyroid tumors, including cancer, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. pancreatitis, acid reflux (GERD), nausea and allergic reaction to the medication.

Do not use Ozempic® if you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Immediately notify us if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Ozempic® and medicines that work like Ozempic® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Ozempic® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma(MTC)                                                                                                                        

Do not use Ozempic® if:

  • you or any of your family have ever had MTC or if you have MEN 2.
  • you are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Ozempic®. See symptoms of serious allergic reaction in “What are the possible side effects of Ozempic®?”.

What are the possible side effects of Ozempic®?
Ozempic® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Ozempic® and call us right away if you develop severe pain abdominal pain while on the medication.
  • vision changes. Immediately notify us if you have any changes in vision during treatment with Ozempic®.
  • low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Ozempic® with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery.
  • acute kidney injury. In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause worsen kidney function.  It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration and acute kidney injury.
  • serious allergic reactions. Stop using Semaglutide and notify us right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.
  • gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people taking Ozempic®. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms which may include pain in your upper abdomen, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.

The most common side effects of Ozempic® may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation.