Reviewed by Dr. Chad Gilliam PA
Are you frustrated by weight loss programs that promise results but fail to deliver? You’re not alone. About 45% of Americans say they would consider taking prescription medication to lose weight. Semaglutide, a prescription drug initially used to treat people with type-2 diabetes, has made waves in the health community for its promising impacts on chronic weight management.
Semaglutide is a weekly subcutaneous injection that helps reduce hunger and calorie intake. Approved by the FDA as an aid for weight loss, it is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 is the hormone that regulates appetite.
If you have a BMI (body mass index) of 27 or higher and a weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, semaglutide may be the answer to your weight loss struggles.
At Madison Wellness & Aesthetics Center, we understand the challenges of losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We are proud to offer semaglutide as part of our weight loss solutions.
In this blog post, we will answer ten frequently asked questions about semaglutide to help you learn more about this “wonder drug.”
1. Can You Take Sermorelin and Semaglutide Together?
Sermorelin is a peptide that stimulates the production of human growth hormone, which helps with fat burning and muscle building. When taken along with semaglutide, it can possibly enhance overall weight loss results.
However, combining sermorelin with semaglutide can have some moderate side effects, especially for people with diabetes. Sermorelin can make controlling your blood sugar levels harder, which is important when taking semaglutide. If you’re considering combining these two treatments, you must closely monitor your blood sugar levels. You might need to adjust your diabetes medication doses while you’re taking Sermorelin to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
If you’re interested in adding semaglutide to your weight loss plan, talk to your healthcare provider about how to do it safely.
2. Can You Work Out on Semaglutide?
Yes, you can continue to work out while taking semaglutide. Physical activity and a healthy diet are essential to any successful weight loss plan. Semaglutide is designed to help reduce hunger and calorie intake, making it easier for you to stick to your healthy lifestyle habits.
Listen to your body and ensure you’re not overexerting yourself, especially if you’re new to physical activity. If you experience discomfort or side effects while working out on semaglutide, consult our healthcare providers for personalized advice.
3. How Do You Get Rid of Nausea From Semaglutide?
Nausea, abdominal pain, and upset stomach are common side effects of semaglutide, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. To reduce nausea, try taking your injection with a meal or at bedtime.
Additionally, dietary changes, such as avoiding fatty and spicy foods, can help alleviate nausea. Drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest can also make a difference.
We will start you out with a lower dose and gradually increase it to help reduce the intensity of gastrointestinal side effects.
4. Can I Take Semaglutide with Hypothyroidism?
Semaglutide could benefit thyroid functionality, as it can decrease inflammation, a known contributing factor to autoimmune thyroid disorders.
If you’re dealing with hypothyroidism and are considering semaglutide for weight reduction, it’s imperative to discuss this with your doctor. They can assess whether semaglutide is appropriate for you based on your health history, current medication regimen, and weight loss objectives.
Be aware of potential interactions between semaglutide and hypothyroidism drugs like levothyroxine. Semaglutide may slow down the absorption of levothyroxine, which could affect your thyroid hormone levels and the management of your hypothyroidism. If you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid levels are monitored closely for any undesirable side effects.
It’s important to note that another possible side effect of semaglutide is thyroid tumors. If you have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a type of thyroid cancer, or any other related medical conditions, discuss this with your doctor before starting semaglutide.
5. Can Semaglutide Affect Your Period?
While there is no conclusive evidence of semaglutide affecting menstruation directly, medications like it can lead to rapid weight loss.
A sudden and substantial reduction in body weight can cause disruptions in the menstrual cycle. This disturbance could potentially stop the menstrual cycle entirely for those who had regular periods, which is a condition called functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. This condition is common in female athletes.
Generally, once weight stabilizes at a healthy level, menstrual cycles resume, and there should be no lasting impact on fertility.
6. Can You Take Phentermine and Semaglutide Together?
Phentermine is a weight loss medication that helps suppress appetite. Combining phentermine and semaglutide may help you reach your weight loss goals faster.
Some potential advantages of using these two medications together include:
- Phentermine and semaglutide are appetite suppressants that help regulate food intake. Phentermine activates brain neurotransmitters to reduce appetite, while semaglutide slows digestion and increases feelings of fullness.
- Combining Phentermine and semaglutide can increase weight loss outcomes.
- Phentermine and semaglutide can help manage blood sugar levels by reducing unhealthy food cravings for individuals with diabetes.
While there are no known interactions between phentermine and semaglutide, always consult with your healthcare provider before combining any medications.
7. Can You Smoke on Semaglutide?
Smoking is harmful to your overall health and can harm your weight loss journey. Smoking while taking semaglutide may reduce its long-term weight-loss effects and make it harder for you to achieve your goals.
That being said, researchers are exploring the use of drugs like semaglutide in smoking cessation therapy. The University of Carolina is currently conducting a trial to determine whether semaglutide can be effective in helping smokers quit.
If you’re a smoker and considering taking semaglutide for weight loss, speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your overall health and increase your success with semaglutide.
8. Can You Take Semaglutide While Breastfeeding?
Semaglutide is a peptide with a molecular weight of 4113 Da, and it is highly bound to proteins by over 99%. This means that the amount of semaglutide in breast milk is expected to be very low. Moreover, only 0.4% to 1% of semaglutide is absorbed orally, so it is highly unlikely to have any harmful effects on the breastfed infant.
Limited research has been conducted on the effects of semaglutide during breastfeeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you carefully consider both the potential risks and benefits to you and your infant before deciding to take this medication while breastfeeding.
If you want to manage your weight with semaglutide, our team can guide you through alternative strategies to protect your and your baby’s health.
9. How Long Does It Take for Semaglutide to Work?
The effectiveness of semaglutide may vary from person to person, but it typically takes around 8-12 weeks for individuals to start seeing weight loss results. In clinical trials, participants lost an average of 15% body weight within one year of taking semaglutide. However, the amount of weight loss may vary depending on factors such as diet and exercise habits, starting weight, and overall health.
Losing weight can be challenging, but losing 5-10% of your body weight can reduce health risks, such as cardiovascular disease. To achieve this, focus on changing your habits and be patient. While it’s important to celebrate your progress, remember that true success comes from making lifestyle changes that you can stick to over time.
If you are still waiting to see significant results after a few months of taking semaglutide, we can work with you to adjust your dosage or explore other factors that may be slowing your progress. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication.
10. Can Semaglutide Cause Constipation?
Constipation is a potential side effect of semaglutide. Semaglutide works by slowing down digestion, which can lead to slower food movement through the digestive tract and potentially cause constipation.
Drink plenty of water and consume a high-fiber diet to help ease any potential symptoms of constipation. Regular exercise can also help to get things moving. You can also take stool softeners and MiraLAX, if needed.
If you are experiencing severe or persistent constipation while taking semaglutide, contact us for further guidance. We can recommend strategies or adjustments to your dosage to alleviate this side effect.
Start Your Weight Loss Journey With the Experts at Madison Wellness & Aesthetic Center
Weight loss is a personal journey unique to each individual’s body and lifestyle. If you’re considering starting semaglutide or any other long-term weight management options, the team at Madison Wellness & Aesthetics Center can help.
We know that losing weight can be difficult, so we provide a tailored approach to assist you in accomplishing your objectives. Our skilled healthcare professionals will collaborate with you to create a personalized plan to get you started on your journey.
Don’t let excess weight hold you back from living your best life. If you are searching for ‘medical weight loss in Madison, AL,’ or ‘semaglutide near me,’ Madison Wellness & Aesthetic Center is here for you! Call (256) 722-0555 or complete the online booking form.
