Like the many trending weight loss techniques and diets before it, weight loss medication is a widely discussed topic these days. However, semaglutide for weight loss is unlike other methods because of its results. With a steady and consistent diet and exercise routine, semaglutide can produce weight loss benefits. In addition to semaglutide prescription access, our providers ensure patients receive care and support in the initial stages of semaglutide usage and throughout their weight loss journey. With monthly check-in appointments, easy-to-follow meal & exercise plans, and on-call doctors to answer any questions, our semaglutide weight loss program in Bellevue offers the essentials patients need to take the first steps toward weight loss.
While semaglutide can be a helpful addition to a weight loss program, there are a few side effects that can make the initial doses a bit rough. Patients sometimes report fatigue and nausea as their bodies adjust to semaglutide. Fortunately, our Bellevue practice offers compounded semaglutide, which combines the same active ingredient of other weight loss medications with Vitamin B. The addition of Vitamin B can ease the nausea and fatigue some patients experience with initial semaglutide doses.
Semaglutide mimics the naturally occurring glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist. The body produces GLP-1 when food enters the digestive system. Eating triggers insulin production and blood sugar changes. Semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications send signals to the body to regulate metabolic functions, release insulin, and decrease extreme fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Though the original job of semaglutide was to help patients manage type II diabetes, its effective regulation of blood sugar levels and excessive hunger cues make it a valuable weight loss tool when paired with exercise and healthy food choices.
Our practice in Bellevue offers both injectable and oral forms of semaglutide. While our research has not shown one form to be more effective than the other, patients now have access to weekly injections or daily oral doses and can choose the option that best suits their needs.
The best candidates for semaglutide are those who have realistic weight loss goals. At our Bellevue practice, a patient’s eligibility is determined not by their body mass index (BMI) but by their overall health and medical history. Patients who have obesity-related health concerns or issues that may improve with weight reduction will likely benefit from a semaglutide weight loss program. Our providers evaluate each patient and recommend the weight loss program that will suit their needs.
A diagnosis or history of the following medical issues may prevent patients from taking GLP-1 medication; however, these conditions do not necessarily disqualify a patient from beginning a semaglutide weight loss program:
If patients wish to switch from another GLP-1 medication to semaglutide, they should speak with their provider about their eligibility and the possible benefits and drawbacks of changing medications. Patients should not take more than one GLP-1 medication at a time.
Our semaglutide weight loss programs start with a consultation at our Bellevue practice. Whether the appointment is virtual or in-office, patients can ask questions and learn more about their weight loss plan choices. The provider will inquire about the patient’s weight loss goals and medical history before recommending a suitable semaglutide program.
The provider will use this appointment to determine the patient's starting GLP-1 medication dosage. Then, they will present the patient with an exercise and diet plan that may help increase the efficacy and longevity of the results. While our providers recommend patients follow this health plan while using semaglutide, these plans are suggestions, not requirements.
Patients who schedule virtual consultations will receive a price quote for the first month of their weight loss program. Those who attend an in-office consultation may pay for the initial month’s program at this appointment.
Patients who choose semaglutide injections will receive direct delivery of the supplies necessary for injections. Once the required supplies arrive, the patient must attend a quick training session at our Bellevue practice. Here, they will learn how to administer injections at home. Patients who choose an oral form of semaglutide are not required to attend a training session.
The semaglutide our Bellevue providers prescribe contains vitamin B, which may reduce side effects associated with the initial doses of GLP-1 medications, including fatigue and nausea.
Our providers include a suggested meal and exercise routine to help patients get the most out of their weight loss plans. This plan may help the patient build healthy habits that pair well with their lifestyle. The aim is to form a routine that patients can follow to help them maintain a healthy weight for many years.
The provider may need to adjust each patient's diet/exercise plan and semaglutide dosage. Monthly check-in appointments allow the provider to assess the patient’s progress and suggest any necessary changes. The primary goal of our Bellevue practice’s weight loss programs is to help patients lose weight while learning the keys to a healthy lifestyle and long-term weight management.
Our Bellevue practice offers patients two semaglutide weight loss plans to support them on their weight loss journeys. These programs are:
The patient’s pharmacy will provide injection instructions for those who choose the prescription package. Though this is a viable option, patients who wish to use oral GLP-1 medications should be aware that name-brand medication is not currently available in oral varieties.
The dosage of semaglutide injections gradually increases over time to produce healthy weight loss. The dosage starting point and the general increase are as follows: .25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg. The patient may then remain at a 1 or 2 mg maintenance dose. The provider will continue to monitor the patient's progress and adjust the medication dosage accordingly.
Each patient will experience varying weight loss times while taking semaglutide. Some patients may see visible weight loss results five weeks after starting semaglutide. However, it is common for it to take a couple of months before patients have noticeable weight loss results from semaglutide usage. Patients who follow the recommended diet and exercise plan may see faster weight loss times.
The cost of a 30-day supply of semaglutide through our Bellevue practice depends on whether the patient chooses injectable or oral medication. The monthly prices for semaglutide weight loss programs are:
All monthly programs include the necessary supplies, meal plan suggestions, and exercise routines to maximize the efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss. Plans also include monthly check-in appointments and 24/7 access to on-call doctors.
Most insurance companies do not cover semaglutide for weight loss; however, patients are encouraged to ask their insurance provider if they may be eligible for coverage.
Patients can administer semaglutide in the morning, evening, or any time during the day; timing does not impact the medication. Once they establish a routine, patients should administer medication at the same time daily (for oral semaglutide) or weekly (for injectable semaglutide). This routine helps ensure consistent usage and effectiveness.
Semaglutide is a long-term solution for blood sugar management. However, patients who use semaglutide for weight loss may stop at any point. If a patient reaches their desired weight, their provider may reduce the amount of semaglutide to a maintenance dose. If the patient can maintain their weight with a healthy diet and exercise routine, the provider may slowly reduce the patient’s semaglutide dosage to ensure their results remain satisfactory. However, the patient may also cease use immediately if they so desire.
Patients who are not experiencing side effects and have no other reason to quit using semaglutide abruptly can stay on the medication for as long as their provider recommends. Long-term doses may benefit patients in maintaining their ideal weight; however, patients may choose to cease maintenance doses at any time.
Premier Semaglutide Weight Loss Programs In Bellevue
Our practice in Bellevue, Washington, offers two weight loss programs developed to guide and support patients on their weight loss journeys. These plans combine semaglutide for weight loss with a fitness and diet plan, round-the-clock doctor support, and monthly check-in appointments, allowing patients to feel confident that they are getting the best care in the Bellevue area. With the guidance of our providers, patients may lose weight and form healthy lifestyle habits to help them achieve and sustain their weight loss results for years to come.