Semaglutide For Weight Loss
Semaglutide – A REVOLUTIONARY MEDICATION FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Semaglutide is gaining popularity quickly, and for good reason: IT WORKS! We’ve been offering medical weight loss programs for over 20 years, and this is truly a game changer. Our patients are losing weight and keeping it off.
How Does Semaglutide Work
Semaglutide is a non-stimulant appetite suppressant that acts like a hunger-regulating hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It works by delaying gastric emptying which makes you feel full longer after eating a smaller amount of food, reduces blood glucose levels by stimulating the pancreas, and significantly reduces appetite leading to weight loss and overall health improvements.
Is Semaglutide Available as a Pill?
Semaglutide comes in two forms: a once-weekly injection and a once-daily oral tablet, sometimes called the semaglutide pill. Both deliver the same GLP-1 medication that helps curb appetite, slow digestion, and support weight loss. The main difference is how you take it.
The oral form is an option for patients who would prefer a daily pill over a weekly injection. Oral semaglutide has specific instructions for how and when to take it, so your physician or Nurse Practitioner will walk you through them and help you decide which form best fits your goals, routine, and medical history.
Why Choose Houston Weight Loss Center?
- Trusted since 1996. Decades of medical weight loss experience in Houston.
- Physician-supervised care. Your physician or Nurse Practitioner prescribes your semaglutide, personalizes your dose, and monitors your progress at every visit.
- LegitScript-certified and HIPAA-compliant. A verified, privacy-conscious medical practice.
- No memberships, cash-based pricing. Clear costs with no surprises.
- Prior authorization for semaglutide. We’ll perform PAs at no charge to you.
What Is The Cost of Semaglutide?
Cash-pay pricing for semaglutide starts at $149 per month for the oral (pill) form and $199 per month for the injectable form. Semaglutide may also be covered under your prescription drug insurance, and with coverage your cost may be as low as $25 per month. Qualifying individuals with Medicare Part D pay $50 per month through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program. If you have prescription drug coverage, we handle the prior authorization for you at no charge. Office visits and lab work are billed separately.
Do I Qualify For Semaglutide?
Only after a visit with one of our providers can we determine if you qualify for Semaglutide. As a general guide, you may be a candidate if you are considered overweight or obese, or have a BMI of 25 or higher.
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Who Should Not Take Semaglutide?
Patients whose family has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not take Semaglutide. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems, pancreas problems, have a history of diabetic retinopathy (loss of vision), or are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant before taking Semaglutide.
Are There Side Effects of Semaglutide?
Like most medications, Semaglutide does have side effects. Semaglutide side effects are usually very mild and occur most often at the beginning of treatment.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Belching
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
Semaglutide should be used in combination with diet and exercise to be both effective and to help manage initial side effects. Over-eating or eating junk food while taking Semaglutide has been reported to increase the intensity of side effects. Eating smaller portions and low calorie, low-sugar foods has been reported to reduce the side effects significantly.
Semaglutide does have several potentially serious side effects. In laboratory trials it has been shown to cause tumors in the thyroid (including cancer) in some cases. It may also cause inflammation of the pancreas, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney problems, or serious allergic reactions.
Why Does Semaglutide Cause Nausea?
Nausea is the most commonly reported side effect of taking Semaglutide. It’s not entirely clear why exactly Semaglutide causes nausea, but because it delays gastric emptying (food stays in your stomach longer) it can lead to extra pressure inside the stomach. This may trigger feelings of nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach. The good news is that experiencing nausea while taking Semaglutide is typically mild and tends to go away over time.2
How Long Does Semaglutide Take to Work?
Most patients get some effect immediately, but maximum effect may take several months. Generally, your provider will start you on a low dose and increase slowly over four months. Some patients feel the effects within the first month, however others may not feel significant appetite suppression until they reach the higher dosage a few months into treatment.
How Long Can You Take Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is for “chronic weight management,” which means we can prescribe it for you as long as you need it. The medication is designed for long-term use, so if it is helpful to your weight loss journey, you can continue to take Semaglutide.
How Do You Get a Semaglutide Prescription?
Call us today at (281) 400-1290 or request your first appointment to see if you qualify!
Don’t Forget Protein
While you lose weight on Semaglutide, getting enough protein helps protect your lean muscle — so more of what you lose is fat. Learn why protein matters on GLP-1 medications »
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Medically reviewed by John Bergeron, MD