No, Semaglutide is NOT a type of insulin or a substitute for insulin. Semaglutide DOES stimulate your pancreas to release insulin when glucose (sugar) is present. Because Semaglutide relies upon your body’s own insulin to have this effect, Semaglutide isn’t used when your pancreas can’t make insulin, such as in patients with type 1 diabetes.

No, Semaglutide is NOT a stimulant. While other weight loss medications, like phentermine, have stimulating effects that help curb your appetite, Semaglutide works differently (see above).

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that regulates blood sugar by stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Insulin is a hormone that promotes sugar uptake by the cells, stores sugar as glycogen, promotes the building of fat, and signals the body to build skeletal muscle. In addition, GLP-1 inhibits glucagon release (which slows down the release of sugar into the blood so that you burn more fat), slows down gastric emptying (makes you feel full), and lowers the desire for food intake (decreases your appetite).

GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide help to control your blood sugar, but people taking them also tend to lose weight. GLP-1, the key hormone involved, slows down how fast your stomach empties food (called gastric emptying) and in addition to causing your pancreas to release insulin, Semaglutide also blocks a hormone that causes your liver to release sugar (glucagon). Together, these functions can help you feel less hungry, causing you to eat less food and lose more weight.

Yes, it is believed that Semaglutide can help curb your appetite. In addition to slowing gastric emptying to make you feel full for longer, GLP-1 also plays a direct role in how your appetite is regulated.

No. Semaglutide is currently not covered by most insurance for people who are not type 2 diabetics. You CAN, however get this medication as part of our Semaglutide Weight Loss Plan.

Once enrolled in the plan and evaluated by our nurse practitioner, the medication and the supplies will be shipped straight to your home or office. The price of the medication, and any supplies needed, is included in the plan.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are on Semaglutide. First, you should limit how much alcohol you drink while taking Semaglutide, especially if you are a type 2 diabetic. Alcohol can effect your blood sugar, and there is a risk that it may drop too low when combined with Semaglutide. This is especially true if you are drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. In addition, alcohol can be irritating to the stomach lining. This could potentially make you feel worse in combination with some of the gastrointestinal side effects of the medication. You should also be cautious if you are taking any oral medications. Since Semaglutide slows down gastric emptying, this could potentially impact the amount of oral medication your body absorbs. Clinical trials have not shown this to be a significant concern with Semaglutide, however make sure to answer all of the questions on our intake form and notify us of any changes in your medications or your medical history.

During clinical trials the most common side effects of Semaglutide were: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Stomach pain Constipation