At our Colorado Springs med spa, board-certified internal medicine practitioner, Marvin Lee, MD, oversees our medical weight loss program. To help inform patients about our physician-led weight loss treatments at PureLee Redefined, we’re dedicating part 1 of this 2-part series to answering frequently asked questions about semaglutide, including who may be a candidate and how you can pay for your treatments.
Stay tuned for part 2, where we share more about the treatment process and the results you can expect with semaglutide weight loss injections.
What exactly is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a prescription medication that’s been used for decades to treat patients with type 2 diabetes (under brand names like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®). It mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) that targets areas of the brain responsible for regulating appetite and food intake. This medication has a long track record of improving several health markers for those with type 2 diabetes and most notably, the medicine also promotes significant weight loss in a relatively short amount of time.
Currently, Wegovy and compounded versions of semaglutide are given to patients without diabetes.
Semaglutide helps you feel fuller for longer with fewer calories.
Why is Ozempic suddenly everywhere?
Because Ozempic, and other medications like it, is so effective at helping patients lose weight, the weight loss drug became a household name almost overnight, especially after celebrities and influencers shared their success stories, or were associated with Ozempic-type medications after dramatic weight loss. The demand for semaglutide-based drugs has surged, with many Americans turning to these medications as a safe solution for weight management. Millions of Americans are now on some form of Ozempic-like drug to help them lose weight.
How does semaglutide help with weight loss?
Semaglutide injections work by enhancing your body’s natural ability to control hunger. It slows gastric emptying, meaning the food you eat stays in your stomach longer so you feel fuller without eating more food. Semaglutide also influences the brain’s appetite-regulating center to help reduce cravings and encourage a sense of satiety.
This is a significant advantage over other weight loss methods that primarily rely on calorie restrictions to reduce weight. Such methods usually fail because dealing with constant hunger pangs and food deprivation is not sustainable. In most cases, any weight loss is typically regained as soon as the diet ends. Unlike these calorie-restrictive diets, semaglutide gently transitions your body to healthier portions without feeling constantly hungry.
Is there a weight requirement for semaglutide injections?
Yes, our weight management program has a general weight requirement for those who want to begin semaglutide injections in Colorado Springs. We typically recommend semaglutide for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, which is classified as obese, or for individuals with a BMI of 27 or greater (classified as overweight), especially if they have at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension or high cholesterol.
Semaglutide supports considerable weight loss, so we would not recommend weight loss injections for patients who just want to lose a couple of pounds. We take great care in each consultation to ensure our services would be the ideal choice to help you safely achieve your weight loss goals before administering treatments.
“I’ve had several health and wellness appointments and gained positive results. Dr. Marvin and staff are professional, knowledgeable and they are using the latest technologies. The environment is very relaxing, clean, smells so good and is a beautiful place!”
—5-star Google Review
Is semaglutide FDA approved?
Yes, Ozempic and other name-brand semaglutide medications have had FDA approval since the early 2000s to help patients with type 2 diabetes manage the disease. Semaglutide has also been recently approved by the FDA for weight management in adults who are obese or overweight. FDA approval was based on extensive clinical trials demonstrating its safety and efficacy for weight loss.
How do I pay for semaglutide injections?
Our weight loss program with semaglutide is designed for patients who do not have type 2 diabetes and therefore cannot have their treatments covered by insurance. We believe that health and wellness services should be financially accessible and offer financing with Cherry payment plans to help make paying for your treatments manageable and more convenient.
As clinical studies continue to report health-positive effects from semaglutide like a reduced risk of cardiovascular issues and stroke, more insurance carriers are covering weight loss medication. We recommend calling your provider to find out what your policy covers and if you are eligible for reimbursement through your insurance.
Can I use semaglutide if I’m on other medications?
It’s important to discuss all medications you take with Dr. Marvin before starting semaglutide to avoid potential interactions. While many people can safely use semaglutide alongside other medications, some drugs may require adjustments or careful monitoring to ensure your treatments are as safe and effective as possible. Dr. Marvin will review your medication list during your initial consultation to ensure there are no contraindications.
Is semaglutide worth it?
Most patients are thrilled with their weight loss results after taking semaglutide. Aside from losing weight, many patients report no longer having certain food cravings that made dieting difficult to stick to and more awareness of their portion sizes. These benefits help patients maintain their weight loss long after their treatments end.
Additionally, The New England Journal of Medicine published a clinical study in 2023 demonstrating how semaglutide reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease. And for some patients who are pre-diabetic or have other risk factors, reducing their risk of serious health concerns is priceless.
Semaglutide in Colorado Springs, CO
If you are interested in participating in our weight loss program, call (719) 452-8541 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Marvin to learn if you would benefit from semaglutide weight loss injections. Do you have more questions about semaglutide? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Colorado Springs medical spa, or keep an eye out for part two of this blog—we just may answer your question in our next post!
