Benefits of Semaglutide

GLP-1 agonist medications are possibly one of the more notable trends to hit the healthcare industry in decades. At this point, you’ve likely heard of household semaglutide medication name brands like Ozempic or WeGovy.

But what is semaglutide? Why are these drugs so popular? Why are they so effective at aiding weight loss? Let’s dive in and discuss how we harness the benefits of semaglutide at Blue Sky MD.

How Semaglutide Works

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. It functions by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, which is crucial in regulating glucose metabolism and appetite. Here’s a closer look:

1. Stimulating Insulin Secretion

Semaglutide prompts the pancreas to release insulin in response to high blood sugar levels, aiding in lowering blood glucose.

2. Inhibiting Glucagon Release

It suppresses the secretion of glucagon, which otherwise increases blood sugar levels.

3. Delaying Gastric Emptying

By slowing the stomach’s emptying process, semaglutide increases feelings of fullness, reducing overall food intake.

4. Reducing Appetite
Semaglutide acts on the brain’s appetite centers, specifically in the hypothalamus, to decrease hunger. Additionally, it helps regulate leptin levels and response.

How Semaglutide Mimics Natural GLP-1

Semaglutide is akin to a bioidentical hormone because it closely replicates the action of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone:

1. Peptide Structure
Semaglutide is a synthetic analogue of GLP-1, modified to resist degradation, thereby lasting longer and being more effective.

2. Receptor Activation
It activates GLP-1 receptors throughout the body, including the pancreas, brain, and gastrointestinal tract, achieving the same physiological effects as natural GLP-1

Microdosing Semaglutide

Microdosing involves using lower-than-standard doses of semaglutide to allow for gradual adjustment and minimized side effects.

1. Initial Low Dosing
Starting doses can be as low as 0.25 mg, tailored to the patient’s sensitivity and response.

2. Patient Assessment
Regular follow-ups help monitor progress, weight loss, and any side effects. This ensures a safe and steady weight loss.

3. Titration
Doses may be gradually increased if the patient isn’t achieving the desired weight loss without adverse effects. The aim is to use the lowest effective dose. It is perfectly fine to keep a patient at the lowest effective dose, if they feel better and are making progress and able to eat enough/the prescribed calories and protein.

Benefits of Microdosing Semaglutide

1. Reduced Side Effects
Lower starting doses help minimize common side effects such as nausea and gastrointestinal issues. If you are addressing side effects and/or treating side effects, lower the dose.

2. Gradual Adjustment
Patients can slowly adapt to the medication, improving adherence to the treatment plan.

3. Personalization
Dosing can be adjusted based on individual responses and needs, offering a more tailored approach.

4. Sustainable Results: Microdosing supports long-term weight maintenance and muscle preservation by promoting steady, sustainable weight loss.

The "Dr. Dave Five Non-Negotiables"

We recommend five essential lifestyle changes, or “non-negotiables,” which patients must follow to maximize the benefits of semaglutide for patients to see long term success and avoid loss of lean muscle mass often seen with use of typical or ‘high dose’ GLP/semaglutide.

1. Protein Intake

Aim for a specific protein goal divided across three meals. Adequate protein supports muscle maintenance and enhances satiety.

2. Calorie Count

patients need to eat enough to preserve metabolism. Often with high dose or pharma recommended dose, patients will under eat, which will long term lower their resting metabolism and ultimately lead to loss of lean muscle mass.

3. Step Count/Movement/weight bearing exercise

Target 10,000-15,000 steps daily, prescribe weight bearing exercise and/or weight lifting to reserve lean muscle mass and improve resting metabolism.

4. Hydration

Proactively manage water intake to support hunger/metabolism and general well-being.

5. Regular Patient Coaching visits
At Blue Sky MD, the most important part of our program is the regular coaching visits. In addition to helping you stay on track, motivated, and accountable with diet and and exercise, our coaches also help you track and make sense of valuable health data. We use digital scale data to help patients stay on track with weight goals.

Visits are essential to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments during acute weight loss while using semaglutide. This data can tell us when a dosage is too high or too low and how each patient’s body responds in real time.

Natural Ways to Stimulate GLP-1

In addition to semaglutide, there are natural ways to stimulate or mimic GLP-1:

1. Dietary Choices

Protein Intake

Consuming protein can naturally stimulate GLP-1 secretion. I recommend 1 gram per pound of ideal body weight, or at least one gram per kg per day.

Healthy Fats

Incorporating healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, can also help enhance GLP-1 levels.

Fiber-Rich Foods:

Eating fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains supports the production of GLP-1 by slowing digestion and promoting satiety.

2. Nutritional Supplements

Berberine

This natural compound can help stimulate GLP-1 secretion and improve insulin sensitivity.

Vinegar

Consuming vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, before meals can increase GLP-1 release and improve blood sugar levels.

3. Bitter Compounds

Foods like bitter melon, dark leafy greens, and citrus peel can stimulate GLP-1 secretion by triggering receptors in the gut.

4. Physical Activity

Regular exercise, particularly high-intensity interval training (HIIT), has been shown to boost GLP-1 levels.

5. Lifestyle Adjustments

Adequate Sleep

Ensuring sufficient sleep can positively influence GLP-1 levels.

Stress Management

Reducing stress through practices like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help maintain healthy GLP-1 levels.

Find weight loss success with semaglutide at Blue Sky MD

In conclusion, semaglutide is an effective weight loss tool that works by effectively mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone, aiding in glucose regulation and appetite suppression. Microdosing provides a personalized, gradual approach to treatment, reducing side effects and fostering sustainable weight loss.

Our approach to weight loss and our use of semaglutide is not taken lightly—we will not prescribe semaglutide medications to any patient who is not qualified or doesn’t need it, and for good reason. There are known risks and side effects with GLP-1 medications that can be harmful in certain circumstances, and we believe that weight loss ultimately comes down to building better habits around eating and exercising—there’s no “silver bullet” or quick fix. However, we’ve foudn that semaglutide is a useful tool for some of our patients.

If you’re curious if you qualify for semaglutide in addition to our medical weight loss program, take our free online health assessment to find out.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us anytime!

Dr. David LaMond, MD

Founder, Medical Director, Blue Sky MD

Dr. LaMond is a nutrition and prevention expert; who is a successful medical entrepreneur. Dave developed and operates numerous successful medical practices, along with a consulting company which helps physicians and medical practitioners operate successful independent practices. Drawing from his foundation and board certification in Family Medicine, he developed the innovative medical principles behind the Blue Sky MD concept of total patient care. Blue Sky MD has appeared on the INC 5000 list three times; as one of the 5000 fastest growing privately held companies in the US.

Dave has been a featured speaker for numerous medical conferences and has been a business and health consultant and has made several appearances on health television broadcasts. His written work has been featured in medical journals and other print media; with a focus on sports medicine, nutrition, wellness and non-invasive cosmetic procedures.

Additionally, Dr. LaMond has been a luminary, speaker and consultant for Crescent Health Solutions, Eleme Medical, Osyris, Suneva Medical and Candela Corporations, served as a clinical professor for Wake Forest University and is an expert in non-invasive and minimally invasive body contouring and cosmetic laser surgery.

Dr LaMond is passionate about the outdoors and has a love for mountain biking. He works as a nutritional coach and physician for professional cyclists, and enjoys training and riding along-side them. Dave has competed in high level mountain bike events regionally and nationally in masters level competition and has been on the podium at USA cycling National Championships.

What are the risks and side effects of semaglutide?

Semaglutide compounds and medications are not without risks. They sometimes cause stomach and GI issues such ase diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, indigestion, headaches, and dizziness, or pancreatitis among other things.
Additionally, you should not take any semaglutide medications if you have a history of pancreas issues. You’ll need to be thoroughly examined by a provider before beginning any semaglutide medication.

Is semaglutide the same as Ozempic?

Yes, Ozempic is a brand name of semaglutide.

What are the benefits of semaglutide for weight loss?

Semaglutide, when used correctly, can help patients seeking to lose weight eat less and feel more satiated after a meal, speeding up the weight loss process.

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**Disclaimer. Weight loss results vary depending on the individual. No guarantee is provided or implied.