Semaglutide

We have long recognized that weight affects so many aspects of health and well-being that it is a part of our assessment of your biometrics or body measurements. Our team has provided cutting-edge peptides for weight management since the start of our clinic in 2004. That includes GLP medications like semaglutide.

If you are struggling with your weight, feeling like you’ve tried every diet and exercise plan out there without seeing results, we may have a solution for you. Semaglutide can help you have a better relationship with food by acting on the centers of the brain that help tell us we are satiated and full. It acts on receptors in your stomach to tell you you are full. This kind of mediation is great even for people who know how to eat well, but have a harder time controlling calories.

At Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness, we understand the complexities of losing weight and keeping it off long-term. Our team of highly skilled and compassionate Naturopathic Doctors take a holistic approach to weight loss, offering the most advanced and effective therapies alongside the lifestyle guidance and motivation you need to make lasting change.

Semaglutide is available as part of our comprehensive weight loss programs. If you’re ready to take control of your weight, we invite you to explore how semaglutide, as well as other GLP medications such as tirzepatide, and our expert-led weight loss programs can support all of your weight loss needs.

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is revolutionizing medical weight loss. Originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has shown remarkable promise in aiding weight loss efforts even in patients without diabetes.

It works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body that regulates appetite and food intake. The result? You feel fuller longer, eat less, and consequently, shed weight.

But semaglutide does more than just suppress your appetite. It also helps improve your body’s response to insulin, keeping your blood sugar levels in check, and it has been
shown to have cardiovascular benefits.

Semaglutide is an asset in our weight loss programs because it takes a holistic approach to wellness, just like we do. It doesn’t just help you lose weight — it helps you create a stronger foundation for a lifetime of better health.

How Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?

Semaglutide belongs to a class of therapies called GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone produced in our gut in response to food intake. It plays a critical role in regulating our appetite, blood sugar and insulin levels.

Semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists imitate the effects of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. When you take semaglutide, it binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptors in your body, triggering several mechanisms that support weight loss:

Reducing appetite and promoting feelings of fullness
Slowing down gastric emptying (the rate at which food leaves your stomach) so you feel satisfied for longer
Regulating blood sugar levels, which can minimize cravings and give you more stable energy levels throughout the day

Semaglutide works with your body’s natural systems, supporting them so they can work more effectively.

What Are the Benefits of Semaglutide?

Semaglutide can help you feel full for longer, make healthier food choices and better control your calorie intake – all of which contribute to significant and sustainable weight loss. Some of the key benefits include:

Significant weight loss
Reduced appetite and cravings
Improved insulin sensitivity
Potential for increased fat burning
Better cardiovascular health
Enhanced metabolic health
FDA-approved
Convenience and ease of use
Adjustable dosing
Manageable side effects
Long-term weight management
Clinically proven results

What Is the Difference Between Semaglutide vs. Ozempic vs. Wegovy?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy.

Ozempic is the brand name of the medication that is mainly prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. While Ozempic can lead to weight loss as a secondary effect, it’s not specifically approved for weight management.

Wegovy is the brand name of the medication approved for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with weight-related conditions. Wegovy is prescribed at a higher dose than Ozempic.

You may also have heard the names Saxenda (liraglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide). These are other weight loss medications that are GLP-1 agonists but do not contain semaglutide.

Am I a Candidate for Semaglutide?

Semaglutide can be a powerful tool for weight loss. You may be a candidate if:

If you are woman with a percentage body fat higher than 28 or a man higher than 20 percent you are likely a candidate
You meet certain body mass index (BMI) criteria. BMI is a calculation of your height and weight. While this is a very dated way of looking at health, medically, a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related comorbidity (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol) makes you a candidate.
You’ve tried to lose weight with diet and exercise but traditional methods haven’t yielded significant or lasting results.
You are interested in a comprehensive, medically-supervised weight loss program.
You are committed to making lifestyle changes to support your weight loss efforts.

Semaglutide may not be suitable for you if:

Have less than 10lbs to lose
You have allergies to any of the ingredients in the medication
You are on medications that may interact with semaglutide
You are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning or actively trying to conceive
Some medical conditions and family history require consultation with a doctor prior to starting this medication

Our Naturopathic Doctors will consult with you to determine if semaglutide is a safe and appropriate option for you, or if alternative approaches may be more suitable. If semaglutide is not the right fit, our doctors will develop a plan that uses other evidence-based therapies and lifestyle interventions to support your success.

How Is Semaglutide Taken?

Semaglutide is administered once per week via subcutaneous injection, typically into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.

What Is the Typical Treatment Plan?

Your Bay Area semaglutide journey starts with an initial consultation and a baseline weigh-in. We also include an InBody scan to analyze your body composition by breaking it down into its core components: fat, muscle, bone and water. This initial assessment allows us to customize your semaglutide dosage and set the benchmark for tracking your progress.

The standard treatment plan can vary depending on whether you are dosing for diabetes or weight loss. Typically, we ramp you up using an individualized plan based on your needs and your BMI. Our doctors will closely monitor your progress and tolerance. Some people may achieve optimal results at a lower dose, while others may require the full 2.4 mg maintenance dose.

In addition to the semaglutide injections, your treatment plan will include regular check-ins with our team. We’ll use this time to assess your progress, discuss any concerns or side effects, and provide ongoing support and guidance. We may also recommend complementary therapies, such as nutrition counseling or Vasper sessions, to support your success.

What Makes Us Different Than Other Clinics That Prescribe Semiglutide?

Semaglutide is one tool in a larger tool box. Our doctors understand the complexity of weight, age-related hormone decline, stress, anxiety and metabolic disease. Choosing the right tool for your body is VERY important to us. We want to teach you how to succeed. Our team is prepared to support you through your journey to lose weight and to keep it off even while tapering down. So often, patients invest time and money only to not be told how to keep weight off and eat the right weight to sustain. We are here to help!

How Long Does It Take to See Results With Semaglutide?

In the first few weeks, you might start to notice a reduction in your appetite and changes in your eating habits. This early response is a positive sign that semaglutide is starting to work in your body.

Visible weight loss usually becomes more apparent after the first few months of consistent treatment. This is when patients often report feeling lighter and observing changes in how their clothes fit.

As you continue with the semaglutide injections, your body gradually adapts to the medication. With each passing month, you should see a steady decrease in your weight. The pace of weight loss can vary, but the consistent use of semaglutide, combined with lifestyle modifications, typically yields significant results.

Once you reach your goals, the focus shifts to sustaining what you’ve achieved. During this phase, the rate of weight loss may plateau, but the emphasis is on preventing weight regain. Remember that the benefits of semaglutide extend beyond the number on the scale — you may also experience improvements in energy levels, mood, sleep quality and other indicators of overall health. These positive changes can be just as meaningful as the weight loss itself.

How Much Weight Can I Lose With Semaglutide?

The research on semaglutide is compelling and continuing to grow.

One significant study on semaglutide for weight loss was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2021. The study found that, over a 68-week period, participants receiving semaglutide lost, on average, 14.9% of their body weight compared to 2.4% in the placebo group.

Another notable study, published in 2021 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that using semaglutide for 68 weeks resulted in an average reduction in body weight of 16% compared to 5.7% for the placebo group.

A third study assessed the efficacy of semaglutide vs. a placebo over a two-year period. In this study, published in Nature Medicine, participants using semaglutide experienced an average body weight reduction of 15.2% from baseline to week 104. Participants using the placebo experienced an average body weight reduction of 2.6% in the same period.

Is Weight Loss With Semaglutide Sustainable?

Any weight loss therapy is most effective when combined with lifestyle changes like a balanced diet and regular exercise. These behavior modifications complement the therapy’s effects, leading to more significant and sustained weight loss — plus, they can become lasting healthy habits that support you in maintaining your weight long-term and improving your overall well-being and longevity.

Success often compounds. Many people find that achieving their weight goals leads to increased motivation to continue with healthy lifestyle choices. The combination of visible, physical changes and psychological benefits can be a powerful driving force for sustaining your results.

To support you further, our team will monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. Your plan will be fully personalized, from the dosage to any complementary therapies, so that you have the best shot at reaching your goals and sustaining them. We aim to be both your knowledgeable coach and your biggest cheerleader!

Start Your Weight Loss Success Story With Semaglutide in Los Gatos

At Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness, we are excited to help you achieve your weight loss goals and enjoy the many benefits of a healthier lifestyle. With personalized care, expert guidance and the power of semaglutide, you can look forward to seeing significant results and feeling your best, both inside and out.

Don’t wait another day to start your transformation. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and take the first step toward the body and life you deserve.

Semaglutide FAQ

What is “Ozempic Face”?

“Ozempic Face” is a buzzy term for the volume loss or skin laxity that some people experience after losing weight. These changes are not unique to Ozempic or semaglutide. They are possible with any rapid weight loss, whether from medication, bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes, and they do not occur for everyone. More importantly, the benefits of being at a healthy weight greatly outweigh the cosmetic changes that might accompany weight loss.

Does semaglutide have any side effects?

Like any medication, semaglutide can cause side effects, though most are mild. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting and abdominal pain, which usually subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Our team will monitor you for any adverse reactions and make any necessary adjustments to minimize side effects while maximizing your results.

Can I take semaglutide if I don’t have type 2 diabetes?

Yes, semaglutide is available as a weight loss therapy, even if you don’t have type 2 diabetes.

Will the weight come back after treatment?

Your new weight can be maintained long-term by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity. However, if you stop using semaglutide or you do not make supportive lifestyle changes, some weight regain may occur. At Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness, we focus on helping you develop sustainable habits so you can enjoy your weight loss results long after your semaglutide treatment ends.

Is semaglutide FDA-approved?

Semaglutide is FDA-approved for weight management as well as for type 2 diabetes. The FDA grants its approval based on extensive clinical trials demonstrating the safety and efficacy of semaglutide for these specific uses.

Does semaglutide have to be taken on the same day each week?

While we recommend taking semaglutide on the same day each week to maintain a consistent schedule, some flexibility is allowed. You can change the day of administration as long as the time between two doses is at least 48 hours (two days).

What happens if I miss a dose of semaglutide?

If you miss a dose of semaglutide and your next dose is coming up in less than two days, do not take the missed dose. Take your next dose on its regularly scheduled day.

If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is over two days away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed one, as this may increase the risk of side effects.

Do I need insurance for semaglutide or other GLP-1 treatments?

At Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness, we strive to make these treatments accessible for all our patients. Insurance is not required to undergo a semaglutide weight loss program. Join us for a complimentary consultation to discuss your weight loss goals and treatment options.