The unsung hero behind the ever-popular weight loss drug Wegovy (and the diabetes medication Ozempic), semaglutide really does have the potential to revolutionize weight loss.
But of course, whenever a treatment surges in popularity (especially a weight loss treatment), a wave of misinformation follows closely behind. For example, some say that semaglutide only works for diabetes patients, which is demonstrably false.
If you’re wondering whether or not you would be eligible for semaglutide injections, The Youth Fountain is here to set up a consultation with you and answer all of your questions.
Until then, consider this your comprehensive guide on the matter. First and foremost, what is semaglutide, and how does it work?
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a compound that mimics the activities of hormones that activate a certain type of receptor in the body called GLP-1. When activated, GLP-1 prompts the release of insulin, which ferries sugar out of our bloodstream and into our tissues, effectively lowering blood sugar.
GLP-1 also signals the brain to feel full, providing a powerful one-two punch against the effects of overeating and the urge to overeat itself.
Diabetics have already been using glucagon (GLP actually stands for “glucagon-like-peptide”) for years, so it’s little surprise that semaglutide, a similar compound, can manage blood sugar spikes while facilitating weight gain.
The FDA has approved three preparations of semaglutide: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.
Many people use Ozempic off-label, meaning they do not use it for blood sugar control or cardiovascular event risk reduction, but to lose weight.
How to Know If You’re A Candidate for Semaglutide Injections
Thanks to the FDA approval of semaglutide, patients and providers have clear guidelines on who is eligible (indicated) and who is ineligible (contraindicated) for injections based on concurrent medication use, medical conditions, and so on.
Indications
The following information refers to the FDA-approved indications of semaglutide in its various forms:
Ozempic is approved for blood sugar management in adults with type II diabetes, as well as cardiovascular event risk reduction in patients with or without diabetes.
Wegovy is approved for weight loss of obese and overweight individuals.
Rybelsus (oral tablets) is approved for blood sugar control in adults with type II diabetes.
Importantly, the FDA refers to all three preparations of semaglutide as adjuncts, or supplements, to diet and exercise. While it is possible to see limited results without exercise and diet improvements, the overall health picture—including weight loss—is significantly improved when both semaglutide and diet/exercise are in the equation.
As mentioned, off-label use of semaglutide injections or tablets is common, typically centering on weight loss for people without diabetes or heart disease risk factors.
In summary, semaglutide is approved to treat diabetes, obesity, and heart disease risk factors, though people without these conditions who are looking to lose weight may still be eligible.
Contraindications and Precautions
The following factors may render someone ineligible for semaglutide injections:
Contraindications
- Medullary thyroid cancer
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndrome
Precautions
- Current suicidal behaviors or ideation
- Some medications
- Type I diabetes
- Prior bariatric surgeries
There are a number of important considerations relating to these factors and others that can determine whether or not a care provider will deem you ineligible for semaglutide.
First, not every precaution completely eliminates your possibility of eligibility. For example, people who have had bariatric surgeries may just need to be monitored carefully during semaglutide treatment, as they carry a higher risk of complications.
It’s also important to note that, whether or not a person has any of the above precautions, it is possible to overdose on semaglutide. Overdosing can result in abnormally low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) as well as nausea, vomiting, and possibly lethargy.
This is why it’s imperative that you only receive semaglutide treatments from reputable and professionally licensed providers like our team at The Youth Fountain.
Consultation Is Key
As much as we encourage doing your own research and making informed, autonomous decisions about your own aesthetic and medical needs, there simply is no substitute for professional advice.
If you have any questions or concerns whatsoever regarding your eligibility for semaglutide injections, our team is here to guide you with clear and compassionate advice.
We will help you confidently determine whether you are a candidate for semaglutide or not, and if so, will walk you through the treatment process while keeping your needs front and center.
An Important Note On Safety
Like so many other established names in the medical and aesthetics fields, we believe earnestly in the power of semaglutide to safely and effectively promote weight loss.
But as always, bad actors and corner-cutters abound online and elsewhere, offering counterfeit versions of the drug with potentially harmful ingredients. The issue has become prevalent enough that the FDA had to create a safety information page warning people about this.
This is yet another reason why receiving semaglutide injections from a reputable and trained professional is by far the safest option.
Contact The Youth Fountain for Physician-Led Semaglutide Treatment
When you’re ready to make that life-changing commitment towards a renewed body and elevated confidence, our team of board-certified physicians and surgeons is here to provide you with safe and effective semaglutide injections.
Our whole-person approach to care will help you to envision and actualize all of your desires when it comes to that dream body you’ve been thinking about (we all have one).
Contact us today for a consultation. The Youth Fountain will be with you every step of the way: before, during, and after your care.
