Weight Loss Program
Smith County Family Medical is thrilled to introduce our new weight loss program. We are welcoming Semaglutide!
Semaglutide was originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. When combined with diet and exercise, it improves blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. In June 2021, the FDA approved Semaglutide (2.4mg) injection for the treatment of obesity. Unlike stimulant-based medications, Semaglutide can be prescribed for patients with cardiovascular diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, helping to improve not just weight but overall health for patients who need it the most.
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What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide injection has been proven highly effective in clinical trials as a treatment for chronic obesity.
It is an injection administered (usually in the thigh) only once a week! So once a week, you will visit us to administer your injection. ​​
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Your next question: DOES IT WORK?
Patients on semaglutide have reported losing as much as 80lbs! Clinical trials for Semaglutide have shown a loss of an average of 12.4% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
You will start on a lower dose and gradually increase over 16 - 20 weeks. This is so we can reduce the side effects.
Who is Semaglutide for?
Do you have a cardiovascular disease that keeps you from being able to take a stimulant-based appetite suppressant like phentermine? If yes, then Semaglutide is a good solution for you! Semaglutide is not a stimulant and actually REDUCES the risk of a cardiovascular event while also causing weight loss!
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Semaglutide can be prescribed for adults with a BMI of 30, or adults with a BMI of 27 and at least one weight-related comorbidity (not including diabetes).
Semaglutide is for patients who want to lose weight, especially patients with type 2 diabetes or whose weight puts them at risk of a serious cardiovascular event (like heart attack or stroke).
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What are the side effects?
You should be aware of all potential and expected side effects prior to taking Semaglutide. Semaglutide does have side effects, especially during the first four weeks, but improves markedly after the 4 weeks!
Some patients may not be able to handle these common side effects, which include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Constipation
However, the intensity of these side effects can be reduced with just some simple lifestyle modifications like diet, exercise, and eating smaller portions and low calorie/low sugar foods!
Over-eating or eating junk food while taking semaglutide can increase the intensity of side effects.
Semaglutide does have several potentially serious side effects. In laboratory trials, it has been shown to cause tumors in the thyroid (including cancer) in some cases. It may also cause inflammation of the pancreas, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney problems, or serious allergic reactions.
Patients whose family has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not take Semaglutide. You should also not take Semaglutide if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Semaglutide. Speak with one of the providers at SCFM if you have kidney problems, pancreas problems, have a history of diabetic retinopathy (loss of vision), or are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.
How can I get Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a prescription drug and must be prescribed by a doctor or nurse practitioner. Our nurse practitioners (NPs) at Smith County Family Medical will discuss whether Semaglutide is a good solution and can prescribe Semaglutide if it’s determined to be the best option for you.
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We want YOU to get back to a life and weight that you are proud of and makes you happy!
Are you interested? Call us at (615) 735- 8008 to make an appointment. Then, fill out the form below to bring to your appointment.
