Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used for treating type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Semaglutide helps lower blood sugar levels and reduce appetite by mimicking a hormone called incretin that is released naturally by the intestine.
At Harmony Hormone Clinic in Fernandina Beach, we offer semaglutide injections as part of personalized weight loss and diabetes management programs. Below we discuss the key features and benefits of semaglutide treatment.
Semaglutide activates receptors in the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar levels are high. It also decreases the amount of glucose released by the liver. Together, these effects allow better blood sugar control.
Additionally, semaglutide activates receptors in the brain to reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness. This leads to decreased food intake and weight loss.
The effects build up over many weeks of treatment, with maximum effects seen after 12-20 weeks. Weight loss of 5-15% is common when combined with diet and exercise.
There are many benefits of using semaglutide for weight loss and diabetes management:
In clinical trials, people using semaglutide lost on average 12-16 pounds over 16 weeks compared to placebo. Greater weight loss is seen with longer duration of treatment.
Semaglutide lowers HbA1c levels (a marker for long-term blood sugar levels) by 1-2% on average. This effect was seen in both people with diabetes and without diabetes.
Studies show semaglutide also reduces cardiovascular risk by improving cholesterol levels and markers of heart disease.
Semaglutide is given as a simple once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a prefilled autoinjector pen device. The injection process takes just seconds.
Semaglutide has been FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. It can be used by individuals with a BMI as low as 27 kg/m^2 (or 25 kg/m^2 with comorbidities).
People with type 2 diabetes are also candidates for semaglutide to improve blood sugar control. Those with prediabetes or insulin resistance may also benefit.
Semaglutide is generally well-tolerated, with mild GI side effects in some people. It should not be used in those with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or MEN type 2.
Semaglutide is structurally similar to a human hormone called GLP-1 that helps control blood sugar. Researchers originally developed semaglutide as a treatment for diabetes, but unexpectedly found it also causes significant weight loss by reducing appetite and food cravings through effects on areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation.
The first step is to schedule a consultation at our Fernandina Beach hormone clinic. We will review your health history, perform an exam, and order relevant lab tests. This helps determine if semaglutide is appropriate for your needs and health status.
We will also measure your height, weight and calculate BMI to ensure you meet the criteria for chronic weight management treatment with semaglutide.
If you are a candidate for semaglutide, we will provide a prescription and teach you how to properly administer the weekly injections. Most insurance plans cover some portion of semaglutide when prescribed for weight loss or diabetes.
Semaglutide treatment begins at a low dose of 0.25 mg injected once per week. This allows your body to get used to the medication and reduces potential side effects.
After 4 weeks, we will evaluate your response and tolerance. We will then decide if a dose increase is appropriate based on the weight loss observed today.
The typical maintenance dose is between 0.5-2 mg injected once weekly. However, the optimal dose varies by individual. We carefully adjust the dosage to maximize weight loss effectiveness while avoiding side effects.
Most patients utilize semaglutide for 6 months to 2 years based on their health needs and response. Studies show the effects on glucose control and weight are sustained over this timeframe with continued weekly injections.
To boost results, we offer customized diet and exercise recommendations to complement semaglutide therapy. Small sustainable changes improve weight loss outcomes. We also provide counseling for behavioral change strategies.
Semaglutide works best when combined with healthy nutrition and an active lifestyle. Even without major diet modifications, semaglutide aids significant weight reduction for most individuals.
Patients using semaglutide should follow up with our medical team every 4 weeks. We will monitor your bloodwork, weight changes, side effects and adjust dosing accordingly.
Regular evaluations ensure you are responding optimally and safely to the medication for your individual needs. We are available in between visits to address any questions or concerns.
* Semaglutide is provided in prefilled, single-dose pens * Each pen contains 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg of medication * The pens are administered once weekly via simple subcutaneous injection
* The most common side effects are gastrointestinal like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea * These mild side effects usually resolve within 4-8 weeks as the body adjusts * Thyroid disorders are a rare but serious side effect requiring prompt medical attention
* The average wholesale price is $1000-1500 per 4-week supply * However, most insurances cover some portion depending on the policy * Our team handles prior authorizations and appeals to reduce barriers to access
* Semaglutide underwent extensive testing for safety and efficacy before FDA approval * Over 9000 adults were treated in placebo-controlled clinical trials * Participants had 5-7.5 years of cumulative exposure with no major safety issues * Ongoing studies continue to monitor for long-term health outcomes
At our hormone clinic in Fernandina Beach, we take an integrative approach to chronic disease treatment combining both traditional and complementary therapies.
Our mission is to provide personalized care to help patients lose weight, manage diabetes risk, promote healthy aging and optimize wellness.
We create customized treatment regimens tailored to each patient's unique health status, needs and preferences. This means no two plans look exactly alike.
Diet, exercise, stress management and other lifestyle factors profoundly impact health outcomes. We offer evidence-based coaching to target root causes of disease.
We continuously research and vet innovative new treatment options like semaglutide to provide patients access to the latest medical advances backed by science.
Fernandina Beach is a charming small coastal town surrounded by pristine beaches, pine forests, wetlands and the Amelia River. It offers a vibrant arts scene, boutique shops in a historic downtown and numerous parks with scenic trails.
Our hormone clinic opened in 2020 to meet the growing need for weight loss and hormone therapy among residents struggling with obesity, diabetes and aging.
Our clinical team includes board-certified specialists led by Dr. Janine collectors, a national leader in obesity medicine and endocrinology. We also partner with dietitians, health coaches and mental health experts.
Each patient undergoes advanced testing to identify hormone imbalances, nutrition needs, risk factors and areas for lifestyle improvement. We then develop integrated, patient-centered treatment protocols.
Our clinic utilizes innovative tools for digital health tracking, body measurements and biomarker analysis. We help patients harness smart technology for sustaining healthy habits.
Instead of a cold, sterile clinic ambiance, we built an atmosphere of comfort, care and relaxation. Think herbal teas, soothing music and aesthetic lighting.
We empower individuals to take charge of their health by addressing root causes of disease through evidence-based, compassionate care. Let us help guide your journey to wellness.
The sub-tropical climate of Fernandina Beach provides mostly mild weather year-round making it conducive to consistent outdoor activity. However, there are still some factors that impact the ideal timing to start semaglutide therapy.
November through February bring nearly perfect weather with average highs of 68-72°F allowing for lots of walking, cycling, water sports and use of our area beaches and parks.
This season has lower humidity, smaller crowds and numerous community events like art festivals and food celebrations. It's often called "paradise" by locals!
Therefore, the winter period presents a prime opportunity to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes to enhance semaglutide treatment effects.
Late spring (March-April) and early fall (September-October) offer moderately comfortable temperatures good for outdoor exercise along with less intense sun exposure.
The fall additionally provides a bounty of farmer's markets, roadside produce stands and U-pick farms to access flavorful, nutrient-dense foods.
These transitional seasons are decent times to initiate semaglutide treatment but beach days will be more limited.
Conversely, it's best to avoid starting semaglutide therapy during the hot and humid summer months of May through August if possible.
Average high temperatures hover in the low 90s from June to September with intense sun, regular thunderstorms and elevated mosquito levels. This can make physical activity challenging for those not acclimated to the sub-tropical heat and humidity.
Pre-existing semaglutide patients can continue treatment safely through the summer but we provide guidance for staying hydrated and avoiding overheating during outdoor exercise. Walking early mornings or evenings helps.
As part of the initial patient evaluation, we order lab tests to identify any hormone imbalances or nutritional deficiencies that may be impacting weight and diabetes risk. This establishes a baseline to monitor for treatment efficacy.
Here are top places in Fernandina Beach to get lab testing before starting semaglutide:
For convenience, our clinic offers in-house blood draws and testing so patients don't need a separate trip to the lab. We utilize advanced analysis methods and quickly communicate results.
This national clinical lab has a local branch within 2 miles of our clinic providing a wide range of diagnostic services. Most major insurance plans are accepted.
A courier service for Mayo Clinic Laboratories located downtown on Centre Street performs routine blood and urine tests. No appointment needed.
The public health department 5 miles away offers select labs at discounted costs based on income. Appointment required. Medicaid accepted.
Once test results are available indicating any nutrient shortcomings or hormone deficiencies, we create a treatment plan integrating semaglutide tailored to the patient's needs.
Combining semaglutide injections with regular exercise, stress reduction and clean eating helps maximize weight loss and diabetes management outcomes.
Fernandina Beach offers abundant locations to embrace healthy habits while enjoying the natural beauty and small town charm.
- Egans Creek Greenway - North Beach Park - Main Beach Park - Fort Clinch State Park
- Amelia Island Trail - American Beach scenic loop
- Happy Life Yoga - Pilates Nonstop
- Anytime Fitness - Genesis Fitness Club
- Fernandina Beach Market Place - Yulee Farmer's Market
We provide all patients guidance for creating a realistic plan to move more, nourish better and manage life's pressures. Sustainable lifestyle change propels semaglutide success!
Losing weight and improving metabolic health with semaglutide involves more than taking weekly injections. Making positive changes to daily habits and sources of stress is key.
Here are our top recommendations for lifestyle and mental health while using semaglutide for weight loss or diabetes management:
Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Maintain consistent bedtime and wake-up schedules. Limit screen time before bed. Consider blackout curtains and sleep supplements like melatonin or magnesium.
Eat more plants and less processed foods! Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables. Moderate carbs to less than 130g daily. Boost intake of omega-3s from fish, avocado and nuts. Stay hydrated with herbal tea, water or sparkling water.
Cultivate present moment awareness through yoga, breathwork, walking meditations or simply sitting in quiet contemplation for 10-15 minutes daily. This reduces stress hormones that drive weight gain.
Don't underestimate the power of building meaningful bonds to enhance health, longevity and happiness. Spend quality time with loved ones. Contribute to your community. Practice small acts of kindness daily.
When aspects of lifestyle are optimized, you enhance semaglutide effects for more weight loss and protective benefits against diabetes complications. Our medical team provides ongoing coaching to target root causes like inflammation, insulin resistance and stress.
Successfully losing weight with semaglutide depends in part on having the right community resources and facilities. Fernandina Beach offers wonderful options to support healthy behaviors.
Here are some of our favorite hot spots:
This clinic provides acupuncture, massages and other services to reduce pain, ease diabetes nerve damage, lower stress hormones and aid sleep.
For nutritious dining out, this casual breakfast and lunch cafe offers vegetarian entrees, salads and smoothies like the "Antioxinator" packed with berries and greens.
This sprawling outlet mall hosts a weekly farmer's market with fresh, local produce to sample seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Walk, jog or just sit watching the waves at this peaceful oceanside park with views of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Leashed dogs welcome!
We help patients discover Fernandina's hidden wellness gems! Contact Harmony Hormone Clinic today to learn how semaglutide combined with healthy lifestyle changes can help you lose weight and reduce diabetes disease burden.
