Weight Loss Program

A weight loss program is a customized approach to help you attain gradual, sustainable weight loss over time. With an innovative weight loss medication called semaglutide, a qualified physician can help you reduce your hunger cravings and form healthier eating habits. You may recognize semaglutide under the names Ozempic or Wegovy. With these once-weekly, take-home injections, you can efficiently take charge of your health in one of the most convenient ways possible. Under the supervision of a licensed provider, you can restore a slimmer, more sculpted physique, attain better management of your weight-related conditions, and find a greater sense of well-being and confidence in your appearance. 

If you feel ready to take control of your life with one of the most reliable, effective means of losing excess weight, get in touch with the Skin & Vein Center with locations in the Detroit and Flint, Michigan areas. Our team of doctors, physician assistants, and one nurse practitioner all provide exceptional services under the guidance and experience of our medical director, Dr. Eric Seiger. Call the location nearest you or fill out our contact form, and we will be happy to book your appointment as soon as possible.

The Effectiveness of Semaglutide

Say hello to a slimmer, healthier, more confident you with semaglutide and Skin & Vein Center as your partner on your exciting weight loss journey. With a medical weight loss program, you can focus more on starting a workout routine that works for you and improving your quality of life and overall longevity. Losing excess weight with semaglutide injections can also help you stabilize your weight and avoid future fluctuations. Though the medication was originally designed for type 2 diabetics to achieve greater glycemic control, with the right dosing, those with obesity can utilize it to aid in their efforts. Over recent years, hundreds of weight loss supplements have entered the market, but none have been able to match the effectiveness and safety profile of semaglutide, which is an FDA-approved medication. Since earning approval, thousands of patients have been able to reach a normal BMI with the help of this valuable tool. 

What the Research Says 

In one study, a group of participants taking weekly semaglutide and a placebo group underwent observation for 68 weeks. All participants in the study increased their physical activity, reduced their caloric intake, and underwent weight-loss counseling. With just 2.4 mg doses, the semaglutide group lost an average of 16% of their body weight, while the placebo group only lost an average of 5.7%. With an average BMI of 37.9, this amount of weight loss is a dramatic change for the semaglutide group. ⁽¹⁾ 

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide is the generic form of Ozempic and Wegovy, which are once-a-week injectable prescription medications that have been FDA-approved for adults and children over the age of 12 years who are obese or who are overweight, and those with excess weight who may also have weight-related medical problems. It is used to help adults lose weight and keep the weight off.  Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors, which increases insulin secretion and decreases glucagon secretion while improving the metabolism of sugars.  It also sends signals to the brain that you are full and delays gastric emptying, thus reducing appetite and food intake. For those patients who want to lose weight, excess insulin may travel to the hypothalamus, an area of the brain responsible for signaling the sensation of satiation after a meal. This is exactly why many people who take Ozempic or Wegovy report that they are overall less hungry and less likely to make poor food choices. As a result of this physiological process, type 2 diabetics can efficiently help prevent diabetes-related damage to the kidneys, nerves, heart, and eyes. ⁽²⁾ 

Benefits of Weight Loss Injections 

Weight loss injections are designed to give you a head start on slimming down and revitalizing your energy levels like never before. Semaglutide can allow you to:

What Are the Common Side Effects of Semaglutide?

The most common side effects may include:

Ideal Candidates

At Skin & Vein Center, we will evaluate your medical history, BMI, and other health factors to find out if semaglutide injections may be right for you. For our weight loss program, we require that candidates have a BMI of at least 25 with a weight-related comorbidity (such as diabetes or sleep apnea) or a BMI of 30 or more. These minimally invasive injections can be a viable alternative to bariatric surgery which can be risky and require weeks of downtime.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, together you and a provider will determine whether or not semaglutide is right for you. If they find that you could benefit from semaglutide, they will go over how to use and inject this medication, when you can expect results, and how to incorporate physical activity into your treatment plan. No matter where you are in your weight loss journey, our providers are here to deliver individualized lifestyle advice to ensure you get the most positive experience possible. Our staff will help you schedule follow-up appointments and/or convenient telemedicine visits to monitor your progress. If you have any concerns or problems with side effects, your provider will be able to adjust your dosage to meet your needs.

Schedule your first appointment today by calling one of our Michigan locations or inquiring with our online form, and you can take the first step toward a happier, more confident you.

Take-Home Injections 

At the beginning of your treatment, your provider will prescribe the smallest dose of semaglutide. They will only send you home with four doses, enough for a month’s worth of treatment. Your provider will give you more in-depth instructions on how to self-administer them so that you do not have to return to our office weekly. 

Semaglutide Dosages 

A treatment course of semaglutide usually begins with the lowest dosage for injection each week. Every month, your provider will increase the dosage in small increments. Starting with the lowest dose possible will allow your body to slowly acclimate and allow you to determine the optimal dosage for reducing your cravings. If you happen to have any negative side effects during the course of our treatment plan, you can return to our office, and your provider will give you a lower dose that is less likely to cause you gastrointestinal discomfort. 

Weight Loss Results

Semaglutide can produce weight loss results that can greatly improve your mobility, fitness, mental health, and confidence, but you should consider your personalized weight loss program to be a valuable tool for your goals, not a miracle solution. In conjunction with your treatment plan, your provider will consult you on how to make healthier diet choices. This will include limiting or cutting out processed, fatty, high-calorie, and sugary foods with little to no nutritional value. Your provider will also help you formulate a workout plan that works with your schedule and level of fitness. 

If your weight is classified as class II or class III obesity (a BMI over 35), you may achieve some amount of weight loss in less than a month. Those with less excess weight may need a month or more to begin seeing the effects. If you are not feeling a suppression of hunger sensations yet, you may need to wait until your provider prescribes a higher dose.

Cost of a Weight Loss Program in Detroit 

The cost of your personalized weight loss program will depend on the dosage, type of injection medication, and the length of your treatment. Your provider at Skin & Vein Center will give you a total cost estimate during your consultation appointment to help you determine if semaglutide is a viable option for you.

If you are concerned about the costs, our practices offer financing plans with CareCredit, which can help you attain more affordable care. To learn more about Skin & Vein Center, visit our website’s blog or begin today by requesting a consultation with our contact form. You can also call one of our following locations: 

FAQ

References

1. Fornes A, Huff J, Pritchard RI, Godfrey M. Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Management: A Clinical Review. Journal of Pharmacy Technology. 2022;38(4):875512252210926. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221092681 
2. Mouri Mi, Badireddy M. Hyperglycemia. National Library of Medicine. Published 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430900/