Semaglutide Weight Loss Shots: Frequently Asked Questions

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Semaglutide Weight Loss Injection FAQs

It seems like everyone is talking about Ozempic and Wegovy – the new “miracle” weight loss drugs! And Dr. Ali at AMAE Med Spa is one of the first medical providers in Birmingham, MI to offer this revolutionary new weight loss drug.

In this article the weight loss experts at AMAE Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Birmingham, MI answer our patients most frequently asked questions about semaglutide weight loss injections (“shots”).

What is semaglutide and how does it work for weight loss?

Semaglutide is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and promote feelings of fullness.

By activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, semaglutide can help to reduce appetite and promote weight loss. Both Ozempic and Wegovy are brands of semaglutide. Learn More About their Differences HERE.

How effective are semaglutide shots for weight loss?

Clinical studies have shown that semaglutide can help to produce significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. In randomized controlled trial, participants who took semaglutide lost an average of 15% to 20 % of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared to an average of 2.4% weight loss in those who received a placebo.

What is the recommended dosage of semaglutide for weight loss?

The recommended starting dose of semaglutide for weight loss is typically 0.25 mg once a week for the first four weeks, followed by an increase to 0.5 mg once a week. Some patients, however, may benefit from an increased dose of 1 mg once a week.

The typical dosage strengths of Ozempic and Wegovy are also different. The recommended dosage of Ozempic for diabetes is 0.5 mg or 1 mg once a week, while the recommended dosage of Wegovy for weight management is 2.4 mg once a week. Thus, Ozempic is available in 0.5 mg and 1 mg pens, while Wegovy is available in a single 2.4 mg pen.

Like any medication, only a qualified physician like board-certified Dr. Ali in Birmingham, MI can determine the optimal dosage for your weight loss needs.

How long do I need to take semaglutide for weight loss?

The duration of semaglutide treatment for weight loss will depend on your individual needs and goals. In clinical trials, treatment typically lasted for 68 weeks, but some patients may continue treatment for longer periods of time.

Patients with less weight to lose, or who are more disciplined about combining semaglutide with a healthy diet and exercise may reach their target weight even sooner!

What are the side effects of semaglutide shots?

Because semaglutide mimics the body’s natural substances, replicating a hormone that the body produces naturally, it is generally considered quite safe and well tolerated – when prescribed by a qualified physician like board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali in Birmingham, MI.

The most common side effects of semaglutide for weight loss include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. Other possible side effects include abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache, and fatigue.

These side effects typically subside over time, as the patient’s body becomes used to the medication and they learn the routine of the new reduced fat and caloric intake.

Can semaglutide be used in combination with other weight loss medications?

Most patients who take Ozempic, Wegovy, or another semaglutide find that they do not need additional weight management meds.

However, semaglutide should not be used in combination with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or medications that increase GLP-1 receptor activity. It may be used in combination with other weight loss medications, but the safety and efficacy of such combinations have not been studied.

Any medications you are or wish to take at the same time as semaglutide should be discussed with a qualified physician like board-certified Dr. Ali in Birmingham, MI.

Can semaglutide be used by people with diabetes?

Semaglutide is also approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, so it can be used by people with both obesity and type 2 diabetes. The safety and efficacy for use by type 1 diabetics has not been studied yet.

How is semaglutide administered?

Semaglutide is administered as a subcutaneous injection – “shot” – which is typically given in the abdomen or thigh once a week.

How much weight can I expect to lose with semaglutide?

Weight loss results will vary from person to person, but clinical studies have shown that semaglutide can help to produce significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals.

In clinical trials for Ozempic, participants lost an average of 13.5 pounds over 26 weeks when used in combination with moderate diet and exercise. In a 68-week study, participants taking Ozempic lost up to 20% of their body weight and those on Wegovy lost an average of 16.0% of their initial body weight, compared to 5.7% for those taking a placebo.

Can I take semaglutide if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is limited information available about the safety of semaglutide during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should generally refrain from taking semaglutide for weight loss. However, if semaglutide (Ozempic) is being prescribed for type 2 (or gestational) diabetes, it should be discussed with your Obstetrician or endocrinologist.

Who is a good candidate for semaglutide?

Semaglutide is recommended for adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater, or for those with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater and at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Semaglutide is also recommended for those who have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise but have been unsuccessful. (Note: individuals who have a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer should not use semaglutide. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine if semaglutide is a good option for you.)

In Stock Semaglutide Prescriptions | Birmingham, MI

Today semaglutide is recognized as one of the most effective, safe, and promising weight loss medications available – when prescribed and monitored by a qualified physician like board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali in Birmingham, MI.

If you have been struggling to get rid of stubborn body fat – and want to finally get the trim, thin body you’ve always dreamed of – semaglutide may be the key to your weight loss success. Schedule an appointment at AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI to discuss your weight loss goals and see if semaglutide is right for you!

Semaglutide Weight Loss Prescriptions | Birmingham, MI: 248-335-7200

Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus & Semaglutide – What’s the Difference?

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The Difference Between Semaglutides Ozempic, Wegovy & Rybelsus

Ozempic and Wegovy, the new weight loss ‘miracle drugs,’ are everywhere in the press and on the Internet. Celebrities are now looking much thinner on the red carpet – and everyday people are finally able to lose stubborn weight that wasn’t responding to diet and exercise.

But with all of this buzz, it can be hard to understand the actual difference between the new semaglutide weight loss drugs, Ozempic, Wegovy & Rybelsus. In this article, the weight loss experts at AMAE in the West Bloomfield area explain the history of semaglutide and the difference between the various brands.

History of Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a medication that was developed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk – the same company that has been making the insulin brands Novolog and Novalin for 100 years. Semaglutide was initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic.

Following the success of Ozempic in treating diabetes, Novo Nordisk began investigating the use of semaglutide for weight loss. In 2020, semaglutide was approved by the FDA under the brand name Wegovy for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or who were overweight and had at least one weight-related condition.

Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite, leading to a reduction in food intake and subsequent weight loss. It is usually prescribed as a subcutaneous injection once a week.

A good candidate for semaglutide is an adult who has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater, or a BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater and at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Semaglutide is also recommended for those who have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise but have been unsuccessful.

However, semaglutide is not recommended for individuals with a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer.

Ozempic vs. Wegovy

Many of our patients are curious about the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy.  At AMAE in the West Bloomfield area, our patients often ask: “Are Ozempic and Wegovy the same thing?”

Ozempic and Wegovy are both brand names of semaglutide and were developed and are manufactured by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. However, while both medications contain the same active ingredient, there are some differences in their approved uses, dosages, and administration.

Similarities of Ozempic and Wegovy

Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. And both medications work by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which regulates appetite and food intake. Both Ozempic and Wegovy are administered as subcutaneous injections (“shots”), and the recommended dosages are similar.

Differences of Ozempic and Wegovy

Ozempic was originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes – while Wegovy was specifically created and FDA approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.

The typical dosage strengths of Ozempic and Wegovy are different. The recommended dosage of Ozempic for diabetes is 0.5 mg or 1 mg once a week, while the recommended dosage of Wegovy for weight management is 2.4 mg once a week. Thus, Ozempic is available in 0.5 mg and 1 mg pens, while Wegovy is available in a single 2.4 mg pen.

While both medications have similar side effects, the frequency and severity of these side effects may differ between Ozempic and Wegovy. For example, nausea and diarrhea may be more common with Ozempic, while constipation may be more common with Wegovy.

What About Rybelsus Oral Semaglutide?

Rybelsus is another brand name for a medication that contain the active ingredient semaglutide. However, it is not the same thing as Ozempic and there are some important differences between the two diabetic drugs.

Both medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes and both medications work by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps to lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. But while Ozempic is approved for both type 2 diabetes treatment and for use in adults with obesity for weight loss, Rybelsus is only approved for type 2 diabetes treatment.

The dosing method and frequency of the medications also differs. Ozempic is typically given once a week by injection, while Rybelsus is taken orally once a day. The dosages differ, as well. The available doses for Ozempic range from 0.25 mg to 1 mg, while the available doses for Rybelsus are 3 mg and 7 mg.

Ozempic is recommended as an add-on therapy to diet and exercise for people with type 2 diabetes, and for weight loss in people with obesity. Rybelsus is recommended as a stand-alone therapy – or as an add-on therapy to diet and exercise for people with type 2 diabetes.

Semaglutide (Wegovy / Ozempic Type) | West Bloomfield Area

While both Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), they are approved for different uses, have different dosages and administration, and may have slightly different side effects. It is important to consult with a qualified physician like Dr. Ali in the West Bloomfield area, to determine which semaglutide medication and dosage is appropriate for your individual weight loss needs.

Semaglutide is recognized as one of the most effective, safe, and promising weight loss medications available – when prescribed and monitored by a qualified physician like board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali in the West Bloomfield area.

If you have been struggling to get rid of stubborn body fat – and want to finally get the trim, thin body you’ve always dreamed of – semaglutide may be the key to your weight loss success. Schedule an appointment at AMAE Plastic Surgery in the West Bloomfield area to discuss your weight loss goals and see if semaglutide is right for you!

Semaglutide (Wegovy /Ozempic Type) | West Bloomfield Area: 248-335-7200

Combine Skin Tightening & Ozempic Weight Loss for a Mommy Makeover!

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Ozempic + Skin Tightening = Mommy Makeover

Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, which regulates appetite and food intake. Both medications are administered as weekly injections – and can yield weight loss of up to 20% of body weight! While Ozempic is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss, Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.

So yes! Finally, there is a weight loss medication that works, is safe (FDA approved), is affordable, and is available in the Detroit area! AMAE Med Spa is one of the first and only medical providers with semaglutide in stock and ready to be administered to patients in the Detroit area who wish to lose weight.

However, rapid weight loss – using semaglutide or any other weight loss method – can potentially lead to loose skin on the face or body. But at AMAE in the Detroit area we’ve got you covered there, too! Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali offers a variety of non-invasive, minimally invasive, and surgical skin tightening treatments that can give you smooth, tight, toned skin – so you can show off your new weight loss!

Ozempic Weight Loss & Loose Skin

It is important to understand that loose skin is not a direct side effect of weight loss medication Ozempic and other semaglutide meds like Wegovy.  However, loose skin is often a result of significant weight loss, especially in individuals who lose weight rapidly or who have lost a large amount of weight – which can happen with Ozempic. When some patients lose a significant amount of weight quickly, due to bariatric surgery, Ozempic, or other methods, their skin may not have enough time to adjust to the new body shape, and as a result, the skin may appear loose or saggy.

However, many other patients – especially younger patients who are following a healthy diet and lifestyle – may experience NO loose skin at all after Ozempic weight loss!

The degree of loose skin that may occur after Ozempic (semaglutide) weight loss varies widely among individuals and can be affected by factors such as age, genetics, and the amount of weight lost. As one ages the body produces less of the protein ‘elastin’ which causes the skin to ‘snap back.’ So older patients may experience more loose skin after Ozempic weight loss that younger patients.

How Much Weight Can I Lose with Ozempic?

The amount of weight loss that people may experience when using Ozempic, Wegovy, and other semaglutides can vary widely depending on individual factors such as starting weight, diet, exercise, and overall health. However, clinical trials have shown that these medications can lead to significant weight loss in many individuals.

In clinical trials for Ozempic, participants lost an average of 13.5 pounds over 26 weeks when used in combination with moderate diet and exercise. In a 68-week study, participants taking Ozempic lost up to 20% of their body weight and those on Wegovy lost an average of 16.0% of their initial body weight, compared to 5.7% for those taking a placebo.

Ozempic + Profound Skin Tightening

At AMAE Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in the Detroit area we offer state-of-the-art Profound radiofrequency skin tightening. This non-invasive cosmetic procedure uses gentle but powerful radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin.

Profound works by delivering controlled heat energy deep into the skin, which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins that gives the skin its structure and elasticity. The increased collagen and elastin production leads to tighter, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.

Profound radiofrequency treatment can be used to tighten skin on almost any area of the face, neck, and body. It is ideal for treating sagging skin due to aging or weight loss, as well as to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

The benefits of Profound radiofrequency treatment for tightening skin after Ozempic weight loss include:

  1. Non-invasive: The treatment is non-surgical, which means that there is no need for incisions, anesthesia, or downtime.
  2. Customizable: The treatment can be customized to target specific areas of the body, and the intensity of the treatment can be adjusted to achieve the desired results.
  3. Long-lasting results: The collagen and elastin production stimulated by the treatment can continue for up to six months, resulting in long-lasting improvements in skin firmness and elasticity that can last several years.
  4. Improves skin texture: In addition to tightening loose skin, Profound radiofrequency treatment can also improve the texture of the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

Ozempic (Semaglutide) + Skin Tightening | Detroit Area

AMAE Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Birmingham, MI is one of the only providers in the entire Detroit area to offer in-stock semaglutide injections for weight loss and revolutionary Profound radiofrequency skin tightening. This way you can lose all the weight you want without worrying about sagging skin.

When semaglutide is combined with Profound RF skin tightening at AMAE Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in the Detroit area it is truly like a “Mommy (or Daddy) Makeover”. If you live in the Detroit area, schedule an appointment at AMAE today to see how semaglutide (the medication in Ozempic) can take pounds off your body while Profound RF skin tightening can take years off your appearance!

Ozempic (Semaglutide) & Skin Tightening | Detroit Area: 248-335-7200