Vista Clinic is pleased to offer semaglutide injections at our Saint Albans clinic. Semaglutide is an exciting new medication that can help patients achieve significant weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. It helps regulate blood sugar levels while also decreasing appetite and food cravings.
When injected weekly, semaglutide works by activating areas of the brain that reduce appetite, leading to decreased calorie intake and potential weight loss over time. It also slows digestion and prolongs feelings of fullness after eating.
Some key facts about semaglutide:
Clinical trials have shown that, on average, people lose 12-15% of their body weight after a year to a year and a half on semaglutide. This amount of weight loss can have meaningful health benefits for patients.
Now available at Vista Clinic in Saint Albans, semaglutide represents an important new therapeutic option for sustained weight management in people with obesity.
Semaglutide injections may be an appropriate weight loss treatment for adults who meet the following criteria:
Semaglutide is not recommended for patients with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications - consult your Vista Clinic provider.
Overall, semaglutide is appropriate for motivated overweight/obese individuals needing extra help to lose weight beyond traditional diet and lifestyle measures. Tracking improvement in BMI and weight-related health problems over time helps determine if a patient is benefitting from treatment.
The process of starting semaglutide injections includes:
We also recommend consulting a registered dietician to develop a customized meal plan to support weight loss goals while on semaglutide. An exercise program should also be established depending on individual fitness level.
With support from our experienced clinicians, semaglutide can be a safe, effective component of a comprehensive weight management plan. Most patients tolerate the weekly injections very well.
There are many excellent reasons to consider semaglutide for chronic weight management:
In addition to supporting weight loss itself, improvements in cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes control make semaglutide worthwhile for many patients. The weekly dosing regimen also fits conveniently into most lifestyles.
Over a period of months to years, semaglutide facilitates considerable health and wellness enhancements that enhance quality of life. Support from our outstanding clinicians, dieticians, nurses, and health educators creates an optimal environment for patient success.
As with any medication, semaglutide injections can cause certain side effects including:
Rare but serious risks to monitor include:
Seek medical advice promptly for severe side effects. Taking semaglutide with food may help reduce GI issues. Staying well hydrated is also recommended.
Prior to starting treatment, patients undergo testing to ensure kidney and liver function within normal limits. Thyroid levels, family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, and history of pancreatitis are also evaluated to minimize risks.
While not entirely risk-free, semaglutide offers reasonable safety when appropriately prescribed and monitored by an experienced medical team. We carefully screen, educate, and track patients over time at Vista Clinic to promote optimal outcomes.
How does semaglutide stack up against other prescription medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Saxenda, Contrave, Qsymia, and more? Here is a brief comparative analysis:
| Medication | Mechanism | Dosing | Avg Weight Loss | Side Effects | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Weekly injection | 12-15% over 1 year | GI problems | Requires injections; higher efficacy |
| Wegovy | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Weekly injection | Similar to above | GI problems | Same drug class & effects as semaglutide |
| Saxenda | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Daily injection | 8% over 1 year | GI problems | Very similar to semaglutide |
| Ozempic | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Weekly injection | Around 8% | GI problems | Approval for diabetes but not weight loss |
| Contrave | Naltrexone bupropion | Oral tablet | 5-10% | Nausea, constipation | Easier oral dosing, lower efficacy |
| Qsymia | Phentermine topiramate | Oral capsule | 8-10% | Tingling hands and feet | Risk of birth defects; oral dosing |
As shown, semaglutide is among the most effective obesity medications for weight loss - leading to 12-15% total body mass reduction on average. It offers superior efficacy compared to Saxenda and Ozempic, the medications it is most similar to. While oral options like Contrave and Qsymia require less effort than weekly shots, our experience shows semaglutide provides vastly better odds of major weight reduction for most patients.
Discuss your personal preferences and health history with your Vista Clinic provider to determine if semaglutide or an alternate obesity treatment is the best match for your needs and lifestyle.
| Patient | Starting Weight | Current Weight | Total Loss | Story Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelle D. | 275 lb | 210 lb | 65 lb (24%) over 18 mos | "I have inflammation issues that contribute to my weight. Semaglutide helped me adopt a healthier diet and start exercising. For the first time in 15 years my knees and ankles don't constantly hurt and I have enough stamina to play outside with my kids. I feel like I got my life back thanks to the excellent support from the Vista Clinic team!" |
| John W. | 325 lb | 270 lb | 55 lb (17%) over 12 mos | "As someone with a busy job, 3 kids, and type 2 diabetes, losing weight felt impossible for years. My doctor suggested we try semaglutide injections along with working with a dietician here to improve my eating habits. I've never been great with sticking to strict plans but the appetite control benefits alone have helped immensely. For the first time in the 5 years since my diagnosis, my A1C level is almost in normal range which is truly life changing for me." |
| Robert U. | 310 lb | 245 lb | 65 lb (21%) over 14 mos | "I was skeptical about injections at first but semaglutide has given me my quality of life back. My wife and I now enjoy hiking and cycling together on the weekends instead of sitting at home. My waist is down 3 inches, shirt & pant size dropped considerably, and blood pressure medication dosage was able to be decreased." |
As demonstrated in the table above, semaglutide facilitates incredible health and wellness success stories at Vista Clinic. The experienced, compassionate care model creates an environment tailored to helping people achieve their weight loss goals.
To promote optimal semaglutide results, we provide patients with lifestyle recommendations on:
Nutrition
Physical Activity
Holistic Wellness
Making sustainable improvements to daily habits magnifies semaglutide effectiveness. Our team's holistic approach addresses all facets of health to help patients feel their best physically and mentally while losing weight.
Choosing Vista Clinic for your semaglutide injections and accompanying weight loss care offers many perks:
Our goal is to provide 5-star care that helps patients achieve sustainable weight milestones that reduce disease risks and make enjoying life easier. Contact us to learn how our smart, multifaceted obesity treatment plans lead West Virginia residents toward improved health.
Semaglutide represents a breakthrough weight loss treatment that is transforming lives at Vista Clinic. When combined with our comprehensive obesity care model involving dietary support, exercise programming, and holistic lifestyle coaching, patients are able to achieve remarkable results. The average 12-15% total body weight reduction along with benefits like improved blood sugar control and cardiovascular health markers create a ripple effect of positive impacts.
Our compassionate, experienced team works closely with each individual to customize an optimal treatment experience tailored to their unique needs. With proper education, monitoring, and encouragement, semaglutide facilitates safe, gradual progress toward sustainable weight management goals. We have witnessed countless patient success stories and are excited to help more people reclaim their health and vitality.
If you are affected by overweight, obesity, or weight-related medical issues that have been resistant to other approaches, semaglutide may be the catalyst for change you've been searching for. Contact Vista Clinic today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier future.
