When diets fail, one may ask, “Why?” Why can’t they have just enough calories to maintain a healthy weight? According to studies, obesity shapes brain activity in a way that makes it harder to feel satiety.
While lean individuals’ brains signal to their bodies that they have had enough nutrients and are full, the same brain signals are dulled in obese individuals, which makes it hard to maintain a healthy diet without constant monitoring.
At Soulage Wellness & Aesthetic Center in Bastrop, Texas, Dr. Pompeyo Chavez understands that some people may need help losing those extra pounds. Excess weight doesn’t only make it hard to find stylish clothes that fit, it can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and many others. As a consequence, they treat obesity for what it is: a metabolic disease, not a consequence of poor impulse control. Read on to find out how a new drug, semaglutide, can be a game-changer for those struggling to lose weight.
Semaglutide was initially used for more than a decade for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It keeps blood sugar levels low by increasing insulin levels.
However, it has an interesting side effect. Remember the previous mention that people with excess weight have issues with their fullness signals coming from the brain? Semaglutide does just that. It makes your brain send the signal that you are full and you should stop eating. In other words, it’s a very effective appetite suppressant.
In addition, it also slows down the rate at which your stomach empties, making you feel full for longer.
There are no hard rules for who benefits from semaglutide. Your medical provider will take a look at your body mass index and let you know whether you are a good candidate for it.
Good candidates usually have a body mass index above 27 and are in generally good health, but are at risk for developing chronic conditions unless the excess fat isn’t kept under control.
However, some underlying conditions may prevent you from receiving this treatment, which include:
In addition, semaglutide is shown to slightly increase the risk of depression and anxiety, which can become problematic if you are already diagnosed with depression or anxiety.
Semaglutide is given via injections, usually on a weekly basis. Studies suggest that semaglutide can lead to a 5% reduction in body fat after just one month of use, with the numbers going up to 8% after the second month. If you are considering it, contact us to schedule an appointment. Our experts will let you know if you are a good candidate for it.
