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Washington, D.C. Plastic Surgeon

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Christopher Chang MD

ALosing weight is rarely easy. Not only does junk food tend to be delicious, but many of us turn to overeating when we’re stressed, anxious, or depressed. Plus, even if you manage to maintain a healthy diet and a consistent exercise routine, you may still not see the results that you’d like.

Fortunately, if you’re obese or overweight, you may be able to get some help shedding your extra weight and achieving the slimmer, more proportionate figure that you desire. If you’re ready to start seeing better results on your weight loss journey, you may want to try Semaglutide.


What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is an injectable medication prescribed to aid in weight loss as well as the management of type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide is the generic name and active ingredient for brands like Ozempic and Wegovy. The popular medication is primarily prescribed to individuals who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related medical condition.

How does Semaglutide work?

Semaglutide is part of a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. This means that when the medication is injected into the body, it mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which is released in the gastrointestinal tract when we eat.

Semaglutide targets the areas of the brain that are responsible for regulating the appetite and making us feel like we’re full. This allows the medication to function as a powerful appetite suppressant, which makes it much easier for the patient to avoid overeating and keep their calorie intake low. Over time, this helps with weight management and weight loss. It’s also important to note that for optimal results, Semaglutide is meant to be combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine.

In addition to suppressing the appetite, Semaglutide works to increase insulin production and keep blood sugar levels down. For these reasons, it’s regularly prescribed to patients dealing with type 2 diabetes.

Benefits of Semaglutide

For individuals who are struggling with weight loss, Semaglutide can provide several significant benefits. The primary benefits of the medication include:

  • Decreasing the appetite to prevent overeating
  • Helping to eliminate excess body fat
  • Improved bodily proportions
  • Makes you feel full more often
  • Reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack
  • Helps to lower blood pressure
  • Improved mobility and athletic performance
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Improved mood
  • Better sleep
  • Lowers blood sugar levels

What Is the Process for Taking Semaglutide?

If you’re interested in taking Semaglutide for weight management, the first step will be to sit down for a consultation with Dr. Chang. During this meeting, he will discuss the medication with you and ask you about what you’re hoping to achieve by taking it. He’ll also want to know about any weight-related medical conditions that you may be experiencing. Additionally, Dr. Chang will answer any questions you have about Semaglutide or the treatment process. If you and the doctor decide to move forward with the treatment, he will get you set up with a Semaglutide prescription and show you how to properly inject it.

Typically, you will be instructed to inject yourself with Semaglutide once per week. The medication should be injected into the skin of your upper arm, stomach, or thigh, and you should rotate the injection site every week. Make sure that you closely follow Dr. Chang’s instructions and the directions on the packaging when using the medication.

Am I a Candidate for Semaglutide?

Adults who would like assistance in their weight loss journeys could be good candidates for Semaglutide medication. To be an ideal candidate for the treatment, you should:

  • Be obese or overweight with at least one weight-related medical condition
  • Have a BMI of at least 27 (with weight-related conditions) or 30
  • Be able and willing to maintain a healthy lifestyle
  • Have realistic expectations for the treatment
  • Have the desire to control your overeating and lose weight

What Are the Side Effects of Semaglutide?

Before taking Semaglutide, it’s important to understand that the medication can cause certain side effects in some patients. The most common side effects of Semaglutide include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Burping
  • Heartburn
  • Bloating
  • Dizziness

If you encounter any side effects that seem severe or unusual while taking Semaglutide, it’s important that you check in with Dr. Chang or seek medical attention immediately.

Why Choose Dr. Chang for Your Semaglutide Treatment?

Dr. Christopher C. Chang is a highly skilled and respected plastic surgeon who takes pride in his patient-centric approach to aesthetic care. When you choose Dr. Chang to guide you through your Semaglutide treatment, he’ll take the time to get to know you, understand your unique needs, and provide you with the best possible experience. He’ll work closely with you to ensure that your weight loss journey goes smoothly and yields the life-changing results that you crave. If you’d like to learn more or schedule a consultation, contact our office today.

Semaglutide FAQs

How much weight can you lose with Semaglutide?

In clinical studies with patients taking Semaglutide for 68 weeks, half of the participants lost approximately 15% of their body weight, and some individuals lost around 20%.

How long will it take to start losing weight?

Some patients start to notice weight loss after taking Semaglutide for around four weeks, but it may take up to 8 to 12 weeks to start seeing significant results.

Can you take Semaglutide while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Currently, there’s limited information available on the consequences of taking Semaglutide while pregnant or breastfeeding. Until more data becomes available, it’s best to avoid taking the medication until after you’ve had your child and finished nursing.

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