Why is weight loss important?
There are many health risks associated with an increased BMI or percent body fat. We are a wellness center and we aim to improve your overall health and wellbeing as well as enhancing your natural beauty.
According to the e Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 73.6% of adults over age 20 are overweight. 41.9% of those people are considered obese.
There is also a subset this unhealthy body state known as “skinny” fat, where the individual has a lower BMI than what is considered overweight but has a higher percent body fat. This “skinny” fat is also known as visceral fat, which is when extra fat is carried in the abdomen. Having increased visceral fat had been shown to decrease life expectancy.
Chronic illnesses associated with being overweight orobese include:
- Coronary artery disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol (includes triglycerides which contribute to plaque in the arteries)
- Fatty liver disease
- Certain cancers
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Endocrine disorders, including Insulin Resistance
- Alzheimer’s and/or dementia
- Mood disorders
- Back and joint pain
What is our approach here at Soulage?
At Soulage we have created a program that integrates Semaglutide and B12 injections weekly in combination with our Ideal Protein Program. Our program is 2-6 months and includes a consultation with a provider, initial and final blood work, weekly injections (semaglutide and B12) administered by a provider, weekly weight-ins, weekly measurements, food provided by the Ideal Protein Program, weekly health coaching and education on how to sustain results with balanced nutrition.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide mimics a naturally occurring peptide in the body that helps with food cravings, appetite suppression, and overall blood sugar control.
Semaglutide is currently FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved for chronic weight management. It was originally approved for the treatment of type-2 diabetes in 2017. After research and data supported the efficacy with the management of weight loss it was approved in 2021 for this indication under the brand name Wegovy.
We currently do not prescribe the brand name semaglutide and instead use a specialized compounding pharmacy in order to titrate the dosing to fit the needs of our clients.
Is it a stimulant?
Semaglutide is not a stimulant, it is a GLP-1 which is a small protein that targets fat cells and reduces hunger. It works by increasing blood sugar metabolism and decreasing appetite. Side effects do not include feeling jittery, anxious, or nervous such as with a stimulant.
What are the possible Side effects of semaglutide?
The most common side effects include nausea or GI upset. This is exacerbated with increased intake of sugary, fatty or fried foods. Following our macronutrient diet (Ideal Protein) as well as the added B12 injection will help mitigate these symptoms.
Contraindications?
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- Type-1 diabetes (an auto-immune condition)
- MEN – multiple endocrine neoplasia
- Pancreatitis
- Decreased kidney function
How long do you recommend staying on the treatment?
Depending on the amount of weight you would like to loose will indicate the length of the program. If you need to lose more than about 20Lbs you may need to remain on semaglutide for a minimum of 4 months. Individual results will vary based on diet, exercise, genetics and compliance.