Reviewed By Blake Gilliam, CRNP
Reading Time: 4 minutes
You’ve likely heard about semaglutide and its potential for weight loss. But does it specifically target belly fat? This treatment is helping people shed excess weight, improve their overall health, and regain confidence.
In this blog, we explain how semaglutide works and what you can expect from this weight loss treatment.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Semaglutide can help reduce belly fat as part of a broader weight loss strategy. By reducing appetite and regulating blood sugar levels, this treatment supports overall weight loss, including the reduction of belly fat. For best results, combine semaglutide with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Understanding Semaglutide
Semaglutide works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). GLP-1 plays a key role in regulating appetite, blood sugar levels, and digestion. Here’s how semaglutide helps in weight loss:
- Reduces appetite: Semaglutide signals your brain to feel full, reducing food cravings and helping you eat less. This effect is especially helpful in controlling calorie intake, which is important for weight loss.
- Slows down digestion: The medication slows down the rate at which your stomach empties, which prolongs feelings of fullness after meals. This helps prevent overeating.
- Regulates blood sugar levels: Semaglutide keeps blood sugar levels steady by boosting insulin release during meals and lowering glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. This is especially helpful for those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
- Supports fat loss: Through these combined effects, semaglutide helps reduce overall body weight, including stubborn areas like belly fat. Over time, this can lead to improvements in body composition, with a decrease in body fat and an increase in lean body mass.
Research indicates that patients using semaglutide have experienced an average weight loss of 15-20% of their baseline body weight, leading to substantial improvements in overall health.
If you are currently taking semaglutide and are not seeing the results you hoped for, read Why Am I Not Losing Weight on Semaglutide to learn possible reasons why.
What to Expect from Semaglutide Treatment
When starting the treatment, you can expect an initial period of adjustment as your body adapts to the medication. This once-weekly injection works gradually, leading to average weight loss over time.
Common Side Effects
As with any medication, there may be some side effects. Common side effects of semaglutide include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
These side effects are usually mild and tend to decrease as your body gets used to the medication. It’s important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider, who can adjust your dosage or suggest ways to manage side effects.
Role of Diet and Exercise
Semaglutide can facilitate weight loss effectively, but it is essential to combine this treatment with a healthy diet and regular exercise for optimal results. Here are some considerations for integrating diet and exercise into your weight loss journey:
- Healthy diet: Focus on a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reducing processed foods and sugars can help manage your calorie intake and support weight loss.
- Regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week. Strength training is also beneficial, as it can help increase lean body mass, thereby boosting metabolism and promoting fat loss.
- Monitor progress: Regularly track your body composition and weight loss goals. Many find it useful to maintain a food diary or use mobile apps to keep an eye on their dietary habits.
Are You the Right Candidate for Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is recommended for people with obesity or those who have struggled with weight gain despite efforts with diet and exercise. It may also be suitable for patients with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, or insulin resistance.
However, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider to determine if this treatment is right for you, especially if you have a health condition like kidney disease or heart disease.
A Holistic Approach to Weight Management
We believe in a holistic approach to weight management. Semaglutide is an effective tool for weight loss, but combining it with lifestyle changes ensures long-term success. Our team will guide you through every step of your weight loss journey, offering personalized advice and support.
Partner with Madison Integrative Medicine
Madison Integrative Medicine is your partner in achieving long-term weight management. We provide comprehensive care that includes semaglutide treatment, dietary guidance, and personalized exercise plans to help you reach your weight loss goals.
Our approach addresses not just weight loss but overall health, reducing your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and other chronic diseases. Our experienced practitioner Blake Gilliam, CRNP, has extensive experience in weight management and can help you on your weight loss journey.
If you are searching for ‘weight loss treatment in Madison, AL’ we can help! Call (256) 325-0955 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.
