Losing Weight Without the Expensive Name-Brand Meds
Semaglutide, found in Wegovy®, Ozempic® and other diabetes and weight-loss medications, is a synthetic medication that mimics the effects of a naturally-occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is released in the stomach after eating and helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.
The medication works in three ways:
- Appetite regulation: Semaglutide helps regulate appetite by acting on the brain’s hunger centers. It promotes a feeling of satiety, reducing overall food consumption.
- Slowed gastric emptying: Semaglutide can slow down the emptying of the stomach, leading to a prolonged feeling of fullness and reduced food intake.
- Caloric expenditure: Some studies suggest that semaglutide may increase energy expenditure, contributing to weight loss.
People have lost up to 15% of their body weight (on average) taking a semaglutide. They find “food noise” is reduced, they are less hungry and their blood sugar is easier to manage.
These medications are very popular because of these impressive results. But semaglutide can be quite expensive, especially if you don’t have insurance or decide to take it long-term.
A more accessible and affordable alternative
A more affordable weight-loss approach we offer at Everglow Medical Spa in Cincinnati is compounded semaglutide, given through injections. These medications contain the same active ingredient and work similarly to Ozempic® and Wegovy®.
The most noticeable difference is that compounded semaglutide injections come in a vial, and the user must measure each dose, while name brands come in an autopen with premeasured dosages.
However, there are several advantages.
The advantages of compounded semaglutide include:
- Easier access. It can be easier to get compounded semaglutide at Everglow than a brand-name semaglutide at your primary care physician’s office.
- More widely available. Brand-name semaglutide is often in short supply, while compounded semaglutide is not.
- Lower cost. Compounded semaglutide is usually less expensive than a doctor’s prescription to Wegovy or Ozempic.
What is compounded semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide, also known as compounded GLP-1, is a medication prescribed for weight loss. It shares the same active ingredient as Wegovy® and Ozempic®.
These medications mimic hormones that control appetite and digestion, potentially aiding in weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.
Each compounded semaglutide dose is customized for the individual by a state-licensed and FDA-registered compounding pharmacy. The medication is self-injected once a week.
People may take compounded semaglutide instead of a brand-name version when it’s unavailable, when they are allergic to ingredients in brand-name products, or when these don’t meet their needs.
It can be taken as a liquid if that is easier for the patient.
Keeping our compounded semaglutide patients safe
To ensure your Everglow Medical Spa compounded semaglutide is safe, we only obtain it from one trusted, licensed pharmacy, which is registered with the FDA.
Our compounded semaglutide is only provided to patients through a prescription from our in-house physician, board-certified in obesity medicine.
Before prescribing it, we meet with the patient considering compounded semaglutide to determine its appropriateness to their circumstances.
Once the medication is prescribed, we take special care to make sure the patient understands how to measure and administer their medication properly. And we follow up frequently to track side effects and results.
Many of our patients have had excellent results with our compounded semaglutide, and we are always happy to provide references.
How to learn more
If you are interested in exploring affordable weight loss in the greater Cincinnati area, please reach out via our website or by phone. At your consultation, we will answer any questions you have about compounded semaglutide.