Weight Loss

Why is Weight Control Important?

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health and longevity. Studies show that controlling weight, eating fewer calories, cutting back on sugar, and even doing some types of fasting can help people live longer by lowering inflammation and supporting healthy cellular function. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and heart problems by making the body less sensitive to insulin and results in a shortened lifespan. You can manage your weight by eating healthy foods, getting regular exercise, and staying active with sports or fun physical activities. For people who need extra help, there are new medications like GLP-1 drugs (such as Ozempic or Wegovy) that help control appetite, improve blood sugar, and promote steady, sustainable weight loss under the guidance of a doctor.

GLP-1 Agonsits: A Breakthrough in Medicine

The class of medications called GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide, terzepatide, ozempic or wegovy, represents a real breakthrough in medicine. Initially developed for the treatment of diabetes, these medications were soon found to be effective for treating obesity as well.

When combined with lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, patients can safely lose weight. The side effects are generally minor and manageable. It is essential that these medications are administered under the supervision of an experienced physician to ensure proper dosage and prompt identification and treatment of side effects.

How is the medication given?

The medication is administered as an easy once a week injection into the skin. It can be given either in the office or at home if the patient is comfortable doing so. Periodically, the dose is slowly increased until the desired weight loss is acheived.

Meet Dr. Nick Sadeghi

“The mission of my Regenerative Clinic is to help you feel better, look better, and
maximize your lifespan – feeling as youthful, healthy and active as possible, for as long
as possible.”

If you’re over 35 and feeling tired, gaining weight, losing motivation, struggling in the
gym or watching your libido disappear – you’re not crazy. You’re not weak. And you’re
definitely not alone.

I felt it too.

Using the latest in advanced regenerative and longevity medicine, my practice aims
to treat injuries and roll back time. Our core treatments optimizing natural
processes that occur in our bodies with Hormone Replacement, NAD, Stem Cell
Therapy, Platelet-Rich-Plasma, Peptides, Tenex and other modern treatments.

Dr. Nick Sadeghi

What are the side effects?

The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting and acid reflux which typically occur at higher doses. Rarely a condition called pancreatitis may occur. To prevent these issues, we always start with the lowest dose and gradually increase it while monitoring the patient to ensure no side effects develop. If side effects occur, we can easily treat them and simply reduce the dose back to a tolerable level.

Are there any long-term side effects?

Before any drug can be approved by the FDA it must undergo years of clinical trials. GLP-1 agonists have been studied since the 1970’s, with the first drug released in 1998 for treatment of diabetes. Semaglutide (Ozempic) began clinical trials in 2008, was approved in 2017 for diabetes treatment, and in 2021 for obesity treatment. Although certain patients are screened out due to contraindications, these medications have been proven to be very safe with no significant long-term effects.

I’ve heard about people taking the medicine and they look like they are wasting away?

When the body loses weight, it does so in a specific order: carbohydrates are used first, followed by the burning of fat. If fat stores are depleted, the body starts breaking down muscle and protein for energy, and the person may look like they are wasting away. To avoid this, follow these guidelines:

The medication should be used only by individuals who truly need to lose extra weight.
It should be part of a comprehensive weight loss program that includes a proper diet and regular exercise, especially resistance training, to maintain muscle strength.
Set a target weight goal and stop the medication once you reach it.

What do these medications cost?

Brand name GLP-1 medications can be covered by your insurance if you meet qualifications for the treatment. If not they can be very expensive. Alternatively, these medications can be made by compounding pharmacies that meet FDA criteria for use. Compounded GLP-1 medications are more affordable and accessible to most people. You may be tempted to purchase the cheapest medications from online services but remember that there is rarely a physician on the other end of the phone to help guide you with the medication. Also, some online sellers may not be sourcing the medication from a reputable manufacturer. The decision to start these medications should be made with input from an experienced physician that obtains the medication from a reputable pharmacy

Conclusion:

Controlling your weight, exercise and avoiding sugar are powerful ways to improve your health and extend your lifespan. The strategy to lose weight should be a true lifestyle change which include changing diet and exercising regularly. When needed, GLP-1 medications are powerful agents to aid in weight loss. As a patient it is important to remember a few things: GLP-1 should be part of a comprehensive weight control program, make sure you work with an experience physician, and remember that the weight loss journey is not a sprint but a marathon.