GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss Injections

WHAT ARE GLP-1 AGONISTS?

GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications most commonly used to help manage blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Some GLP-1 agonists, like the ones used in Skin Artisan’s medical weight loss program, can also be used to treat obesity and help patients lose stubborn, excess body weight. When used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, clean eating, and positive eating behaviors and habits, GLP-1 agonists can lead to significant weight loss. At Skin Artisans, your GLP-1 medical weight loss program is completely personalized based on your current weight and overseen by our Hormone Optimization and Medical Weight Loss Specialist, Rachel Snyder, APRN, CNP, ensuring that your unique needs are met.

Rachel Snyder, APRN, CNP

HOW DO GLP-1 AGONISTS WORK FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

To understand how GLP-1 agonist medications like Semaglutide work for weight loss, it’s essential to first understand how the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone works in your body.

GLP-1 is a hormone secreted by your small intestine. It has several roles in the body, including:
Triggering the release of insulin from your pancreas, which allows you to use the food you consume for energy. In doing this, GLP-1 lowers the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. That’s why GLP-1 medications are commonly used in the treatment of diabetes.

Blocking the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that raises your body’s blood sugar levels when necessary.

Slowing the rate at which food empties from your stomach. This action decreases the amount of glucose entering your bloodstream from the food you consume.

In essence, GLP-1 agonist medications work by mimicking the actions of your body’s GLP-1 hormone! In doing so, patients find that their appetite significantly decreases, they consume less food, and they lose weight without feeling hungry. When patients combine GLP-1 agonist medications with a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a heathy diet, they can expect to steadily lose about one pound per week. This is why Skin Artisan’s Medical Weight Loss program includes the guidance of Rachel Snyder, APRN, CNP, who helps patients modify their behaviors and habits surrounding food and provides insight into other lifestyle changes that will enhance your weight loss results!

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR GLP-1 AGONIST-BASED WEIGHT LOSS?

If you are currently obese (BMI of 30 or higher), overweight (BMI of 25 or higher), or have consistently struggled with your weight and have hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol as a result, you may be a good candidate for this method of weight loss therapy. In addition, if you prefer a medically-supervised program that prioritizes behavioral changes and requires you to be accountable and committed to lifestyle change, the Skin Artisans program is for you!

WHAT IS SEMAGLUTIDE?

Semaglutide is an injectable GLP-1 agonist medication that is administered once a week. Over time, it slows down the speed at which food leaves your stomach, causing you to feel full sooner and longer. As your appetite decreases, so does the amount of food you eat, resulting in weight loss.

Semaglutide is the generic version of Ozempic®. It is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Semaglutide boosts insulin secretion and inhibits the release of glucagon, the hormone responsible for spiking glucose levels after we consume food. Over time, Semaglutide helps regulate both appetite and glucose metabolism, allowing patients to decrease their calorie consumption and lose weight without feeling hungry.

 

WHAT IS THE PROCESS AT SKIN ARTISANS TO GET STARTED WITH THE GLP-1 MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM?

Step #1 – Your journey begins with an initial consultation with Rachel Snyder, APRN, CNP

A consultation with Nurse Practitioner Rachel Snyder is required before beginning Skin Artisan’s medical weight loss program. During this consultation, you will discuss your current challenges and goals with Rachel to determine if you are a good candidate for GLP-1 agonist medications. She will also go over all contraindications for treatment and make recommendations regarding lifestyle and eating behaviors that may enhance your results.

Some labs, or blood work, may also be performed at this consultation to ensure you are a safe candidate for GLP-1 medical weight loss. Or, you can submit these values from your last annual physicial.

Step #2 – Receive Your Personalized Treatment Plan & Instructions

At this appointment, you will review any pertinent lab values and receive one-on-one instructions on how to draw up your medication and inject it each week. Your medication will then be ordered and delivered to your home within one week.

Step #3 – Begin Your GLP-1 Weight Loss Journey!

Each week, you will inject yourself on the same day and time (or close to it) with Semaglutide. Injection sites must be shifted each week to avoid skin irritation between the abdomen, upper thigh, or the backs of the upper arms. Although some patients begin to notice accelerated weight loss within the first month, it may take up to 12 weeks of regular use to start seeing significant results. Everyone’s body is unique and will adapt to the medication at different rates.

Each month, you will have an in-person or virtual consultation with Rachel to track and monitor your progress and discuss any questions. We find that patients who accompany their GLP-1 Weight Loss Program with a healthy diet and exercise regimen greatly enhance their overall results.

WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT WITH GLP-1 MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS?

When combined with a healthy lifestyle, most patients can expect to lose about one pound per week with the Skin Artisans GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss program. You will work closely with Rachel Snyder, APRN, CNP, to adjust your dosing as needed to facilitate weight loss and avoid plateaus.
In clinical trials, patients treated with Semaglutide lost an average of 12.4%—17.8% more body weight than the placebo group over the course of a year.

ARE THERE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO GLP-1 WEIGHT LOSS?

YES! Many of our patients who lose weight with GLP-1 agonists also report the following benefits:

• Lowered blood pressure
• Improved blood sugar levels
• Improved cholesterol panel
• Heightened energy
• Improved mood
• Better sleep
• Decreased joint pain
• Improved body composition
• Enhanced focus
• Feeling more in control of their relationship with food

If you are a resident of the Twin Cities or surrounding communities and are interested in learning more about Skin Artisan’s GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss program, please schedule a complimentary consultation with Rachel Snyder, APRN, CNP, by calling our Plymouth office (952) 522-3907.