GLP-1 for Weight Loss In Miami
If you’ve heard about GLP-1 medication, you probably know how effective it is for weight loss. First used to lower blood sugar in diabetic patients, it was soon discovered that these individuals also lost weight and benefited from lower blood pressure.
Today, GLP-1 medication is a popular option for shedding unwanted pounds. Careaga Plastic Surgery incorporates GLP-1 medication into many of our weight loss programs.
Why Choose Careaga Plastic Surgery for Weight Loss With GLP-1 Medication?
Careaga Plastic Surgery stays at the forefront of emerging treatments and technology. We are committed to helping individuals in Miami, Florida, lose weight, look great, and reach their cosmetic goals with various treatments available to help with weight loss.
We are proud to add GLP-1 medication for weight loss to our wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments. If you need help losing weight before a surgical procedure or simply want to be healthier, call us at (305) 960-7511 to learn more.
What Are the Benefits of GLP-1 for Weight Loss?
Significant Weight Loss
Studies show that patients taking GLP-1 medication lost six times more weight than those who were given a placebo.
In clinical trials, GLP-1 medication also reduced waist size, proving it is effective for stubborn abdominal fat.
As a safer and more effective way to lose weight, those experiencing obesity now have a better option to regain their health and restore their figure.
Lower Blood Pressure
In addition to weight loss, when taken as a weekly injection, GLP-1 medication can help lower blood pressure and the following associated risks:
- Heart problems
- Stroke and aneurysm
- Kidney disease
- Vision problems
- Metabolic syndrome.
- Dementia
Cardiovascular Health
Physicians treating patients at higher risk for cardiovascular events often prescribe GLP-1 injections.
This preference is due to its positive influence on blood pressure and its other protective features, such as blood sugar regulation, lower cholesterol, and reduced side effects compared to other weight loss medications.
How Does GLP-1 Medication Work?
GLP-1 for weight loss is available as weekly injections.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite by regulating β-cell proliferative and anti-apoptotic pathways, proinsulin gene expression, and glucose-dependent insulin production.
Semaglutide also inhibits the release of sugars by the liver and delays gastric emptying.
As the most potent GLP-1’s, semaglutide has proven highly effective in treating type-2 diabetes and obesity.
GLP-1 Medication and Your Body
GLP-1 medication works in many ways to regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss:
- Reduces high blood sugar by encouraging the pancreas to produce insulin
- Reduces the amount of sugar your liver makes and releases.
- Works to curb your appetite
- Makes you stay full longer by delaying gastric emptying (when the contents of your stomach move into your intestines)
- GLP-1 receptors are found in the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that dictates hunger and appetite), making it easier to eat less
GLP-1 Dosage
GLP-1 medication works best when combined with a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise). Your dosage is increased gradually every four to seven days until your target dose is reached.
Have Other Concerns About GLP-1 Medications?
Is GLP-1 Medication a Stimulant?
GLP-1 medication contains no stimulants and is a much safer weight loss option than medications like phentermine, which have stimulating and sometimes uncomfortable side effects.
Is GLP-1 Medication a Type of Insulin?
GLP-1 medication is not a form of insulin, but it encourages insulin release when blood sugar levels rise.
GLP-1 medication is not effective for type-1 diabetes because it works with and relies on the ability of the pancreas to make insulin, which is impaired in this disease.
How Safe Is GLP-1 Medication?
GLP-1 medication has been deemed safe and effective when used as directed by the FDA. However, like all medications, GLP-1s are associated with some risk of side effects, which are listed on their FDA-approved labeling.
How Much Does GLP-1 for Weight Loss Cost in Miami?
GLP-1 for weight loss is effective; however, when chosen for weight loss, it is often not covered by insurance. Our Careaga Plastic Surgery patient coordinator will explain your payment and financing options after your consultation.
GLP-1 Frequently Asked Questions
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Weight loss will be slow initially, but it will gradually increase as your dose does. Slowly increasing the dose is the best way to maximize your weight loss with GLP-1 medication. Starting with a higher dose or increasing it too fast can hinder your progress.
GLP-1 for weight loss is a healthy way to lose weight, and no crash diets or extreme measures are necessary. It takes time, but you could lose 30 pounds or more by the end of your first year. Closely following the instructions given by Careaga Plastic Surgery and the prescription label’s directions is essential during treatment with GLP-1 medication.
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If you want to lose weight and have a BMI of at least 30 or 27 with one or more weight-related health issues, you may be a good candidate for GLP-1 medication.
Talk to our team about any oral medications you take, as slower digestion can impact the amount of medicine your body absorbs. Let us know if you plan to start or continue any other weight-loss medications or supplements.
If you have a family history of thyroid cancer, you may not be a good candidate for GLP-1 medication as it may increase your risk of some thyroid malignancies.
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The consumption of the following should be avoided or limited while on a GLP-1 medication for weight loss:
- Alcohol (especially if you have diabetes).
- Greasy food.
- Sweet (sugary) foods and beverages
- Refined (processed) carbohydrate-rich foods
- Vegetables and fruits high in sugar
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The most common side effects of GLP-1 medication include:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
How Can I Learn More About GLP-1 Medication for Weight Loss in Miami, FL?
Call Careaga Plastic Surgery at (305) 960-7511 to schedule a GLP-1 for weight loss consultation.
In the meantime, check out our other services if you are interested in any of our surgical face, breast, body, or non-surgical treatments.