Semaglutide Weight Loss: A Medical Breakthrough for Long-Term Results
If you’re struggling with weight loss despite your best efforts, you’re not alone—especially here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where lifestyle factors and metabolic conditions are on the rise. At Health Express Clinics in Lewisville, we’re seeing more patients ask about Semaglutide weight loss treatments, especially well-known GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
As a board-certified family physician with over a decade of experience treating obesity and metabolic disorders, I’ve personally witnessed how semaglutide has transformed the lives of many of my patients. But success with this medication requires more than just a prescription—it requires expert guidance, individualized care, and careful monitoring.
Let’s take a deep dive into what makes semaglutide-based medical weight loss a game-changer—and what patients need to know before starting.
What is Semaglutide and How Does It
Work?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist—a class of medications originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. It mimics a hormone your body naturally makes (GLP-1), which:
- Slows gastric emptying, so you feel full longer
- Reduces appetite by acting on hunger centers in the brain
- Improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar
These effects not only help control blood sugar but also support substantial and sustained weight loss.
“When evaluating patients for GLP-1 weight loss therapy, I always look beyond the scale. The metabolic improvements—like reduced insulin resistance and better lipid profiles—are just as important,” says Dr. Harveer Parmar.
FDA-Approved Semaglutide Options for
Weight Loss
Currently, the two semaglutide-based treatments approved for weight loss are:
1. Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg)
- Specifically FDA-approved for chronic weight management
- Once-weekly injection
- Indicated for patients with BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, sleep apnea)
2. Ozempic (semaglutide 1 mg)
- Approved for type 2 diabetes, but often used off-label for weight loss
- Also a once-weekly injection
- Frequently used in patients who have both diabetes and weight concerns
What Results Can Patients Expect?
Several peer-reviewed studies show promising outcomes:
- STEP Trials (2021–2023): Participants using semaglutide lost an average of 15–18% of body weight over 68 weeks.
- NEJM 2022 Review: Confirmed significant reductions in waist circumference, blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1c.
- JAMA 2023 Meta-Analysis: Semaglutide was more effective than other weight loss medications like phentermine-topiramate or liraglutide.
“At Health Express Clinics, many of our patients report losing 10–20 pounds within the first three months. But it’s not just about the number—it’s about regaining confidence and improving long-term health markers.”
Is Semaglutide Right for You?
At our clinic, we use the following clinical decision-making protocol:
- Full medical evaluation and lab work (A1c, thyroid panel, lipids, liver function)
- Review of previous weight loss attempts
- Screening for contraindications (e.g., history of medullary thyroid cancer, pancreatitis)
- Discussion of lifestyle readiness and expectations
Ideal candidates include:
- Adults with BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with weight-related conditions
- Individuals who have failed to lose weight with diet/exercise alone
- Patients open to long-term lifestyle changes alongside medication
Benefits and Risks of Semaglutide Weight Loss
✅ Benefits:
- Proven long-term weight loss
- Reduced cravings and portion sizes
- Improved glucose and insulin metrics
- Lower risk of cardiovascular disease
- Enhanced mobility and energy
⚠️ Potential Risks or Side Effects:
- Nausea or gastrointestinal upset (especially early in treatment)
- Possible gallbladder or pancreatic inflammation (rare)
- Cost and insurance limitations
- Potential for regain after discontinuation
“We closely monitor side effects and titrate dosing gradually to improve tolerability,” says Dr. Parmar. “Most patients feel significantly better after the first 3–4 weeks.”
Common Patient Questions (and Expert Answers)
1. How long do I need to stay on Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is typically used long-term, similar to how we treat high blood pressure or cholesterol. Weight regain is common if therapy is stopped prematurely.
2. Can I use Semaglutide if I don’t have diabetes?
Yes—Wegovy is specifically approved for non-diabetic weight loss. Ozempic may be used off-label under physician guidance.
3. Will insurance cover it?
Some plans cover Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss, especially with documentation of medical necessity. Our clinic assists with prior authorizations and appeals when necessary.
4. Can I keep the weight off after stopping the medication?
Possibly—but you’ll need a strong foundation of healthy habits. We provide long-term coaching, including nutrition, fitness, and behavioral support.
5. Is this safe for older adults or those with other chronic conditions?
Yes, with proper screening. We regularly prescribe semaglutide for patients in their 50s and 60s, often with comorbidities like hypertension or sleep apnea.
GLP-1 Medications vs. Other Weight Loss Treatments
|
Treatment |
Mechanism |
Avg. Weight Loss |
FDA Approved for Weight? |
|
Semaglutide (Wegovy) |
GLP-1 receptor agonist |
15-18% |
✅ Yes |
|
Phentermine-Topiramate |
Appetite suppressant/antiepileptic |
8–10% |
✅ Yes |
|
Liraglutide (Saxenda) |
Daily GLP-1 injection |
5–7% |
✅ Yes |
|
Bupropion-Naltrexone |
Neurotransmitter modulator |
5–9% |
✅ Yes |
|
Over-the-counter pills |
Stimulants/fillers |
<3% |
❌ No |
Local Trends in Medical Weight Loss
(Dallas-Fort Worth Area)
- According to Texas Health Data (2023), over 33% of adults in Denton County are classified as obese.
- Sedentary lifestyles, long commutes, and access to high-calorie convenience foods contribute to the challenge.
- At our Lewisville location, we’ve seen a 30% rise in weight loss consults in the past year alone—much of it driven by public awareness of semaglutide.
How Health Express Clinics Approaches
Semaglutide Weight Loss
Here’s what makes our protocol unique:
- Board-certified physician supervision (Dr. Parmar personally evaluates all GLP-1 candidates)
- In-house lab testing for rapid diagnosis
- Insurance navigation support
- Ongoing monitoring: weight, blood sugar, GI symptoms
- Lifestyle coaching included in our medical weight loss program
- Customized titration schedules to reduce nausea and improve compliance
“When patients walk into our clinic, they’re not just getting a prescription—they’re getting a partner in their health journey.”
When Should You Seek Help or a
Second Opinion?
Patients should schedule a consultation if they:
- Are unsure whether semaglutide is appropriate
- Have tried multiple diets without success
- Have coexisting conditions like diabetes, PCOS, or metabolic syndrome
- Experience unexplained weight gain despite exercise and calorie control
Seek emergency care if:
- Severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis)
- Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration
- Allergic reactions to the injection
Limitations of Current Medical Knowledge
While GLP-1 medications like semaglutide are effective, we’re still learning about:
- Long-term effects beyond 2–3 years
- Optimal duration of treatment
- Best strategies for weight maintenance after discontinuation
“We don’t have all the answers yet—but we do have powerful tools and a growing body of data that gives us a solid starting point,” notes Dr. Parmar.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
If you’re considering medical weight loss with semaglutide, the first step is an expert consultation. At Health Express Clinics in Lewisville, we take a comprehensive, personalized approach to your care.
Whether it’s Wegovy, Ozempic, or a combination of diet, exercise, and medication, we’ll help you find the right path forward.
👉 Ready to reclaim your health?
Schedule a weight loss consultation with Dr. Harveer Parmar today.
📍 Conveniently located in Lewisville, serving Carrollton, Denton, and the entire DFW area.