Semgalutide for Weight Loss in 2025

With 2025 on the horizon, it’s time for those resolutions to start, and one of the most common ones is weight loss.  Most weight loss programs these days include medications either with semaglutide (GLP-1) injections or oral medications such as metformin or phentermine and topiramate. Whether it’s large national programs or smaller emerging solutions, everyone seems to be jumping on the medication bandwagon. More evidence has emerged that medications are not only extremely helpful but also necessary for some individuals to achieve their weight loss goals, and the health benefits of such medications as GLP-1s only keep on coming.

Semaglutide weight loss programs come in different shapes and sizes, so you have to look closely if you choose to join a program to lose weight. You can do it all remotely via telemedicine, where all your interactions are online. Or you can choose to have an in-person interaction as you go on your journey. Your choice of program is important, both in terms of safety and effectiveness.

Let’s look at the differences of each program as well as the risks and benefits. First we need to understand what medication we are talking about here – semaglutide.

Semaglutide – Injectable Hero

Semaglutide is a medication initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes but has gained FDA approval for chronic weight management. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s for short), which mimic a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels.

What to know about semaglutide for weight loss:

• Mechanism of Action:

  • Increases feelings of fullness by slowing stomach emptying.
  • Reduces appetite and calorie intake.
  • Improves blood sugar control by enhancing insulin sensitivity and decreasing glucose production.

• Popular Brand Names:

  • Wegovy: Approved specifically for weight loss.
  • Ozempic: Commonly used for diabetes management but prescribed off-label for weight loss in some cases.

Benefits of Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Semaglutide offers a scientifically backed approach to weight management.

• Effective Weight Loss: Clinical trials show that patients can lose an average of 15% of their body weight when combined with lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and exercise.
• Improves Metabolic Health: Beyond weight loss, semaglutide helps lower blood sugar levels, reduce insulin resistance, and improve cardiovascular risk factors.
• Supports Sustainable Change: By curbing hunger and helping individuals make healthier food choices, it promotes lasting lifestyle changes rather than short-term fixes.

Who is a Candidate for Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s designed for individuals who meet specific criteria:

1. Body Mass Index (BMI) Criteria:
   • BMI of 30 or higher (clinically obese).
   • BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related health condition such as:
     • Hypertension (high blood pressure).
     • Type 2 diabetes.
     • Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol).
2. Commitment to Lifestyle Changes:
   • Semaglutide works best when combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and behavioral changes.
3. Medical Clearance:
   • Individuals must undergo a medical evaluation to ensure there are no contraindications (e.g., history of pancreatitis, thyroid issues, or certain types of cancer).

Risks and Side Effects

While semaglutide for weight loss is highly effective, it’s not without potential side effects.

• Common Side Effects:
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation (typically improve over time).
  • Decreased appetite or fatigue.
• Serious Risks (rare):
  • Pancreatitis.
  • Gallbladder issues, such as gallstones.
  • Possible thyroid tumor risk (seen in animal studies).
• The Importance of Medical Supervision:
  • Proper oversight ensures side effects are managed promptly and safely.

Weight Loss Programs: A Comparison

Personalized In-Person Weight Loss Program (Run by an MD)

When you are a client of an in-person weight loss program that is run by a physician, such as our semaglutide weight loss program at Intentional Self Aesthetics, you are receiving personalized care all the way. What does that mean? It means that you start with a comprehensive medical evaluation, including in-depth labs and health history. Physicians are experienced with treating the whole person, customizing treatment plans and monitoring patients based on their individual needs. Physicians also have the clinical judgement needed to assess when something needs to be altered or modified, and make sure that your clinical course is corrected and goes smoothly.

A physician-run weight loss program, such as the semaglutide weight loss program at Intentional Self Aesthetics, incorporates the four pillars of weight loss: Nutrition, Behavior, Movement and Medication. Like four legs of a table, all are equally important.  Clients in the semaglutide weight loss program at Intentional Self Aesthetics are accountable to our Medical Director for all four pillars.

Through our weight loss program at Intentional Self Aesthetics, our clients have access to a physician as their primary provider for semaglutide and other medications associated with weight loss. Our clients undergo screening by medical history and through laboratory testing and all side effects and complications of any medications are immediately addressed by a physician that they know and trust.  It is this ongoing continuous relationship that helps our clients succeed in achieving their wellness goals.

Telemedicine Company (Non-MD Providers)

Unlike in-person weight loss programs, telemedicine programs have had recent popularity due to the convenience of the internet. In this model, online consultations with providers can take place in the comfort of ones’ own home. While some providers may be physicians, it is not always the case, and there can be inconsistencies in service.  There may also be limitations in the review of a patient’s medical history, with an over-reliance on patient self-reporting.  More importantly, when there are medication side effects or any medical complications, these may not be addressed as swiftly as would be with an in-person provider, which can be a concern.

Why Our Program Works

Choosing what semaglutide weight loss program is right for you is a personal decision. Depending on your medical history and possible underlying conditions, you may need a more thorough evaluation by an in-person provider than an online telemedicine company can provide. If you require more ongoing support beyond just medication, such as an accountability partner or coach, an in-person provider will be right for you. If you feel more comfortable working face-to-face with an MD than face-to-screen with a provider, then maybe telemedicine is not a good option.  Finally, if you prefer a more personalized approach that is focused on your specific needs and requirements, then you might be better off with your local MD provider.

The question you need to ask yourself is this: why choose an impersonal remote program when a local, in person semaglutide weight loss program headed by a trusted qualified MD is right in your neighborhood?

See if our semaglutide weight loss program at Intentional Self Aesthetics is right for you. Let us help you reach your weight loss goals safely, effectively and for the long term.

Contact us at Intentional Self Aesthetics for a consultation.