FDA-approved GLP-1 medication that helps patients lose an average of 15% of their body weight. Medically supervised by Dr. Nancie at the Wellness Center of Lakewood Ranch.
Semaglutide is a revolutionary FDA-approved medication that has transformed the landscape of medical weight loss. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes management, semaglutide was found to produce remarkable weight loss results during clinical trials, leading to its approval specifically for chronic weight management under the brand name Wegovy®.
At the Wellness Center of Lakewood Ranch, Dr. Nancie prescribes semaglutide as part of a comprehensive, medically supervised weight loss program. This isn't a quick fix or a fad diet — it's a science-backed treatment that works with your body's natural systems to help you achieve sustainable weight loss.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a naturally occurring hormone in your body that plays a crucial role in appetite regulation, blood sugar control, and metabolism. By mimicking this hormone, semaglutide helps reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness after meals, and improve your body's ability to process food efficiently.
Understanding how semaglutide works helps patients appreciate why it's so effective. The medication operates through several key mechanisms that work together to produce significant weight loss results:
Semaglutide acts on the appetite centers in the brain, specifically the hypothalamus. By activating GLP-1 receptors in these areas, the medication naturally reduces hunger signals. Patients consistently report feeling less hungry throughout the day, experiencing fewer cravings for high-calorie foods, and feeling satisfied with smaller portions. This isn't about willpower — it's about changing the biological signals that drive overeating.
The medication slows the rate at which food leaves your stomach, which means you feel full longer after eating. This delayed gastric emptying helps patients naturally eat less at each meal without feeling deprived. Many of our Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton patients describe this as a "reset" of their relationship with food.
Semaglutide improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar levels. This is particularly beneficial for patients who struggle with insulin resistance — a common condition that makes weight loss difficult. By improving metabolic function, semaglutide helps your body more effectively use the calories you consume rather than storing them as fat.
One of the most life-changing effects our patients report is the reduction of what's commonly called "food noise" — those constant thoughts about food that can dominate your daily life. Patients describe feeling free from the obsessive thinking about their next meal, making it easier to focus on living their lives rather than fighting cravings.
The evidence supporting semaglutide for weight loss is robust and impressive. The landmark STEP clinical trial program, which included over 4,500 participants, demonstrated remarkable results:
These aren't just numbers on a page — they represent real, meaningful changes in people's health and lives. At the Wellness Center of Lakewood Ranch, we've seen similar results in our own patient population, with many patients exceeding the averages seen in clinical trials thanks to our comprehensive, personalized approach.
When you begin the semaglutide weight loss program at our Bradenton clinic, you'll experience a structured, supportive process designed to maximize your results while minimizing side effects.
Your journey starts with a thorough evaluation by Dr. Nancie. This includes a complete medical history review, physical examination, body composition analysis, and blood work. We'll assess your overall health, identify any underlying conditions that may affect your weight loss, and determine if semaglutide is the right choice for you.
Semaglutide is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. We start with a low dose and gradually increase it over several weeks. This careful escalation approach minimizes potential side effects like nausea while allowing your body to adjust to the medication. Most patients reach their target dose within 16-20 weeks.
Throughout your program, you'll have regular check-ins with Dr. Nancie and our medical team. We monitor your progress, adjust your dosing as needed, and provide guidance on nutrition and lifestyle modifications that enhance your results. Our goal is not just weight loss — it's helping you develop sustainable habits for long-term success.
While semaglutide does much of the heavy lifting when it comes to appetite control, we pair it with personalized nutrition guidance and lifestyle recommendations. Our approach focuses on sustainable eating patterns rather than restrictive diets, helping you build a healthy relationship with food that lasts well beyond your time on the medication.
Semaglutide may be appropriate for adults who meet the following criteria:
During your free consultation at our Lakewood Ranch-area clinic, Dr. Nancie will thoroughly evaluate your health profile to determine if semaglutide is the best option for your specific situation.
Like all medications, semaglutide can cause side effects. The most common are gastrointestinal in nature and typically occur during the dose escalation phase:
Most side effects are mild to moderate and improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Our gradual dose escalation protocol and supportive care help minimize discomfort. Dr. Nancie closely monitors all patients and can adjust treatment as needed.
Choosing where to get semaglutide treatment is an important decision. Here's what sets our Bradenton clinic apart:
Clinical trials show an average weight loss of about 15% of body weight. For a 200-pound individual, that's approximately 30 pounds. Many of our patients exceed this average, particularly when they combine the medication with the lifestyle modifications we recommend.
Semaglutide is typically prescribed for ongoing use as long as it's effective and well-tolerated. Dr. Nancie will work with you to develop a long-term plan that may include gradual dose adjustments and transition strategies.
Semaglutide has been extensively studied in clinical trials involving thousands of participants. It is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and has a well-established safety profile. As with any medication, it's important to use it under medical supervision.
Insurance coverage for semaglutide varies by plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage options and discuss affordable pricing for our weight loss program. We believe everyone deserves access to effective weight loss treatment.
If you're ready to experience the life-changing results of semaglutide, we invite you to schedule a free consultation at the Wellness Center of Lakewood Ranch. Dr. Nancie and our medical team will evaluate your health, discuss your goals, and determine if semaglutide is the right choice for you.
Don't wait to start living the healthier, more confident life you deserve. Contact us today at (941) 702-0066 or book your free consultation online.
Schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward lasting weight loss with medically supervised semaglutide treatment.
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