Semaglutide treatments have revolutionized how your body reacts to high blood sugar, which is why they have been a great ally against Type 2 Diabetes. Recently, the medication has also become very popular to address obesity, showing significant results in the long term.
With that in mind, as with any other type of medicine, semaglutide could also come with a series of side effects. This brings the question: are there any side effects you should expect once you start the treatment? How exactly are you going to control those symptoms? This blog will serve as your guide to semaglutide and its effects.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is an injectable drug that mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which your body releases once you eat.
This hormone triggers insulin production and informs your body that you are done eating. It also reduces blood sugar levels, giving you an overall feeling of well-being while controlling your cravings.
The hormone that semaglutide mimics will also prevent your stomach from emptying too fast, reducing calorie intake. This keeps you satisfied longer, so you don't have to snack that often.
Semaglutide works very well on its own, but it is also recommended in conjunction with dieting and exercise, as both can help control the side effects. The treatment is usually followed up with body-sculpting treatments like EMSCULPT NEO®, to address stubborn fat spots.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects?
Like any other treatment, semaglutide injections can cause a series of side effects. These will often depend on your dosage, your sensitivity to medication in general, and other factors that could trigger a reaction. Below are some symptoms that you will likely experience at some point or another:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Gastric problems
These effects should not last long, and they will subside once the body becomes accustomed to the substance. Mostly, the treatment is safe, and the symptoms become less noticeable within two weeks. If the side effects do not fade or are too uncomfortable for you, a good idea would be to take a lower dose.
Tips to Reduce Side Effects
Side effects are a part of semaglutide treatments, which is why a healthy lifestyle is recommended. Below are some tips to keep these unwanted symptoms at a minimum:
1. Eat Correctly
Semaglutide works by lowering blood sugar, and the strength of the drug is enough to cause nausea. The last thing you want at this point is to add to that nausea by eating incorrectly. Here is what you should do:
- Avoid greasy, fried, or sugary food
- Eat smaller meals
- Don't rush when you eat
- Keep foods bland, like rice or crackers
- Eat foods that are rich in water, such as soup
Pay attention to your portions when you start eating. You'll notice that your appetite decreases at this point, so you won't have to eat as much. To avoid feeling nauseated, stop eating once you start feeling full.
2. Avoid Lying Down After Eating
Many people feel the need to nap after they eat, whether it is lunch or dinner. Even if you do not sleep, you might feel drowsy enough to want to lie down for a bit, letting the food "rest." The problem is that once you do that, you open yourself to gastric reflux. As your body enters a "resting" phase, it no longer functions at its entire capacity to process the food. This makes it more likely for you to experience burping, heartburn, and other similar issues.
3. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Diarrhea and vomiting are both common side effects of semaglutide, especially when you start the treatment or increase your dose. When this happens, you can become rapidly dehydrated, which leaves you feeling much worse. To counter this effect, you should drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
Get Your Semaglutide Treatments Now!
The best place to get started with semaglutide treatments is usually a med spa. A premier med spa like San Francisco's Nob Hill Aesthetics offers a highly skilled team of semaglutide treatment providers with over a decade of experience and extensive training. Their specialty in body sculpting can be seen in the many 5-star reviews they receive from their clients. Nob Hill Aesthetics actually has the most reviews for semaglutide treatments in the San Francisco area. In addition, their team of skilled providers will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs while keeping your aesthetic goals in mind. Led by Dr. Bukov, a highly renowned aesthetic doctor, their team of semaglutide treatment providers check off every criterion when looking for a great place to get your treatment. Get started on your body contouring journey by booking an appointment now! Call Nob Hill Aesthetics and schedule an appointment for semaglutide treatments here!
To learn more about semaglutide treatments and the potential side effects, you can contact Nob Hill Aesthetics at 415-440-6800. We can offer all the answers you need so that you know what to expect. Alternatively, you can visit our website for more information or use our portal to contact us!
