Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. More recently, semaglutide has been found to be highly effective for weight loss and fat reduction when prescribed in higher doses than what is typically used for diabetes.
At Optimized Hormones clinic in Alexandria, we provide individually customized semaglutide weight loss protocols to help patients lose excess fat and improve their metabolic health. With a unique focus on hormone optimization, lifestyle education, and personalized care, our clinic has seen tremendous success using semaglutide.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the effects of a hormone called GLP-1 that is released after eating. GLP-1 impacts both blood sugar control and appetite regulation. Specifically, semaglutide works through several mechanisms:
Together, these effects make it easier to lose weight by reducing calorie intake and supporting healthy blood sugar control.
Semaglutide is appropriate for patients who meet the following criteria:
Optimized Hormones provides a full metabolic workup to determine if you are a candidate for semaglutide based on a detailed review of your health history, lab testing, and personalized health goals.
What sets Optimized Hormones apart when it comes to semaglutide weight loss:
Optimized Hormones offers an integrative, evidence-based approach focused on your overall health - not just short-term numbers on a scale. Let us help you finally achieve your weight loss goals.
Initiating semaglutide therapy at our Alexandria clinic involves:
We are committed to setting our patients up not just for initial results on the scale, but to establish new lifelong habits that foster sustainable fat loss and improved metabolic health.
Once you begin consistent treatment with semaglutide, here is what you can expect:
Early effects
- Decreased appetite and food cravings
- Feeling full faster when eating
- Mild nausea that typically resolves within 4-8 weeks
2-4 weeks in
- Less interest in food and smaller portion sizes
- Gradual weight loss of around 1-2 lbs per week
- Improved energy and exercise motivation
2-3 months in
- Loss of 5-15% of total body weight
- Better blood sugar regulation
- Emerging lifestyle changes solidifying
6 months in
- Ongoing fat reduction towards goal weight
- Sustained metabolic improvements
- Increased self-confidence and sense of control
With Optimized Hormones support, most patients quickly adjust to semaglutide, stick with consistent treatment, and see profound improvements in weight, health markers, body composition, and relationship with food. Sustainable results take time but are well worth the investment.
The Optimized Hormones clinic advantages extend beyond simply providing access to semaglutide. A few key elements that set our weight loss programs apart:
We do not take a cookie cutter approach, instead optimizing every aspect of care to your unique needs from dosing to nutritional guidance to emotional support. You receive our full attention at every visit.
We provide tools and coaching on modifying behaviors around eating, activity, stress and sleep - not just relying on semaglutide alone. Sustainable change requires reshaping habits.
We screen for deficiencies in metabolism-influencing hormones like thyroid, cortisol and sex hormones that may undermine weight loss efforts if not addressed.
From gut health to inflammation and beyond, we consider how all aspects of physiology interconnect. Holistic treatments augment pharmaceuticals.
Detailed lab testing lets us track biomarkers for diabetes risk, cardiovascular health, fatty liver and more to ensure you safely lose fat and build muscle.
Through collaborative goal setting and open communication, we empower each patient to feel in control of their health. This motivates ongoing positive change.
The Optimized Hormones clinic opened in Alexandria in 2018 as an integrative medical practice focused on optimizing hormones and healthspan through precision medicine and lifestyle change.
We excel in using bioidentical hormone therapies, peptides, gut modulators and nutrients to target:
Optimized Hormones is directed by Dr. John Smith, a board certified physician and national leader in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. He heads an interdisciplinary team of nurse practitioners, medical assistants, health coaches and administrative staff deeply committed to patient care.
We take time to understand your health history and goals, running advanced testing to uncover biochemical individuality. Comprehensive treatment plans are tailored accordingly, using pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, diet and lifestyle changes in combination.
