The skinny shot (a.k.a. semaglutide) was popularized by Hollywood celebrities, but this isn’t just a fad: it’s helping people throughout the country lose stubborn weight, and even to prime their bodies for cosmetic procedures!
As a specialist in post-weight loss body contouring, Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Bob Basu has worked with countless patients on their weight loss journey. Today, Dr. Basu is addressing the frequently asked questions we’ve heard from patients ever since we began offering semaglutide.
Is semaglutide injection good for weight loss?
Yes! Used in conjunction with a healthy diet and increased physical activity, semaglutide has been shown to be remarkably effective at helping patients lose weight. Studies showed that it helped patients lose around 15-17% of their body weight in 68 weeks (about 15 months).
Originally developed as a diabetes medication, this once-a-week injection has a strong effect on curbing appetite. Compared with extreme, difficult-to-follow diets, this medication is an excellent tool for reaching an ideal weight without feeling like you are “dieting.” Still, we work closely with our weight loss patients to help them establish a long-term, sustainable, and healthy diet and lifestyle that supports their well-being and confidence.
Originally developed as a diabetes medication, this once-a-week injection has a strong effect on curbing appetite.
Preparing for plastic surgery with semaglutide injections
While anyone may benefit from semaglutide, it is a great option to prepare patients for their surgery. When you are thinking about running a marathon, you train for it: similarly, if you have too much weight because of your BMI or are carrying intra-abdominal fat—the kind that can’t be treated with a tummy tuck or liposuction—semaglutide can help you to reach a healthy weight before undergoing plastic surgery. Together, we can set a goal timeline for using semaglutide to prepare for surgery and marking a surgical date on the calendar.
What is the average weight loss on semaglutide?
A 2022 study of 175 patients found that patients reduced their body weight by about 5.9% in 3 months and 10.9% after 6 months. A 2021 study found that patients on semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight, which averaged 35 pounds, in 68 weeks (about 15 months).
Does semaglutide get rid of belly fat?
Yes, semaglutide supports overall weight loss in the body, so patients should expect to lose belly fat in proportion with fat loss in other areas of the body.
However, patients looking to target abdominal fat (or other stubborn pockets) may want to also, or alternatively, consider a more specifically targeted fat reduction treatment such as CoolSculpting, Emsculpt, or liposuction.
How fast do semaglutide injections work?
Research shows that patients may lose around 5% or more of their body weight within 3 months of weekly semaglutide injections.
How often do you inject semaglutide for weight loss?
Once a week. Semaglutide can be injected in the comfort of your home.
Where do you inject semaglutide on your body?
Patients may choose where they inject semaglutide, with recommended areas being under the skin of the stomach, the thigh, or the upper arm. You should rotate the injection site each week to avoid any potential irritation or soreness.
Can you keep the weight off after semaglutide?
Semaglutide curbs your appetite so that you eat healthier portions, helping you to develop the habit of portion control. In this way, semaglutide helps you to maintain a healthy lifestyle and lower weight after stopping treatment (we recommend most patients stay on semaglutide for at least 5-6 months). Additionally, many patients report an easier time avoiding “snacking” throughout the day when taking semaglutide, which is another key habit that helps keep the weight off long-term.
That said, patients who are overweight or obese have been shown to be more likely to have a percentage of weight return if they stop semaglutide treatment, so your physician will work with you to balance benefits and risks of continuing versus stopping injections. (Since obesity is associated with many chronic health conditions, you may be advised to remain on the medication for a longer period of time if you struggle with weight returning.)
We work closely with our weight loss patients to help them establish a long-term, sustainable, and healthy diet and lifestyle.
How much does semaglutide cost?
Semaglutide can be offered through sterile compounding pharmacies, so our practice can get the costs as low as a few hundred dollars each month for our patients. Insurance does not help with the cost of semaglutide for weight loss.
Who should not take semaglutide?
Your physician may determine that you are not a good candidate for “the skinny shot” if you…
- Have Type I diabetes or you are taking medications that affect insulin
- Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- Have personal or family history of endocrine tumors (also know as multiple endocrine neoplasias MEN2)
- Are unwilling to make lifestyle changes to support weight loss
What are the potential side effects?
In addition to the intended response of reduced hunger, mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea are the most common side effects of semaglutide injections; the good news is these tend to subside with time. Still, the long-term effects of the medication are currently being studied. Your physician should carefully screen you to ensure you’re a good candidate for any new prescription and monitor your health at intervals. Patients should also report anything unusual to their doctor right away.
Does semaglutide make you poop?
Semaglutide can have an indirect effect on your bowel movements, and may cause diarrhea and/or constipation, in addition to nausea or vomiting.
Weight loss consultations with Dr. C. Bob Basu in Houston
If you are interested in trying “the skinny shot” for weight loss, Houston board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bob Basu would be happy to help you learn if you may be a good candidate. Dr. Basu helps patients with semaglutide for weight loss regardless of whether or not they are considering plastic surgery; however, patients considering post-weight loss body contouring to remove excess skin may also discuss these goals for their figure in the same personal consultation with Dr. Basu.
Call 713.799.2278 or contact us online today to set up your appointment at one of our two convenient locations in the Galleria/Uptown Houston area or in Cypress. We look forward to working with you!
Leave a Reply