Considering Semaglutide in the New Year? Here’s What to Know
Another new year is on the horizon, and if you’re like nearly 80% of Americans, you’re focusing on new health goals. For many, that includes weight loss.
You’ve heard about semaglutide (sold under brand names like Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus®). This injectable medication has become one of the most talked-about options for helping people lose weight safely and sustainably.
At The Endocrine Center in Houston, Texas, our team of board-certified endocrinologists knows that obesity isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. We take a personalized, medical approach to weight loss — and for some patients, semaglutide is an excellent tool in that process.
How semaglutide helps you lose weight
Semaglutide mirrors a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which regulates your blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. When you take semaglutide, it:
- Slows your digestion so you feel fuller longer after meals
- Reduces appetite so you eat less without constant hunger
- Improves insulin sensitivity, which helps balance blood sugar levels
In other words, semaglutide helps your body use food more efficiently while reducing the constant drive to eat — making it easier to stick with a balanced, calorie-conscious diet.
A clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that adults who took semaglutide, combined with lifestyle changes, lost significantly more weight than those who relied on diet and exercise alone.
Why semaglutide has become so popular
Semaglutide makes the headlines because it targets the root causes of weight gain — not just willpower. Addressing biological factors such as hormones, metabolism, and appetite regulation gives patients a real chance at lasting results.
Semaglutide is available in several formulations approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
- Ozempic: approved for type 2 diabetes but often prescribed off-label for weight loss under medical supervision
- Wegovy: specifically approved for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with related health conditions
- Rybelsus: the oral (pill) version of semaglutide, taken daily rather than by weekly injection
Each option has different dosages and indications, and our endocrinologists help you determine which — if any — best fits your health profile.
When semaglutide may be right for you
Semaglutide can be a good option if you:
- Have a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with weight-related conditions like hypertension or prediabetes
- Have tried lifestyle changes or other treatments without success
- Are ready to make long-term changes in diet and physical activity
- Don’t have contraindications, such as certain endocrine or gastrointestinal disorders
It’s important to note that semaglutide isn’t a cosmetic quick fix. It’s a prescription treatment that works best under careful medical supervision combined with ongoing nutrition and lifestyle support.
What to know before you start
Before prescribing semaglutide, we review your medical history, lab results, and goals to make sure it’s both safe and effective for you. During treatment, we monitor your progress closely, adjusting your dosage and providing strategies to manage common side effects such as mild nausea or fatigue.
We also caution against using unapproved or compounded versions of semaglutide, which the FDA warns may be unsafe or ineffective. Only use medications dispensed through legitimate, licensed pharmacies.
Weight management that’s personal — and powerful
Weight loss isn’t always just about calorie counting. It can sometimes stem from other conditions, such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or pituitary Cushing’s disease. At The Endocrine Center, we understand that obesity is a multifaceted medical condition influenced by hormones, genetics, and lifestyle.
That’s why our expert providers create personalized treatment plans just for you — whether that involves semaglutide, nutrition counseling, or other supportive therapies. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Your weight loss journey shouldn’t be about fads or frustration. It should be about restoring your health and confidence.
Start the new year with expert support and a personalized plan. Call or request an appointment online at The Endocrine Center to learn whether semaglutide could help you meet your health goals in 2025.
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