Semaglutide Injections: Who Qualifies for Semaglutide Injections?

Semaglutide is a medication that was initially used primarily for diabetes management. It has increasingly become a part of medical weight management plans due to its effectiveness in promoting significant weight loss.
 
Semaglutide functions as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, targeting pathways involved in appetite regulation and working to suppress hunger while increasing feelings of fullness.
 
It mimics a naturally occurring hormone in the brain that signals satiety, helping to minimize food cravings and promote longer-lasting feelings of fullness. This dual mechanism of action—suppressing appetite and slowing the emptying of food from the stomach—makes semaglutide highly effective in aiding patients to adhere to a comprehensive medical weight management plan that includes dietary and exercise interventions.
 
The specific FDA criteria for semaglutide vary depending on the brand and whether it is approved for medical weight management. For brands of semaglutide approved for chronic weight management, the criteria include adults and adolescents aged 12 and older possessing a body mass index (BMI) that is listed as 30 or above, which categorizes them as obese.
 
Also eligible are individuals that are classified as overweight with a BMI at or exceeding 27 and also live with at least one weight-related condition, may also qualify. It is possible for semaglutide to be prescribed off-label for weight management in cases where patients fall outside these criteria, depending on individual assessments by healthcare providers.

While semaglutide is broadly applicable for many patients struggling with significant weight-related concerns, it is not suitable for everyone. Certain conditions and factors may disqualify individuals from using semaglutide injections.
 
Patients with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or of medullary thyroid cancer are generally not considered good candidates for semaglutide.
 
It is important to consult with specialists at Set Point to review the patient’s overall health, any underlying conditions, and current medications to ensure there are no contraindications. The suitability of semaglutide will be determined through a thorough evaluation, and patients will be monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure appropriate dosage and manage any side effects.
 
Common side effects usually present mildly and are transient, but if severe symptoms such as extreme abdominal pain, persistent nausea, or vomiting occur, it is important to contact the healthcare provider immediately to reassess the treatment plan.

Qualifying for semaglutide injections involves meeting specific criteria and undergoing a thorough evaluation by healthcare providers at a medical weight loss clinic such as Set Point. Semaglutide is available only by prescription, and eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis in collaboration with the provider.
 
Generally, individuals who are considered obese or patients who are overweight with the presence of one or multiple weight-related health conditions, may qualify for semaglutide. Once deemed suitable, semaglutide is administered through subcutaneous injections on a weekly basis, and patients are monitored regularly to manage any side effects effectively.

A candidate for semaglutide is typically someone who is struggling with obesity or being overweight and is facing health risks related to their weight. Obesity is increasingly recognized as a chronic medical condition that can lead to a wide range of potentially severe adverse health outcomes, including heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and more.
 
For individuals who have found themselves unable to achieve significant weight loss through diet and exercise alone, semaglutide can be an effective treatment option. Candidates for semaglutide are usually those who are obese or are overweight with additional weight-related health concerns.
 
The determination of candidacy is made in collaboration with healthcare providers at Set Point, who will review the patient’s overall health, medical history, and specific weight loss goals. The comprehensive evaluation ensures that semaglutide is an appropriate and safe option for the patient. With long-term use as directed, patients can achieve significant and lasting weight loss, improving their overall health outcomes and quality of life.
 
Semaglutide injections for medical weight management are available at Set Point. For more information, please contact us today or book an appointment online now! We have convenient locations to serve you in Folsom, CA and Roseville, CA. We serve patients from Folsom CA, Roseville CA, El Dorado Hills CA, Citrus Heights CA, Fair Oaks CA, Granite Bay CA, Rocklin CA, Rancho Cordova CA, Loomis CA, and surrounding areas.