Semaglutide injections are buzzing in the weight loss industry, and for good reason—it works really well! By targeting three common struggles associated with shedding pounds—mental cravings, blood sugar, and hunger/satiety—Semaglutide is able to free the body up to actually release weight.
A benefit to working with a Nurse Practitioner for your use of Semaglutide is that you have a healthcare provider as your ally throughout the course. Before you even receive the medication, and perhaps as you’re adjusting to it, our NPs are carefully assessing whether your medical background makes you a good candidate and also how your body is reacting to the initial dosages. The fully customized protocol means that your body and your experience drive the dosage.
So what are these Semaglutide injection side effects, you ask?
First, these do usually decline with time as the body adjusts.
1. Nausea
Nausea is the most common side effect associated. A lot is changing throughout your digestive process as the medication begins to work, so nausea is not really an unexpected experience. Remember part of the medication’s impact is actually slowing the speed with which food empties the stomach, so what and how much you eat may influence whether or not this is something you experience. Additionally, your overall health, proclivity towards nausea, sensitivity, pancreas and liver health, and overall digestion may all influence this too.
2. Digestive disturbances: constipation or diarrhea
As mentioned above, this isn’t unexpected when the body’s chemistry and function are readjusting to the medication’s presence.
Food choices will also influence this, which we discuss at length in your initial consultation and along the way as your body offers us constant feedback.
Digestive health is a pillar of overall health, we feel, so our team has an expansive background in options to help address any distress that is appearing.
3. Abdominal discomfort, bloating
Whether or not accompanied by nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea, there may be an overall sense of pain, bloating or tenderness in the abdomen as the body adjusts to the delayed gastric emptying. This is somewhat common and expected. Should it be experienced for a longer amount of time, we can adjust the dosing to a lower amount and slowly work up the amount. Again, this will be tailored to your body’s experience, a benefit to working closely with the team of VIVA Wellness NPs.
While incredibly rare, if the pain is a bit severe or is not resolving quite quickly with dosing changes or small and frequent meals, please discuss with your NP. If the pain is severe, please contact 911.
4. Fatigue and Changes in Energy
Some people experience fatigue or changes in energy while taking semaglutide. Changes in appetite, food intake, hydration, and other factors may contribute to how you’re feeling.
If you notice ongoing fatigue, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms, talk with your nurse practitioner. We can review your medication, nutrition, hydration, and other possible causes to determine whether additional evaluation or changes to your care are appropriate.
5. Changes in Mood and Eating Habits
Weight loss treatment can also affect your daily routines and relationship with food. For some people, changes in appetite or eating habits may feel unfamiliar, especially if food has played a role in managing stress or emotions.
We encourage you to discuss changes in mood, eating habits, or emotional well-being with your provider. These concerns deserve attention and should not automatically be treated as expected signs that a medication is working.
6. Blood sugar changes
While the whole mechanism that makes Semaglutide effective is what it is doing to your body’s insulin response to eating, for some individuals, this can create blood sugar changes that feel too variable or low. In most cases, we would be able to determine whether this is something you may experience before you start your program, but if you notice changes, please do let your NP know.
Personalized Semaglutide Treatment at VIVA Wellness
We believe weight loss care should start with understanding your health, not following a standard protocol.
Before recommending semaglutide, our nurse practitioners review your medical history, current medications, and personal goals. If semaglutide is appropriate, we’ll explain how the medication works, how to administer it, and which side effects to watch for.
Semaglutide injections are generally administered once weekly. Some clients prefer visiting our Brookfield clinic for their injections, while others choose to administer their prescribed medication at home after receiving proper guidance.
Your provider will recommend a follow-up schedule based on your individual treatment needs. These appointments give us an opportunity to discuss your progress, review any side effects, and determine whether changes to your care are appropriate.
We also encourage healthy habits such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and adequate hydration as part of a broader weight management plan.
Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about treatment and feel comfortable bringing questions or concerns to our team.
If you’re considering semaglutide for weight loss in the Milwaukee area, schedule a consultation to discuss whether it may be appropriate for you.
Be in touch with our Nurse Practitioners to start the conversation regarding Semaglutide injections assuming we confirm you are a suitable candidate! Book your consultation, and let’s get going creating the protocol that’s right for your current level of health, the unique factors that make you you—past, present, and future you.
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