Research continues to show the effectiveness of semaglutide injections for weight loss. It also highlights the value of treating obesity as a chronic metabolic disease instead of expecting people to rely solely on willpower and lifestyle changes to manage their condition. But semaglutide is not a miracle drug. And it’s not for everyone. To maintain your healthy weight once you have completed your semaglutide program, you must begin to incorporate fitness and nutrition goals. Here are some thoughts to consider while on one of our programs or if you’re considering starting!
What happens when you stop taking Semaglutide injections?
Our program is designed to taper you off of the medication. This allows your body to adjust to your lifestyle and dietary selections. Stopping Semaglutide abruptly may cause a sudden increase in blood sugar levels. It is important to continue to monitor your blood sugar levels after stopping Semaglutide, and to work with a health coach or nutritionist to develop a plan for managing your weight and health. We offer health coaching and nutritional guidance at Body Tonic so you can maintain your weight loss and keep feeling your best!
Is it ok to drink alcohol while taking Semaglutide?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking semaglutide. Semaglutide reduces the absorption of several nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, not just glucose. Alcohol does the same, and therefore can create malnutrition problems or nutritional deficits. Patients who are not adequately nourished can be at risk for hypoglycemia. What’s more, the drug interactions between alcohol and sulphonylureas are known to trigger dangerously low blood glucose levels, which are very difficult to correct and may require hospitalization for emergency blood sugar control.
In most cases, patients will be fine consuming alcohol moderately. Moderate alcohol consumption is fewer than two drinks per day. However, each patient has their own risk factors, and Semaglutide can modify this volume of alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, please discuss your intake with your provider prior to beginning this program.
Do some foods make the side effects of Semaglutide worse?
Yes, some foods can make the side effects worse. These include high-fat foods, sugary foods, and alcoholic beverages. Eating these types of foods can also raise your blood sugar levels. The most common side effects reported are nausea and mild stomach pain. Fortunately, you can prevent or reduce these side effects by taking care of what you eat. Fatty and fried foods, for example, fast food, and foods that are high in sugar, are usually the most difficult for the body to digest and will most likely cause nausea while taking Semaglutide.
If you continue to experience nausea, consider doing the following:
- Eat slowly
- Eat smaller meals
- Eat foods that are bland and light
- Drink ice-cold or clear drinks (for example, unsweetened tea or water)
- Avoid foods that are sweet, greasy, or fried
What are the best foods to eat while taking Semaglutide?
There are no specific foods that you need to eat while on this program. However, it is recommended to eat a healthy diet that is low in fat, sugar, and calories in order to prevent high blood sugar. This type of diet can help you control your blood sugar levels and lose weight. Focus on meal plans that include eating healthy foods like:
- fruits – such as apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.
- vegetables – such as broccoli, carrots, and spinach.
- whole grains – unrefined carbohydrates such as oatmeal, brown rice, and sprouted whole grain breads
- legumes – such as beans, and lentils.
- lean protein – such as chicken, fish, tofu, and beans.
- healthy fats – such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds that may help to reduce your risk of a cardiovascular event, including stroke and heart attack.
Did you know we offer drop-shipping of Semaglutide direct from the pharmacy?
We love seeing each of you every week! If you feel more comfortable swinging by the clinic to receive your injection and jump on the InBody scan, we hope you keep showing us your beautiful face! However, we know how valuable your time is. Please inform your provider that you would prefer the drop-ship option and you will receive one month of injections direct to your doorstep.
How do I administer my own semaglutide shot?
Here are the general steps for giving yourself a shot of Semaglutide:
- Gather your supplies: You will need a Semaglutide pen, an alcohol swab, and a sharps disposal container.
- Wash your hands: Use soap and warm water to wash your hands, and then dry them thoroughly.
- Prepare the pre-filled syringe: Remove syringe from the fridge or freezer and allow it to reach room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Check the syringe to make sure it is the correct dose.
- Clean the injection site: Choose a clean, dry area of skin on your stomach or mid-section. Use an alcohol swab to clean the injection site and allow it to dry completely.
- Prepare syringe: Remove the plunge protector and then the cap from the tip.
- Inject the medication: Hold the syringe with your thumb and fingers, pinch a small (inch-size skin section) and insert the needle into the injection site at a 90-degree angle. Press the injection plunger slowly into subcutaneous area. Do not remove the needle until the injection is complete.
- Dispose of the needle: Carefully remove the needle from your skin and recap the needle. Discard the syringe in a sharps disposal container.
- Clean up: Dispose of the alcohol swab and sharps disposal container according to your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Subcutaneous injections are a common method of administering medication or vaccines. Here are the general steps for performing a subcutaneous injection:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Gather the necessary supplies, including the medication, a clean syringe, an alcohol wipe, and a sharps container for safe disposal of used needles.
- Choose an injection site, which is usually on the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. Make sure the area is clean and dry.
- Use an alcohol wipe to clean the injection site in a circular motion, starting at the center and moving outward. Allow the area to dry completely.
- Remove the cap from the syringe and pull back on the plunger to draw up the correct dosage of medication.
- Pinch the skin at the injection site to create a small fold, which will help ensure that the medication is injected into the fatty layer below the skin.
- Hold the syringe like a pencil and insert the needle into the fold of skin at a 45-90 degree angle, depending on the length of the needle and the amount of fatty tissue in the area.
- Once the needle is inserted, release the skin fold and slowly push down on the plunger to inject the medication.
- When the injection is complete, quickly withdraw the needle and use an alcohol wipe to press on the injection site for a few seconds.
- Dispose of the used needle and syringe in a sharps container.
It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to dispose of used needles and syringes safely. If you are unsure about how to perform a subcutaneous injection, ask your healthcare provider for further guidance.
