Semaglutide Injections
Semaglutide Injections represent a groundbreaking advancement in medical weight management. This FDA-approved medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works by targeting areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. It is prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight loss program for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
At Luminer Wellness Spa in Miami, we offer physician-supervised Semaglutide (Wegovy®) programs to help patients achieve significant and sustainable weight loss. Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on willpower, Semaglutide addresses the biological mechanisms that make weight loss challenging, providing a powerful tool to reduce hunger, increase satiety, and finally break through plateaus.
A Brief History of GLP-1 Agonists
The development of Semaglutide is a story of scientific discovery turning a diabetes treatment into a revolution for weight management.
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1980s: Researchers discovered GLP-1, an incretin hormone produced in the gut after eating. It was found to stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon (a blood sugar-raising hormone), and slow gastric emptying.
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2005: The first GLP-1 receptor agonist (exenatide) was approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Clinicians noted a consistent side effect: patients were losing weight.
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2017 & 2021: Semaglutide was first approved for type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic®. Based on the dramatic weight loss observed in clinical trials, a higher-dose version was specifically developed and approved for chronic weight management under the brand name Wegovy®.
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Today: Semaglutide for weight loss is hailed as one of the most effective medical interventions ever developed for obesity, changing the landscape of weight management from behavioral modification to targeted biological treatment.
Why Choose Luminer Wellness for Semaglutide in Miami?
Top 4 Reasons Miami Trusts Us for Semaglutide
Medical Expertise:
Semaglutide is a potent prescription medication. Our licensed medical professionals conduct a thorough health screening, review your medical history, and ensure you are an appropriate candidate. We monitor your progress and manage any side effects, ensuring your safety throughout the entire treatment process.
FDA-Approved Medication:
We prescribe and administer genuine, brand-name Wegovy® or its FDA-approved equivalent, ensuring you receive a medication that is pure, properly dosed, and proven effective in clinical trials.
Comprehensive Lifestyle:
Semaglutide is a tool, not a magic bullet. Our program includes personalized nutritional guidance, behavioral coaching, and ongoing support to help you build healthy habits that will sustain your weight loss long after you reach your goals. We treat the whole person, not just the number on the scale.
Personalized Titration:
We follow the recommended titration schedule, starting you on a low dose to minimize side effects and gradually increasing it to the therapeutic level. Our team provides continuous support and is available to answer questions, making your journey as comfortable and successful as possible.
How Semaglutide Works: Science & Benefits
The Science Behind Semaglutide
Key Benefits of Semaglutide
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Appetite Regulation in the Brain: Semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls hunger. This action reduces appetite and decreases "food noise"—the constant thoughts about food that can derail diets.
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Promotes Feelings of Fullness (Satiety): It slows gastric emptying, meaning food stays in your stomach longer. This helps you feel full faster when eating and feel satisfied for longer after a meal, naturally leading to a reduction in calorie intake.
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Blood Sugar Control: By stimulating insulin release and suppressing glucagon, it helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can reduce cravings and stabilize energy.
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Unprecedented Efficacy: Clinical trials demonstrated an average weight loss of 15-20% of total body weight over 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes.
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Reduced Hunger & Cravings: Users report a dramatic decrease in obsessive thoughts about food, making it easier to make healthy choices and maintain a caloric deficit.
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Improved Metabolic Health: Often leads to improved blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
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Sustainable Results: Provides the biological support needed to adopt lasting lifestyle changes, offering a path to long-term weight management.
The Semaglutide Treatment Process
Before Your Appointment (Screening)
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Be prepared for a comprehensive health review, including a discussion of your weight history and previous weight loss attempts.
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Fasting may be required for baseline blood work to check your metabolic health.
During Your Initial Consultation (60 mins)
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Health Evaluation: A review of your BMI, health history, and weight loss goals to determine if Semaglutide is right for you.
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Education: A detailed explanation of how Semaglutide works, what to expect, potential side effects, and the importance of diet and exercise.
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Prescription & Administration: If you are a candidate, you will receive your first injection in our office. We will teach you how to self-administer the weekly injections at home.
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Plan Development: Discussion of dietary recommendations and goal setting.
Ongoing Treatment & Support
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Weekly Injections: You will administer a subcutaneous injection once a week, rotating injection sites (stomach, thigh, arm).
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Dose Titration: The dose is gradually increased every four weeks to minimize gastrointestinal side effects and find the most effective dose for you.
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Regular Follow-Ups: We schedule regular check-ins (in-person or virtual) to monitor your progress, manage side effects, adjust your plan, and provide continuous motivation and nutritional counseling.
Semaglutide Results & Longevity
Weight loss results are highly individual but are typically significant.
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Initial Results: Most patients begin to notice reduced appetite and early weight loss within the first 4-8 weeks.
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Steady Loss: Weight loss typically continues steadily as the dose is titrated upward. A loss of 1-2 pounds per week is a common and sustainable average.
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Peak Efficacy: The most significant weight loss occurs once you reach the full maintenance dose (2.4 mg for Wegovy®) and maintain it for several months.
Longevity of Results:
Semaglutide is approved for long-term, chronic weight management. Obesity is a chronic disease that often requires ongoing treatment. Clinical evidence shows that weight is typically regained if the medication is discontinued. Therefore, many patients stay on a maintenance dose indefinitely, similar to how one would manage hypertension or high cholesterol with ongoing medication.
Semaglutide for Men and Women
Semaglutide is effective for both men and women, though some nuances exist.
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For Women: Can be particularly effective for weight related to hormonal shifts, PCOS, and menopause. The reduction in cravings is often a game-changer.
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For Men: Often effective at targeting visceral abdominal fat, which is critical for improving metabolic health markers. Men may see rapid changes in waist circumference.
Semaglutide Safety, Side Effects & Risks
Is the HCG Protocol Safe?
Yes. Semaglutide has been extensively studied in large-scale clinical trials and is approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. Its safety profile is well-established when prescribed and monitored by a medical professional.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects are most common when starting the medication or increasing the dose and often subside as your body adjusts. They are primarily gastrointestinal:
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Very Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
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Common: Heartburn, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches.
Serious Risks (Rare)
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Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: Semaglutide has been shown to cause thyroid tumors in rats. It is contraindicated in individuals with a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
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Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas. Patients should stop treatment and seek medical attention for severe abdominal pain that does not go away.
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Gallbladder Problems: Such as gallstones.
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Hypoglycemia: Especially if taking other medications for diabetes.
Who Should Avoid Semaglutide?
You are not a candidate for Semaglutide if you:
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Have a personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2.
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Have a history of pancreatitis.
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Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
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Have a severe gastrointestinal disease (e.g., gastroparesis).
Location
Opening hours
Monday-Friday: 09:00 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday: 09:00 AM-2:00 PM