Can Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Offer Long-Term Weight Loss Solutions?

Can Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Offer Long-Term Weight Loss Solutions? Vitality Health SFL

Can Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Offer Long-Term Weight Loss Solutions? Vitality Health SFLThere seems to be a lot of conversation circulating lately, regarding GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide as to if these medications are a long-term, sustainable weight loss solution. Depending on the article that you read or the physician you consult with, you may hear a variety of answers. We are happy to join the conversation and provide information from a clinician’s perspective, what we see day to day with hundreds of patients over a 12-month period.

Obesity plagues a large percentage of society, for a variety of reasons. With obesity, a person may encounter a complexity of health issues, disorders, diseases, and depression. For a large portion of these individuals, and if they were able to simply reduce body fat, body, weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar, many and if not most of all health issues these individuals have been dealing with may not be present and for that reason, the importance of reducing body fat, body weight, and becoming a healthier happier person.

Many of the patients that we have consulted with have described this type of weight loss program protocol with Semaglutide or Tirzepatide as life-changing, motivating, and has allowed them to get back on track and to become the person that they once were. To expand on that conversation, many of these same patients we have consulted with have simply said that they had given up on dieting, losing weight altogether after many failed attempts. Although these weight loss protocols may not be appropriate for all individuals, we find that they can be a great help and allow a person to relearn healthy eating habits, portion control, and lifestyle. By eating less, and losing weight, many of these patients become highly motivated and then decide to embark on a new walking, workout, or exercise routine, which only in return, helps them move closer to their personal health goal day by day.

All of these factors are highly important when considering long-term health, happiness, and quality of life!

Additionally, we have seen with many patients and even after stopping Semaglutide and Tirzepatide that weight loss can be permanent and sustainable. The reason, as explained by the patients we’ve consulted with, they’ve learned new habits, have learned portion control, and feel so good about themselves that they never want to return to the unhealthy state in which they once were. Instead of walking around the kitchen, looking through the cupboards and refrigerator, or eating to cope with unhappiness, they find themselves, going for a walk or doing something different that they enjoy because they are emotionally happy and have formed new positive life habits.

Of course, this may not be true with all patients or in all situations, but we thought it was important to note what we have seen, what’s possible, and that Semaglutide and Tirzepatide can offer long-term sustainable weight loss solutions.

 

The potential health benefits of Semaglutide may include:

Blood Sugar Control: Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It helps increase insulin secretion while decreasing glucagon production, which leads to better control of blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Weight Loss: When used at a higher dose (2.4 mg once a week), Semaglutide has been shown to promote significant and sustained weight loss in people without diabetes. It can help individuals achieve weight loss by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and slowing down gastric emptying.

Cardiovascular Benefits: Semaglutide has demonstrated cardiovascular benefits, reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease.

Reduced Risk of Hypoglycemia: Unlike some other diabetes medications, Semaglutide has a lower risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) when used as monotherapy.

Improved Blood Pressure and Lipid Levels: Studies have suggested that Semaglutide may have positive effects on blood pressure and lipid profiles, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Non-Diabetic Benefits: Research is ongoing to explore the potential benefits of Semaglutide in non-diabetic individuals, particularly in the context of obesity management.

 

The potential health benefits of Tirzepatide may include:

Improved Blood Sugar Control: Tirzepatide, being a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, can simultaneously stimulate the release of insulin and inhibit the release of glucagon, leading to better control of blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Weight Loss: Clinical trials have demonstrated that Tirzepatide can lead to significant and sustained weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The combined GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonism may result in enhanced effects on appetite regulation and energy balance, leading to weight reduction.

Cardiovascular Benefits: Early data from clinical trials suggest that Tirzepatide may have cardiovascular benefits, similar to other GLP-1 receptor agonists. It may reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

Potential Once-Weekly Dosing: Tirzepatide is being evaluated for once-weekly dosing, which can improve patient convenience and adherence compared to some other diabetes medications that require daily dosing.

Non-Diabetic Benefits: Like Semaglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, Tirzepatide is also being investigated for potential benefits in non-diabetic individuals, particularly for obesity management.

 

It’s important to note that while Semaglutide and Tirzepatide offer several benefits, their usage should be carefully considered under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Like any medication, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide may have side effects, contraindications, and interactions with other drugs that need to be considered when determining their suitability for an individual’s specific medical condition.

Ready to lose the extra weight? Talk with Vitality Health of South Florida!

Their website is www.vitalityhealthsfl.com to learn more about the practice and the services. Give them a call at 1-833-4LOWTEE to schedule your consultation with Dr. Zughbi.

Wegovy Helps to Correct Insulin Resistance in Those with Type II Diabetes

Wegovy Helps to Correct Insulin Resistance in Those with Type II Diabetes Vitality Health SFL Wegovy

Wegovy Helps to Correct Insulin Resistance in Those with Type II Diabetes Vitality Health SFL WegovyWegovy (also labeled and sold under the names Ozempic and Semaglutide) have been a smashing success in the weight loss industry as well as the medical field. Wegovy is a pharmaceutical grade injectable that has helped millions control blood sugar and lose weight as an added benefit.

A Look at Diabetes Type II

When you have Type II Diabetes, what happens is that when food is consumed your body does not process the insulin correctly. While some can manage this through diet and exercise alone, many require medication daily.

Insulin Resistance Defined

If your body is reacting resistantly to insulin from food sources the cells in your fat, muscle, and liver don’t respond well and cannot absorb the insulin from your blood stream. The result is that your pancreas must work harder to create more insulin so that the glucose can enter your cells for energy.

This Incorrect Reaction Has Consequences On The Body
These consequences can include metabolic issues such as hypertension, elevated inflammatory markers, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, visceral adiposity, endothelial dysfunction, and a prothrombic state. This will add extra weight even if you exercise daily.

Wegovy to the Rescue!

This is why the discovery of Wegovy has been so readily welcomed. It can help balance the body’s ability to properly use the food and energy sources. When your body is in balance your blood sugar remains stable, you feel less hungry because your body isn’t searching for energy. This leads to the ability to lose weight.

Wegovy Works to Help Fight Diabetes and Release Excess Fat

Wegovy is in a class of medications known as incretin mimetics. These medications work by assisting the pancreas to release just the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are elevated. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It comes in the form of an injection.

Who Can Take Wegovy?

Wegovy is recommended for those with Type II Diabetes who are insulin resistant and overweight or obese.

Can I take Wegovy for Weight Loss if I Have Not Been Diagnosed as Diabetic?

In patients who are not diabetic but show signs of insulin resistance as well as metabolic syndrome where weight loss has been unsuccessful through simple diet and exercise Wegovy is often prescribed.

Wegovy mimics the hormone called GLP-1, produced in the brain and controls both how full you feel after eating as well as your appetite. Wegovy by its composition is a Glucagon-like peptide-1 that acts by sending signals to the brain as the body has had enough food.

Doctors can prescribe Wegovy for adults are obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30; or overweight, with a BMI greater than 27 accompanied by weight-related medical problems such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

If You Believe That You Might be a candidate for Wegovy, we invite you to contact Vitality Health of South Florida.

Visit www.vitalityhealthsfl.com to learn more about the practice and the services we offer at Vitality Health SFL in Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Beach, Miami, and Orlando, Florida. Give us a call at 1-833-4LOWTEE to schedule your consultation with Dr. Zughbi!

Sources:

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-insulin-resistance

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8589135/

Ready to Get Started?

Visit www.vitalityhealthsfl.com to learn more about the practice and the services we offer at Vitality Health SFL in Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Beach, Miami, and Orlando, Florida. Give us a call at 1-833-4LOWTEE to schedule your consultation with Dr. Zughbi.

Have you already been a patient of Vitality Health SFL? We Would Love a Review!

 

FDA Disclaimer: Wegovy is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Effect of Sugar Addiction on Your Heart

Tampa Cardio sugar-and-your-heart-health

Tampa Cardio sugar-and-your-heart-healthSugar hits the pleasure center of the brain in the same way that hard drugs do. This makes refined sugar extremely addictive and very hazardous to your health. Moderation is key and elimination even better.

Until recent years not all that much study had been done on sugar. It was a well-known household dietary staple. The harmful effects of a diet high in sugar are becoming more publicly known, many are still unaware.

The fact is, your sugar intake could very well be harming your health now and into the future. Let’s take a look at how sugar affects the body.

  1. Sugar can compound depression. Though little known or recognized sugar has an effect on mental and cognitive function. It may offer one explanation as to why you feel drained in a short time after eating something sugary. It has also been scientifically linked to anxiety and memory lapses later in life.
  2. Sugar begets heart disease. Heart disease is still the top cause of death worldwide. Recent studies show that a high sugar diet could be a major contributing factor. Elevated levels of fructose can raise your insulin and blood glucose, as well as lead to obesity.
  3. Sugar causes dental issues. The obvious statement of the bunch,  sugar sticks to your teeth and feeds the bacteria. Over time, teeth can decay as a result causing cavities.
  4. Sugar adds weight. If you eat a lot of sugar, you are going to have a higher risk of being overweight.
  5. Sugar is bad for your liver. Excessive sugar consumption will have a similar effect on the liver as if you were an alcoholic. This is because sugar, which turns into fat, becomes lodged in the liver. That can develop into non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
  6. Cancer cells feed on sugar. Numerous studies have shown that there is a connection between sugar consumption and cancer. Sugar consumption creates elevated insulin levels so the body can’t properly regulate the abnormal growth and multiplication of unwanted cells potentially leading to cancer or feeding already existing cancerous cells.
  7. Sugar can spur type II diabetes. Excess sugar can result in insulin resistance, which in turn can result in a highly toxic excess of glucose in the blood. This can cause a number of conditions to develop, perhaps the worst of which is type II diabetes.
  8. Sugar is addictive. Sugar attaches to the same pleasure centers in the brain that result from doing street drugs and opiates. It is equally as addictive. It may be hard for people to practice moderation when it comes to junk food, and when trying to quit, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.

For further guidance that you can trust, make an appointment with the onsite nutritionist available at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates by calling (813) 975-2800.

Our physicians dedicated to keeping your heart health at its best. We’ll do anything we can to help you improve your everyday quality of life through important lifestyle choices. Visit www.tampacardio.com to learn more about our practice.

Are You Working Out Correctly?

working out

working outIf you look around in any gym you will see a great bunch of well-meaning motivated people working out to get in shape. The problem is that many of them are simply doing it all wrong.

What do I mean?
They, by the standards of proper body mechanics, have very bad. Bad form not only will not produce the results you are looking for, it also can very easily lead to injury. It can also cause additional wear and tear on other body parts.

When starting any exercise program it is a good idea to first visit your chiropractor. Allow them to get you in proper alignment. They can make sure you have no limitations that should be looked out for. This is very much along the lines of the same train of thought that says you should go get an alignment on your car before taking a long road trip so you don’t wear your tires or other mechanical parts unevenly.)

Additional to spinal alignment we can also get you set up on a nutritional plan to make sure you get the maximum results from your workouts.

Many gyms do offer an introductory personal training session. It is a good idea to take this one session at the very minimum. You can talk with them about your goals and ask questions about machines and weight-bearing exercise. If it is in your budget, schedule a few more sessions until you feel you have the hang of it.

Once you feel the way to do an exercise properly you will realize the difference from an incorrect movement. The right way will allow you to focus on the muscle or muscle group being worked. When done incorrectly you are overcompensating with other body parts to complete the movement.

A great thought to go by is – when in doubt? Ask. It will save you time, frustration, wasted effort and even possibly save you from an injury.

If you are in the Southwest Florida area we invite you to visit the offices of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. before starting your exercise program. 239-332-2555. www.drkasters.com.