How Do You Qualify for Weight Loss Injections?
Here’s how to know if you qualify
If you’re considering taking medication for weight loss, you might be wondering what it takes to qualify. Weight loss injections, especially GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide, have gained a lot of attention for their weight loss success. In this blog, we will discuss the qualifications for weight loss injections and how medically supervised weight loss is necessary for safety and long-term success.
What are weight loss injections?
While several types of injectable medications are used for weight loss, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have unparalleled weight loss success. To keep things simple, we’ll mostly focus on the popular semaglutide injections, what qualifications providers look for, and what factors to consider prior to taking them.
Qualifications for weight loss injections
GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss injections are excellent tools for weight loss for some patients. However, they may not be appropriate for everyone. Here are specific factors to consider when deciding if GLP-1 receptor agonists are a good choice for you.
BMI
Body mass index (BMI) is a primary measure used to diagnose overweight and obesity. Patients with a BMI ≥ 30 should be considered for weight loss treatments, and those with BMI ≥ 27 with other obesity-related medical problems (like diabetes or high blood pressure) may also qualify.
Prior weight loss attempts
The cornerstones of long-term weight loss success are diet modifications and regular exercise. Weight loss injections can be considered when prior attempts at weight loss were not successful with diet and exercise changes alone. Weight loss injections like semaglutide are excellent tools for weight loss, but they don’t replace the necessity to follow a healthy diet and maintain regular physical exercise.
Other health conditions
GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss injections, like semaglutide, are beneficial in the treatment of other health conditions, like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and fatty liver disease. Patients who have obesity and one or more of these related conditions may be excellent candidates for weight loss injections for additional benefits.
Using GLP-1 injections
Weight loss injections do require the use of a small needle to administer weekly (semaglutide) or daily (liraglutide) doses, and taking an injection is a downside for some people. However, the process is simple and straightforward, with minimal discomfort. Simple training on how to administer weight loss injections can alleviate anxiety around their use.
Obesity is a chronic disease, similar to others like high blood pressure and diabetes. As a result, it requires ongoing treatment. Studies suggest that it may be necessary to take weight loss injections long-term to maintain weight loss.
Possible side effects and contraindications
The most common side effects from semaglutide are gastrointestinal upset, including nausea and vomiting.
In some instances, they may be severe, requiring discontinuing the medication. Semaglutide works by delaying gastric emptying, promoting fullness and leading to decreased calorie intake. As a result, it may not be the best choice for patients with gastroparesis or chronic nausea since it could exacerbate those conditions.
GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss injections are contraindicated (not recommended) in patients who have a history of pancreatitis or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, as they may worsen those problems.
Weight loss injections like semaglutide do not cause low blood sugar on their own. However, they can cause low blood sugar when they are taken with some other diabetes medications, so it is important to consider possible interactions with other medications you take.
Consult with a medical professional
Before starting treatment with a weight loss injection, be sure to consult with a knowledgeable healthcare professional, who will review your health history, medical problems and current medications to ensure that a weight loss injection is a good option for you.
Ongoing monitoring of weight loss, laboratory results and medication tolerance is necessary to ensure safety and effectiveness. Without appropriate monitoring, side effects are more likely and may be dangerous.
Weight loss injections are a promising option if diet and exercise alone has not shown weight loss success. Patients who meet specific BMI parameters or have other underlying medical conditions may qualify for treatment with weight loss injections, like semaglutide. If you are ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey, talk to one of Agile’s licensed providers today to see if weight loss injections are right for you!
