Q. DO I HAVE TO SIGNIFICANTLY CHANGE MY DIET?

A. In our experience, a diet focused on high-quality proteins, vegetables, and slow-burn carbohydrates tends to be a healthy and sustainable diet for most patients. We like to leave flexibility for patients’ personal or cultural preferences (i.e. pescatarian, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.). General tenants that most medical professionals can agree upon include focusing on whole foods and avoiding highly processed foods and sugar, and at least some consciousness around white, starchy carbohydrates.    We also introduce people to the concept of intermittent fasting, which, for some patients, can be an effective tool and made easier when on Semaglutide.  Below are some general dietary recommendations that may help enhance weight loss efforts: 

• Focus on high-quality proteins. A general goal is to consume one gram per pound of body weight per day to avoid substantial muscle loss when losing weight.

• Eat a fibrous diet. Focus on vegetables that are high in fiber and low on the glycemic index.

• It is okay to consume slow-burn carbohydrates such as legumes, lentils, or quinoa. 

• Avoid fried foods or highly processed or fatty foods as they take longer to digest.

• Limit or avoid simple, fast-burn carbohydrates such as rice, breads, bagels, and pasta

• Limit alcohol intake. 

• Drink at least 32 oz of water a day to avoid constipation.

Q. IS EXERCISE NECESSARY?

A. While exercise isn’t as important as what you eat for weight loss, sustainable exercise habits have been proven to keep the pounds off. According to the National Weight Control Registry (a database of people across the U.S. who have lost at least 30 pounds and have kept it off for at least a year), the number one thing these people have in common is a daily exercise routine. Also, remember, while exercise may not be required for weight loss – it is imperative for optimizing your health and well-being.

Q. CAN I LOSE WEIGHT FAST WITH SEMAGLUTIDE, OZEMPIC, WEGOVY, OR MOUNJARO?

A. Literature suggests that patients lose an average of 15% of their body weight. Our goal is to have most patients lose approximately one pound each week.  The speed with which you lose weight will depend on the amount of weight you need to lose as well as the dedication you put into supporting the medication’s effects with healthy lifestyle choices (food, exercise, emotional health, and sleep).

Q. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF THE PROGRAM?

A. The duration of your program will depend on the amount of weight you want to lose as well as how effective the drug and your individual lifestyle changes are. The Wegovy study referenced above, which boasted an average of 15% body weight reduction, was a 17-month study at the maximum dose of 2.4 mg of semaglutide.

Q. WHERE CAN I BUY SEMAGLUTIDE?

A. Semaglutide is not available over the counter and must be prescribed by a physician. Semaglutide is not a supplement – it is a prescription medication. We highly recommend you work with a doctor who is familiar with GLP-1s, understands the intricacies of their use for weight loss, is effective at personalizing dosing, and is well-versed in helping patients integrate dietary and lifestyle interventions.

Q. DOES SEMAGLUTIDE HAVE ANY SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS?

A. In rodents, Semaglutide medications and medications that work like Semaglutide, caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known whether or not Semaglutide will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma in humans. Other serious but rare side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, low blood sugar, kidney problems, allergies, increased heart rate, and depression or thoughts of suicide.  The more common and less concerning side effects include nausea, changes in bowel habits, heartburn, bloating, belching, and fatigue. In our clinic, focusing on the lowest possible dose for weight loss helps to mitigate these side effects.

Q: Where can I get Ozempic in Seattle? 

A: KPM offers medical weight loss programs in the greater Seattle area that include the use of Ozempic.