Google "semaglutide near me" and you're likely to find dozens of clinics nearby that offer the newest weight loss miracle that's a "sure thing" for weight loss. And while this has been done before (see phentermine, phendimetrazine, Qsymia) this new drug is different in that it is not a stimulant medication.

Stimulant drugs are prescribed for weight with varying success and help individuals lose weight by suppressing appetite artificially by utilizing a known "side effect" of anorexia (medical term for loss of appetite, not to be confused with anorexia nervosa, a psychiatric illness).

What makes semaglutide different and perhaps more appealing is that is not a stimulant drug. So other side effects like dry mouth, palpitations, and anxiety that some may have with phentermine do not happen with semaglutide. Also it will not raise blood pressure like phentermine can.

Semaglutide is a peptide (protein molecule) injection that works in the body to increase insulin secretion from the pancreas and slow digestion. The slower digestion causes you to feel full with smaller amounts of food and therefore leads one to eat less and lose weight. That is the good news.

Bad news? Well, first it's hard to find and second, if you do find semaglutide it's likely you'll pay a small fortune for it. There is also a possible nausea side effect that can be minimized with careful dosing and close follow-up.

More good news is that Echelon-Health now offers compounded semaglutide to member patients at a fraction of the cost of weight loss clinics.

Tags: semaglutide, weight loss