As the active ingredient in “the skinny shot,” including wildly popular injectables like Ozempic, semaglutide leaves little doubt at this point when it comes to its ability to promote weight loss.

Our team at Essence Skin Clinic & Med Spa in Rochester, MN, can attest to both the popularity and effectiveness of semaglutide, having personally administered the injections ourselves to witness the results firsthand.

But, you may be thinking, isn’t semaglutide for people with diabetes and/or obesity? What if I’m just working on that last 10 or 15 pounds? Could it have dangerous effects?

Thankfully, multiple preparations of semaglutide have been FDA-approved, meaning we have reliable, evidence-based recommendations in terms of who is eligible for the skinny shot and who isn’t.

Before we break down the factors that influence your eligibility for the skinny shot, it’s important to understand how it works.

What Exactly Is the “Skinny Shot?”

When the body needs to use the food you eat for energy, it releases a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone activates the release of insulin, which helps the sugar move into tissues throughout the body and lowers blood sugar.

Semaglutide, the main ingredient in the skinny shot, can trigger this action by mimicking GLP-1. Research has also revealed that higher doses of semaglutide can inhibit appetite, which further enhances the weight-loss-promoting effect.

Semaglutide was initially approved by the FDA to manage blood sugar spikes in people with type 2 diabetes, but it also had a noticeable effect on weight and body composition. As its effectiveness as a weight management tool became more well-known, doctors began prescribing it off-label for this purpose. Today, semaglutide (in the form of the drug Wegovy) is FDA-approved for weight loss in people with obesity or excess weight.

Even if you aren’t classified as overweight, you can still use semaglutide injections to manage your weight. However, understanding your eligibility and consulting with an experienced provider who understands the risks and benefits of using semaglutide is crucial.

Who Qualifies for Semaglutide Injections?

As mentioned, one key advantage of FDA-approval is clear, evidence-based eligibility criteria for those considering the use of said drug.

In the case of semaglutide, the FDA has identified the following indications for semaglutide use, breaking them down by brand:

• Managing blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes (Rybelsus and Ozempic)
• Reducing the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events in patients with or without diabetes and diagnosed heart disease (Ozempic)
• Assisting with weight loss for people classified as overweight or obese (Wegovy)
• Assisting weight loss for those classified as overweight and experiencing high blood pressure, type II diabetes, or dyslipidemia (Wegovy)

Importantly, the majority of these approved uses come with a footnote that is oh-so-easy to gloss over: as an adjunct to diet and exercise.

In other words, as effective as semaglutide is, there simply is no such thing as a “miracle shot” that will magically overcome poor nutrition and a lack of exercise. So, you don’t have to be morbidly obese or have type 2 diabetes to use it, but if you really want results, there’s no getting around that time-tested prescription of a sound diet and regular physical activity.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Semaglutide?

While it is unclear whether this potential risk of semaglutide carries over to humans, studies on mice have shown that semaglutide may produce or exacerbate thyroid tumors.

This brings us to our first “contraindication” (a factor that makes you ineligible): anyone with a history of thyroid tumors or a condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2 (MEN 2).

There are also several precautions, some of which can be found on box warnings for the various semaglutide-containing drugs, to keep in mind.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Concurrent medication use
• History of suicidal ideation and/or attempts
• Patients who have had bariatric surgery

How to Know for Sure If Semaglutide Is Right for You

Every patient presents with a unique medical history and health status. While we always advocate for people considering semaglutide injections (or any other treatment) to educate themselves using reliable sources, consulting with a professional is by far the best way to determine your eligibility.

Our award-winning team at Essence Skin Clinic & Med Spa will carefully review your medical history and health status, including any ongoing issues or hereditary risk factors, to confidently determine whether or not semaglutide injections are right for you.

If you’re not eligible, we offer a full suite of sculpting services to eliminate stubborn fat and help you reach your goals, including CoolSculpting and SculpSure. If you are eligible, our team will walk you through the semaglutide treatment process, including determining the proper dosage, frequency, and how to administer the injections at home.

Break Through Weight Loss Plateaus With Semaglutide at Essence Skin Clinic & Med Spa in Rochester, MN.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that semaglutide truly represents a huge leap forward in weight loss injectables. But as with any treatment, who you go with is just as important as the treatment itself.

As the first medspa in the Rochester, MN area, our team at Essence Skin Clinic & Med Spa has had 40+ years of experience to continually refine our approach to patient-centered care across all services.

As your provider, we work for you, bringing your visions of a sculpted, naturally beautiful body to life on your terms. Contact us for a consultation and prepare for a potentially life-changing semaglutide treatment!