Healthy Living in New Jersey: How Semaglutide Can Boost Your Weight Loss Journey

Nothing about losing weight (and maintaining that weight loss) is easy. It takes a certain amount of time, energy, effort, commitment, and motivation that many in the New Jersey community don’t think they have.

But we’re here to tell you that you do have what it takes – every last one of us. 

Eating a healthy diet, living an active lifestyle, avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks, maintaining a consistent sleep routine – these are hands-down some of the best things any of us can do to lose weight. 

Think of it like a starter pack for your weight loss journey.

But like any journey, starter packs only get you so far before help is needed – and there’s nothing wrong with seeking out that help, whether that means talking to a nutritionist or working with a personal trainer. 

And if that doesn’t work, then don’t worry – semaglutide can help, and Nü Forma can show you the way!

Semaglutide: The Silver Bullet for Stubborn Fat & Unwanted Weight

Every year, we see a new trend go viral for its ability to help us lose weight – and keep that weight off. At least that was the case in 2021, when semaglutide was approved by the FDA as a weight loss injection. 

But unlike most weight loss trends, which often fail to stand the test of time, semaglutide is different. 

Now three years since its official entry into the weight loss category, semaglutide is as popular as ever – and has already helped millions of people lose the weight that they’ve been struggling to shed for years. 

But enough of the hype…

What is semaglutide? 

Semaglutide is a medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it mimics the action of the GLP-1 hormone in the body.

GLP-1 is a naturally-occurring hormone produced by cells found in the lining of the small intestine (known as L cells) – though it’s also produced in smaller amounts in the central nervous system and pancreas. 

Hitting the Bullseye: 5 Ways Semaglutide Targets Weight Loss 

When semaglutide first hit the market in 2017, no one knew it would be such a big player in the weight loss community. In fact, it was initially used as an antidiabetic medication to help lower blood sugar levels.

It certainly worked in that regard, but there’s always more than what meets the eye. 

During the testing stages of its development, scientists and patients started to notice that they were losing weight – in addition to blood sugar dropping. It was something none of us expected, but we all welcomed. 

And it was enough for scientists to investigate its impact on weight and weight management. 

The more they studied, the more they learned. And the more they learned, the more convinced we were that this was the next big thing in the weight loss community – and that’s exactly what it turned out to be. 

With that said, here’s what we know about semaglutide and its effect on weight loss. 

5. Insulin Production & Blood Sugar Control

When you eat carbs, your body immediately breaks them down into glucose (sugar). Once glucose enters the bloodstream (blood sugar), the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin to guide it into your cells. 

Think of insulin as an Uber driver – helping blood sugar get to its destination safely. 

So, what does this have to do with semaglutide? 

Semaglutide binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, which stimulates the beta cells to produce and release more insulin – particularly during moments when blood sugar levels are high.

And lower blood sugar levels means less glucose getting stored as fat – which can help you lose weight. 

4. Energy Levels & Motivation

We know that semaglutide increases insulin production and lowers blood sugar levels by helping glucose find its destination, but what happens once glucose enters the cell – and how does it help us lose weight? 

Well, that right there is where we get most of our energy from. 

See, the body has three main sources of energy – carbs, fat, and protein (in that order). Carbs are the easiest to convert into glucose, which is why the body will always turn to carbs before anything else. 

Through its effect on insulin, semaglutide can help increase energy levels by ensuring the body uses glucose properly. And you can then use that energy to motivate yourself to stay physically active daily.

3. Suppresses Appetite & Curbs Hunger

Semaglutide’s effects on insulin and blood sugar are what made it such an attractive treatment for type 2 diabetes, but it wasn’t until scientists discovered its impact on appetite that the narrative started to shift. 

And it’s all thanks to the hypothalamus.

The hypothalamus is a region in the brain that’s heavily involved in regulating hunger and satiety. It’s the size of an almond and is located at the base of the brain – below the thalamus, above the pituitary gland. 

Semaglutide is unique in that it binds to GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus. 

This not only means it can help control your appetite and curb hunger, but it also has an effect on the brain’s reward centers – which can help reduce the cravings we often get for high-calorie, palatable foods.

2. Fat Oxidation & Reduction

We mentioned earlier how the body has three main sources of energy – carbs, fat, and protein. But what happens when those three options are unavailable? Where does the body turn to when it needs energy? 

The answer is stored fat – the fat the body doesn’t use right away. 

So, what does this have to do with semaglutide? 

Since semaglutide reduces appetite and controls cravings, the body won’t have as many calories as it’s used to. And when it runs out of calories to use for energy, it’ll have nothing else to burn than stored fat. 

And with less fat comes less weight – which is exactly what we’re going for!

1. Gastric Motility & Fullness

Gastrointestinal motility, also known as gastric motility, refers to the movement of food from the mouth through the pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and out of the body. 

In other words, it’s how fast food and liquid moves through the digestive process. 

And believe it or not, semaglutide has an effect on this process, as well. 

By binding to GLP-1 receptors in the GI tract, semaglutide slows down the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine – contributing to a longer-lasting feeling of fullness (satiety) after meals.

This fullness helps reduce the amount we eat and helps counter any cravings we have after eating.

Nü Forma: Losing Weight Just Got a Whole Lot Easier

Are you looking to get a head start with your weight loss journey? Are diet changes and physical activity not giving you the results you were hoping for? Do you need something to complement those efforts?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions above, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to Nü Forma Wellness Lounge – where your weight loss goals just got a lot more realistic. 

If you’d like to learn more about semaglutide and how it can help you lose weight (and maintain weight loss), then contact one of our three New Jersey health clinics (Totowa, Montclair, Brick) right away.