Semaglutide
The Skinny Shot
Medical Weight Loss in Miami, Florida
When you’re trying to lose weight, sometimes it can feel like you’ve hit a wall. Restrictive diets and exhausting workout routines don’t seem to make a difference, leaving you frustrated with your results. If you’re ready to finally achieve your weight loss goals, we have a solution that can break through the plateau by targeting the root causes of obesity: the Skinny Shot.
The Skinny Shot is an innovative approach to weight loss that harnesses the power of semaglutide, an FDA-approved medication proven to help individuals achieve sustainable weight loss. Designed for those who seek a reliable and effective solution, the Skinny Shot is more than just a temporary fix — it’s a step toward a new you and a healthier lifestyle.
What Is the Skinny Shot?
The Skinny Shot is a medical weight loss treatment that uses semaglutide — the active ingredient in prescription medications like Ozempic and Wegovy — to help you achieve safe and effective weight loss. Originally developed to help people with type 2 diabetes successfully manage their blood sugar levels, semaglutide is an FDA-approved medication that has been shown to be remarkably effective for long-term weight management, especially when traditional methods haven’t worked.
How Semaglutide Promotes Weight Loss
Semaglutide is a non-insulin medication that promotes weight loss by mimicking a hormone in the body that regulates blood sugar, food intake and appetite. Known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, these drugs activate GLP-1 receptors in the brain, sending signals that curb hunger and help you feel fuller for longer with smaller portions.
- Delays gastric emptying, so you feel satisfied longer
- Reduces appetite and food cravings
- Improves your body’s response to insulin
The Skinny Shot is a holistic approach to health and wellness that targets the root causes of obesity and weight gain, making it easier to eat healthier, stick to a reduced-calorie diet and resist powerful food cravings, helping you reach your weight loss goals safely and effectively.
Is the Skinny Shot Right for Me?
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) shows that 42% of adults (2 in 5) are considered obese, while 30% (1 in 3) are overweight. This is worrying because obesity contributes greatly to weight-related health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, which are among the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. Excess weight can also negatively impact your self-esteem and quality of life, interfering with things like mood, mobility and normal functioning.
If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to lose weight with diet and exercise, you’re not alone. A significant number of adults struggle with excess weight or obesity. Semaglutide is a valuable tool that can improve your health and help you achieve and maintain meaningful weight loss. It is typically prescribed for patients who meet the following criteria:
- Have obesity with a BMI of 30+
- Have excess weight with a BMI of 27+ and at least one weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol
- Are pre-diabetic or have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
- Have high A1C levels that increase diabetes risk
You may not be eligible for weight loss with semaglutide if you:
- Have a personal or family history of thyroid problems
- Have experienced pancreatitis while using other GLP-1 agonists
- Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a gastrointestinal motility disorder like gastroparesis
During a consultation, the providers at PURE will evaluate your needs, goals and lifestyle to determine if the Skinny Shot is right for you. Your treatment plan will include a dosing schedule and recommended nutritional or dietary changes that support your success.
How to Get Started With the Skinny Shot
Book a Consultation
Your first step to achieving sustainable weight loss with the Skinny Shot is to schedule a consultation. Our providers will get to know you, your lifestyle habits, health history and more to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for semaglutide and develop your treatment plan.
Begin Your Weight Loss Journey
If semaglutide is right for you, it’s time to begin your weight loss journey. We will prescribe your medication and demonstrate how to administer your weight loss injections at home. We will also recommend any dietary or lifestyle changes that will help you achieve your goals.
Maintain Your Progress
Regular follow-ups will be scheduled to discuss your progress, review key benchmarks and adjust your dose (if necessary) to optimize your results. Our goal is to help you achieve healthy, sustainable weight loss that stays off even after you’ve finished your treatment.
What to Expect During Treatment
Semaglutide is administered as a once-weekly injection beneath the skin (subcutaneously) of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Injection sites should be rotated regularly to reduce the risk of pain, bruising or swelling in any one area. The specific timing and dosage of your injections may be based on your unique needs, but most treatment plans follow a similar schedule:
- Starting Dose — You will begin with a starting dose, typically 0.25 mg.
- Incremental Increases — As your body adjusts to the medication, the dose will be gradually increased every four weeks for optimal results.
- Maintenance Dose — Eventually, you will achieve a maintenance dose. This is typically 2.5 mg but may vary depending on how you respond to the medication.
Throughout your weight loss journey, it’s crucial to follow all instructions provided by our team and included with your medication. This includes proper administration guidelines, injection techniques and safe disposal of used pens or needles. To ensure the best results and a treatment plan that adapts to your evolving needs, we will schedule regular follow-ups to discuss your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your dosage.
How Soon Will I See Results?
Most patients using semaglutide start to see results within a few weeks of treatment. However, more visible weight loss may become apparent after 12 weeks. This is when you might feel lighter and notice that your clothes are fitting differently. With each passing month, you should experience a steady decrease in your overall body weight. The pace at which patients lose weight can vary, but the best results are achieved by combining the use of semaglutide with healthy lifestyle changes, like a balanced diet and exercise.
Semaglutide is currently one of the most effective weight loss drugs available. While individual results may vary, many patients report losing 1-2 pounds every week. One notable study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that those using semaglutide lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over a 68-week period, compared to 2.4% for the placebo group. Other studies and clinical trials have consistently found similar results.
Is Semaglutide a Sustainable Weight Loss Solution?
Semaglutide works by mimicking the action of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates appetite and calorie intake, which can lead to substantial weight loss. When paired with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity, its effects contribute to sustained weight management. However, the key to achieving long-term success is permanently adopting improved lifestyle habits and continuing to eat healthy and exercise even after treatment.
Maintaining your weight loss after semaglutide may involve:
- Ongoing nutritional guidance
- Regular physical activity
- Behavioral support
- Continuous medical monitoring
At PURE, our goal is to set you up for long-term success and help you embrace a healthier lifestyle. Our team will work with you to ensure that you can maintain your results and avoid the rollercoaster effect often seen with fad diets, fasting and other weight loss gimmicks.
Potential Side Effects
Semaglutide has been proven safe and effective for weight management. However, as with any medication, it does carry the risk of potential side effects. These are important to be aware of, even if you don’t experience them. The most reported side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea
- Stomach discomfort, fullness or pain
- Temporary decrease in energy levels
- Redness, itching or redness at the injection sites
- Loose skin caused by rapid weight loss, often seen in the face or buttocks
The side effects of semaglutide are typically mild and improve as your body gets used to the medication. However, rarely, serious side effects may occur. Talk to your doctor right away if you develop a fever, severe stomach pain, chills, lightheadedness, weakness, confusion or blurred vision. These may be signs of pancreatitis, hypoglycemia or an allergic reaction.
At PURE, we believe that informed patients are empowered patients. That’s why we prioritize patient education, providing you with comprehensive information about your treatment, the mechanisms of semaglutide, its benefits and potential side effects. Our resources are designed to answer your questions and help you feel confident about your treatment plan. If you have any concerns about the Skinny Shot or your results, don’t hesitate to reach out and our team will respond so you are supported throughout your weight loss journey.
Discover Miami’s Secret to Weight Loss at PURE
If you’re ready to shed unwanted pounds, improve your wellness and embrace a healthier lifestyle, the Skinny Shot at PURE Plastic Surgery can help. Discover Miami’s secret to weight loss and book an appointment with us today. Get started by calling our office at 786-245-7622. You can also complete our online contact form to request a consultation or use our virtual consultation tool and we’ll be in touch!
“I could not have picked a better doctor. Dr. Earle is a perfectionist and settles for nothing less than perfection. I am incredibly happy with my results.”* - Rosie