Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
To qualify for semaglutide treatment, there are certain criteria set by health insurance companies and prescribing guidelines that patients need to meet:
Eligibility criteria
- Age - Semaglutide is approved for use in adults aged 18 years and older
- Diabetes - If prescribing for diabetes, you need to have a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
- Weight - If prescribing for weight loss, your BMI needs to be 30 kg/m2 or higher (obese), or 27 kg/m2 or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related health condition
- A1C - If treating diabetes, your A1C needs to be above your target goal, demonstrating suboptimal blood sugar control with current treatment
- Commitment - You must be committed to continuing a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity
Ineligible patients
Patients with the following conditions should not use semaglutide:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
- Severe gastrointestinal disease
Prescribing protocol
If you meet the eligibility criteria, here is the usual protocol for being prescribed semaglutide:
- Your doctor will review your medical history, BMI, A1C if diabetic, and weight-related health issues
- You will discuss lifestyle changes and weight loss goals with your doctor
- Your doctor will check for any contraindications that make semaglutide unsafe
- You will need to undergo an evaluation for thyroid cancer risk
- Females will be required to use effective birth control while on semaglutide
- You will start on a low dose taken once weekly by injection, increasing gradually to the target maintenance dose
- Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular weigh-ins and bloodwork to ensure safe and effective treatment
The endocrinology and weight management experts at
Renewal Hormone Center have over 20 years of experience successfully prescribing semaglutide.
We perform all necessary pre-screening and medical exams to determine your eligibility and safety for semaglutide treatment. Our clinicians will partner with you to set reasonable weight loss goals and provide lifestyle coaching and nutrition guidance to help you succeed. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and evaluation to see if semaglutide is right for you.