In the pursuit of wellness, Ivím Health stands out by combining evidence-based practices with clinical expertise, addressing the root causes of health needs rather than merely masking symptoms. With a team of board-certified obesity medicine doctors and functional health experts, Ivím Health offers high-quality products and personalized programs designed to support individuals on their weight loss journey. This article delves into the ingredients and approaches used by Ivím Health, with a particular focus on semaglutide, a powerful tool in the fight against obesity.
Ivím Health: A Commitment to Quality and Personalized Care
Ivím Health prioritizes your wellness by formulating supplements with high-quality, transparently sourced ingredients. Recognizing the difficulty of finding reliable, effective supplements, Ivím Health's dedicated team of providers - certified in functional health by The Institute for Functional Medicine - stopped recommending generic supplement options and created their own. Ivím Health was founded in 2021.
Addressing the Root Cause
At Ivím Health, the focus is on addressing the root cause of your health needs, rather than merely masking symptoms. The team of board-certified obesity medicine doctors collaborates with supplement industry experts to bring you high quality products that have been meticulously researched for safety and effectiveness.
Personalized Programs
Ivím Health's GLP-1 ID programs are structured based on the duration you select at checkout. With GLP-1 ID, your care isn’t just personalized- it’s fully individualized, reflecting your body’s rhythm, your lifestyle, and your goals, one week at a time. This includes weekly provider check-ins and adjustments based on your progress.
The Role of Semaglutide in Weight Loss
Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy® and Ozempic®) is a relatively newer addition to the medications designed to manage metabolic conditions. It originated as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes and now FDA approved for weight management. It belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. These medications mimic the function of GLP-1, which is a hormone in the body that regulates blood sugar. It does this by increasing insulin production and reducing glucose release from the liver. This discovery led to further studies and eventually the approval of Wegovy® (semaglutide) dosage for weight loss treatment. Today, it stands as a dual-purpose medication. Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic® and Wegovy®)[1] is an injectable medication which, when used in combination with diet and exercise, helps with blood sugar control, appetite control, and potential weight loss.
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How Semaglutide Works
Semaglutide’s (the active ingredient in Wegovy® and Ozempic®) role in promoting weight loss is rooted in its ability to mimic the natural actions of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone. GLP-1 plays several key roles in our metabolic processes. Its’ primary job is to enhance insulin secretion and suppress excessive glucose production in the liver. However, GLP-1 also has a notable influence on appetite.
GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide help to control your blood sugar, curb your appetite, and slow digestion. GLP-1, the key hormone involved, slows the process of gastric emptying. In addition to causing your pancreas to release insulin, semaglutide also blocks a hormone that causes your liver to release sugar (glucagon). As a result, individuals tend to consume fewer calories. Furthermore, it may slow gastric emptying, which can amplify these feelings of fullness after eating. Combined, these effects can lead to a reduction in overall food intake and, consequently, weight loss.
Clinical Trial Success
In a recently published study in the New England Journal of Medicine, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy® and Ozempic®)[1] treatment was shown to result in an average weight-loss of nearly 15% of baseline weight in comparison to 2.4% for placebo after 68 weeks of treatment. For 68 weeks, nearly 2,000 participants injected themselves weekly with either semaglutide or a placebo. Both groups received the same counseling for nutrition and exercise.
Starting from an average baseline weight of 230 lbs., participant average weight-loss was 14.5% (34 lbs.) compared to 2.4% (5 lbs.) for the placebo group. Furthermore, 70% of study participants reached a weight-loss of at least 10% of their baseline weight, and one-third lost at least 20% (46 lbs.) of their weight. Many health concerns seen in people who are struggling with their weight, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and arthritic pain of the knees improve when they reach these levels of weight-loss.
Semaglutide Dosage and Duration
The duration for which one uses Wegovy® (semaglutide) dosage for weight loss can vary based on individual goals and how the body responds to the treatment. Typically, patients start noticing some weight reduction within the first few weeks. There tends to be more significant results becoming apparent within the first six months. However, the recommended course for Wegovy® (semaglutide) is often about a year.
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If, after a certain period (often around 12 weeks), a patient doesn’t experience at least a 5% reduction in their starting weight, healthcare professionals might consider altering the treatment plan and titration schedule. The patient may be less likely to benefit from prolonged use. Total duration of treatment will vary from patient to patient. For those who’ve achieved their weight loss objectives and are looking to maintain results, discussions about extending treatment or transitioning to a weight maintenance plan should take place with their doctor. Decisions about continuing or discontinuing Wegovy® (semaglutide) should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Dosing for Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy® (semaglutide) drug product starts at .5mg injected once weekly and goes up to 2.4mg injected once weekly. With Wegovy® (semaglutide) drug product or compounded semaglutide, you will slowly work your way up to the target dose at which time you will see the most amount of weight loss.
Dosage Adjustments
The journey with semaglutide dosage for weight loss isn’t always linear, and adjustments to the dosage might become necessary for various reasons. Initially, to minimize potential side effects, a low dose is usually prescribed, which is then gradually increased over time. This titration method ensures that patients acclimate to the medication, mitigating gastrointestinal symptoms that some might experience at the onset.
If a patient is tolerating the drug well and seeks more pronounced weight loss benefits, a healthcare provider may consider an incremental dose raise. Another scenario for a dosage change is if a person begins or discontinues another medication that interacts with Wegovy® (semaglutide), potentially necessitating an adjustment. In certain cases, underlying health conditions might also affect how the body metabolizes the drug, prompting either an increase or decrease in dose. It’s imperative to note that any changes in dosage should be under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional to ensure both the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Potential Side Effects and Interactions
Wegovy® (semaglutide), like any medication, comes with a potential for side effects, and being aware of these can lead to safer and more effective treatment. The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal in nature, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. For many, these symptoms are temporary and often diminish as the body gets accustomed to the medication, especially if introduced through a gradual dose escalation. However, there are also less common but more severe side effects, such as pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or kidney issues, which require immediate medical attention. Semaglutide also may cause thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents (with unknown risk shown in humans). Thus, semaglutide shouldn’t be used if you or your family have a history of certain thyroid cancers. Semaglutide should not be used in people with type-1 diabetes or a history of pancreatitis.
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Patients should routinely check for any unusual symptoms and discuss them with their healthcare provider. Regular medical check-ups, which may include blood tests and other assessments, can help detect any internal changes early. Moreover, individuals are encouraged to maintain a symptom diary or log, noting down any changes they experience, no matter how minor they might seem.
When using Wegovy® (semaglutide), it’s vital to be aware of its potential interactions with other medications. Combining Wegovy® (semaglutide) with other glucose-lowering agents, especially sulfonylureas or insulin, might heighten the risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. As a result, dosages of these drugs might need adjustment when introduced concurrently with Wegovy® (semaglutide). Additionally, given its mechanism of action in the gastrointestinal tract, Wegovy® (semaglutide) could influence the absorption rate of orally administered medicines. This could either delay or accelerate the onset of effects from other drugs. It’s essential for patients to maintain open communication with their healthcare providers, ensuring they are informed about all medications, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs being taken.
Semaglutide: Safety Considerations
Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Ozempic® (semaglutide) drug products are considered to be safe and effective when used as indicated by the FDA. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic® and Wegovy® drug products, still may have possible side effects.
Compounded Semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide is also a member of the GLP-1 receptor agonist drug class but is not FDA approved and does not have the same efficacy and safety data as the FDA approved medications. However, compounding pharmacies are subject to FDA and state regulation and compounded semaglutide offers a patient-specific formulation, is currently more widely available, and offers greater customization of dosing titration protocols on a per patient basis. This is a compounded medication and is not FDA-approved. Compounded drugs have not undergone FDA review for safety, efficacy, or quality.
The Importance of Diet and Lifestyle
Understanding what to eat while taking Ozempic® (semaglutide), Wegovy® (semaglutide), or compounded semaglutide is crucial for maximizing weight loss benefits. Semaglutide (the active ingredient in the brand-name medications Ozempic® and Wegovy® and part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist drug class. Before discussing specific dietary recommendations, it’s essential to understand the role of insulin in metabolic health. Insulin is a key hormone responsible for glucose metabolism, blood sugar regulation, and energy conversion.
Insulin-Friendly Foods
A cornerstone of what to eat while on Ozempic® (semaglutide), Wegovy® (semaglutide), or compounded semaglutide is the emphasis on vegetable consumption. This mechanism helps minimize blood sugar fluctuations, leading to improved hormone balance, reduced inflammation, and decreased cravings. High-quality protein sources are vital for maintaining muscle mass during weight loss and promoting feelings of fullness. Contrary to outdated nutritional advice, incorporating healthy fats is essential for individuals seeking weight loss. These fats play a critical role in hormone balance, inflammation reduction, and satiety promotion. When designing meals and considering what to eat when taking Ozempic® (semaglutide), Wegovy® (semaglutide), or compounded semaglutide, aim for a balance of proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables.
Mindful Eating
In addition to food selection, eating behaviors play a crucial role in weight management. To reduce glucose spikes effectively, practice mindful eating. Start your meal with vegetables, as their fiber content helps coat the small intestine and slows glucose absorption. This leads to fewer glucose spikes, improved hormone balance, reduced inflammation, and diminished cravings.
Personalized Nutrition Advice
Individual responses to dietary changes can vary, especially when combined with medication like Ozempic® (semaglutide), Wegovy® (semaglutide), and compounded semaglutide. Before implementing significant dietary modifications, especially in conjunction with Ozempic® (semaglutide), Wegovy® (semaglutide), or compounded semaglutide, consultation with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian is strongly advised. By focusing on insulin-friendly food choices and adopting mindful eating practices, patients can get the most out of their treatment when taking Ozempic® (semaglutide), Wegovy® (semaglutide), or compounded semaglutide and work towards sustainable weight management and improved overall health. Understanding what to eat and consistently choosing the best foods to eat requires consistency, but can lead to long-term benefits. Ivím Health provides a supportive community with expert meal plans and tailored nutrition advice for your weight loss journey.
In every weight-loss medication intervention trial that I’ve seen, lifestyle modifications are always implemented for the placebo and intervention groups. Pharma-therapy is something that we add to lifestyle interventions.
Additional Ivím Health Products
Ivím Health offers a range of additional products designed to support overall wellness and enhance weight loss efforts:
- NAD+: Supports cellular energy and longevity.
- Lipotropic: This is a fat burner injection consisting of vitamin B12 for energy as well as several additional active pharmaceutical ingredients which aid in metabolizing fats throughout the body and near the site of the injection.
- Sermorelin: The sermorelin sublinguals are popular add-ons for patients participating in one of Ivim's weight loss programs, especially for patients looking to maximize their weight loss results or have a body sculpting component to their weight loss journey. Additional benefits of sermorelin include a decrease in total body fat percentage, increase in lean muscle mass, higher energy levels, better sleep, increased bone density, and increased skin, hair, and nail integrity, growth, and thickness.
- Renu: An innovative supplement in our anti-aging line, enriched with Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), which serves as a precursor to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD). This powerful formulation is designed to enhance metabolism and energy levels while helping to reduce inflammation.
- Cu' Cream: Introducing our Cu' Cream, a standout in our anti-aging line! This luxurious cream boosts collagen production to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a youthful radiance. Packed with powerful antioxidants and soothing anti-inflammatory benefits, it nourishes and protects your skin. Cu' Cream also helps tighten loose skin and restore firmness, combating the effects of aging.