If you’ve been exploring options to lose weight, you may have come across semaglutide—a groundbreaking medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes that’s now approved for weight loss. Semaglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar, essentially making it easier to stick to a low-calorie diet and lose weight.
At Contour Clinique Med Spa, we offer medically supervised semaglutide programs tailored to your unique goals. But how does this compare to traditional weight loss methods? Let’s break it down so you can make an informed decision.
Effectiveness and speed of results
One of the most compelling reasons people turn to Semaglutide is its clinically proven weight loss potential. In large-scale studies, such as the STEP trials, patients using semaglutide (2.4 mg weekly) lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. For someone who weighs 200 pounds, that’s around 30 pounds of weight loss—often within 3 to 6 months.
By contrast, traditional methods like diet and exercise alone typically result in a 5% to 10% reduction in body weight over a year, depending on consistency. While this is sustainable for some, the progress can feel slow, especially when life gets busy.
Appetite suppression and satiety
Semaglutide works by directly influencing the areas of the brain responsible for appetite and fullness. Many patients report feeling full sooner and experiencing fewer cravings throughout the day, making it much easier to reduce calorie intake without feeling deprived.
Traditional weight loss methods aim to achieve similar results through portion control, meal timing, and mindful eating techniques. While effective for some, these strategies can be harder to stick to and require immense mental effort, especially without professional support.
Metabolic improvements and overall health
Beyond weight loss, semaglutide offers significant metabolic benefits. It can improve insulin sensitivity, stabilize blood sugar levels, and reduce risk factors for conditions like cardiovascular disease—especially valuable for individuals with obesity-related health concerns.
Traditional weight loss approaches can also deliver metabolic improvements, particularly when combined with consistent physical activity. However, the effects may take longer to manifest and often depend heavily on adherence and lifestyle consistency.
Sustainability and long-term maintenance
One of the biggest challenges in any weight loss journey is keeping the weight off. Research suggests that weight loss achieved through semaglutide can be sustained, especially with continued medical oversight and lifestyle support.
Traditional methods require a lifelong commitment to healthy habits. While sustainable, this approach often faces setbacks due to stress, time constraints, or loss of motivation.
Side effects and safety considerations
Semaglutide is generally well-tolerated, but it’s not without potential side effects. The most common are gastrointestinal—such as nausea, bloating, or constipation—which typically subside over time. That’s why medical supervision is essential throughout the treatment.
Traditional weight loss methods are usually safe when done correctly, though extreme diets or over-exercising can lead to risks. Without guidance, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy patterns.
Find what works for you
Weight loss is deeply personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. Semaglutide offers a powerful new option for those who need a medical edge, but even so, it’s important to develop lifestyle habits that can sustain the results of semaglutide over time.
At Contour Clinique Med Spa, our mission is to empower you with options. Whether you’re ready to try semaglutide or prefer to stick with proven, holistic weight loss strategies, we help you lose excess weight safely and sustainably to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
