Semaglutide Injections vs Liraglutide

man holding semaglutide injections
man holding semaglutide injections

Semaglutide Injections vs Liraglutide

Both Semaglutide and Liraglutide are known as GLP-1 receptors, which means they mimic a natural hormone in the body that signals insulin creation. This is what helps the body regulate blood sugar levels after eating. In higher doses, GLP-1 receptors work with the brain to adjust your appetite response, even slowing digestion down so you feel full for longer.

When patients combine a professionally supervised weight loss medication with the proper diet and an active lifestyle, consistent results are achievable. So, if you’re finding yourself in a cycle of weight fluctuations or increases you aren’t comfortable with, it’s time to make some changes. Let’s go through what you can expect with Semaglutide and Liraglutide – dosages, prescriptions, benefits, and side effects – so that you can make the best decision for your body.

Finding quality solutions in the abundance of options available might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. You just need to find the right team and resources to support you. We’re here to help.

The Difference Between Semaglutide and Liraglutide

These medications are often discussed together as both Semaglutide and Liraglutide are effective solutions for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Because of this, either option is transformational in improving cardiovascular health and maintaining a safe weight.

But which one is for you?

Weight Loss Injection Dosages & Prescriptions

Two of the main differences between the medications are dosage amount and prescription. Keep in mind that with either option, patients slowly increase their dosage as the body adapts.

Liraglutide is primarily meant for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 struggling with obesity. It helps alleviate the obesity epidemic with weight management before developing into adulthood. Dosages start at 0.6mg and go up to 3mg, with a half-life that lasts 13 to 15 hours between daily dosages.

Semaglutide is a weight-loss medication for adults, a weekly injection that lasts 165 hours. Dosages start at 0.25mg and max out at 2.5mg. Healthcare providers monitor progress, gradually increasing dosages once every four weeks for 17 weeks.

an image of Injections Liraglutide

Semaglutide vs. Liraglutide: Weight Loss Injection Results

In a study of nearly 2,000 obese individuals who did not have type 2 diabetes, half underwent weekly Semaglutide injections while the other half received a placebo. The Semaglutide group participants saw an average of 14.9% weight loss over 64 weeks. One-third of the group lost at least 20% of their baseline weight.

The same facility orchestrated another study involving over 3,700 participants who were also overweight or obese and did not have type 2 diabetes but with a Liraglutide prescription or placebo. 63.2% of Liraglutide participants lost more than 5% of their baseline weight, and about 33.1% saw more than 10% weight loss.

Liraglutide & Semaglutide Side Effects

As with any prescription, there are potential side effects to be aware of. These are both weight loss drugs meant to adapt how the body processes appetite, digestion, and blood sugar, which means your body needs to adjust to the medication.

Thankfully, most side effects patients experience on either Semaglutide or Liraglutide are minimal, manageable symptoms that disappear as treatment continues and diet improves. This might include nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, fatigue, or stomach pain.

In rarer cases, more severe side effects can include a faster heartbeat, suicidal thoughts, or pancreatitis. Always address questions and concerns with your provider before, during, and after your treatment.

Which is Better for Weight Loss?

In comparing both weight loss drugs, a 2022 study between the maximum dosages of both Semaglutide and Liraglutide showed that Semaglutide is nearly three times as effective at supporting weight loss in those without diabetes.

Studies have shown that significantly more patients discontinue Liraglutide use for any reason than with Semaglutide. Plus, Semaglutide is more widely associated with curbing cravings, suggesting that the body regulates it more effectively.

Can You Switch From Liraglutide to Semaglutide for Weight Loss?

Yes! Depending on your needs and preferences, it is possible to change from one weight loss injection to another. As an important note, you should never combine these medications. Both options lower blood sugar and serve similar purposes, which means using them together can cause complications.

However, when it comes to determining which medication will be best for you, a 2-year study on patients with type 2 diabetes has shown that significant weight improvements are possible when switching from Liraglutide to Semaglutide.

This is interesting considering that Liraglutide is a daily dosage and Semaglutide only needs to be taken weekly – it can make the process easier when you only need to add one step into your weekly routine.

Weight Loss Programs in Philadelphia: Shed Pounds Safely

If you’re tired of the seemingly endless struggle to maintain your goal weight, it’s time to bring in the pros. There are a lot of solutions for people struggling with obesity, but that does not mean what is right for one person is right for you.

At KP Aesthetics, our friendly staff is ready to help you get back on track with Semaglutide for weight loss, kickstarting your progress and monitoring as you continue to ensure that you reach your goals.

The first step is easy – it’s a free consultation that allows you to sit with a specialist and discuss any questions you may have. This is an important part of your journey, and our team is here to provide advice, address issues, and create a custom treatment plan meant just for you. Our clean, inviting med spa clinic is ready to welcome you in!

Reach out today to learn more about Semaglutide for weight loss in Philadelphia.

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Kimberly Costalas, RN at KP Aesthetics.

Kimberly Costalas, RN

Nurse Injector for Cosmetic Medicine and Certified Coolsculpting Specialist
Kim has over 10 years of patient care experience and has been performing aesthetic services since 2011. She trained with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and has had many private, one-on-one sessions and instruction from Merz Pharmaceutical. She has had extensive, individual training by Zeltiq (the maker of CoolSculpting) representatives and attended CoolSculpting University for further instruction.

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Weight Loss Vs. Fat Loss Treatments

a woman's attractive figure in a white bathing suit
a woman's attractive figure in a white bathing suit

Weight Loss Vs. Fat Loss Treatments

Getting Rid of Fat Without Surgery

The adult body has a fixed amount of fat cells. When we gain weight, the body does not create more fat cells. Instead, the fat cells expand to accommodate the extra fat.

Similarly, the body does not get rid of fat cells when it loses weight. The cells simply shrink when the fat is metabolized. Hence, fat reduction treatments like liposuction and CoolSculpting are different from weight loss treatments that reduce hunger cravings and boost the metabolism.

The Difference Between Fat Loss and Weight Loss

Although fat reduction and weight loss produce similar results, the two treatments are fundamentally different.

Fat reduction treatments eliminate fat cells from the body. And since the body does not create new fat cells, once the stubborn bulge is frozen and excreted from the body, those cells are gone for good. The body does not replace dead fat cells. Nor can they grow back, which leads to long-lasting results.

When it comes to losing fat with a med spa, you can target specific areas of the body better to reduce unwanted fat pockets. Weight loss programs help people reach an overall goal weight. Custom treatment plans help guide you through the process and maintain results. 

One solution will suit you better, depending on your body composition and goals. Or, since many medspa clinics offer both weight loss and fat loss options, sometimes patients combine the two for maximum results. Let’s go through your options.

Non-Invasive Fat Removal That Reduces Stubborn Pockets of Fat

Fat-freezing and fat-melting technology can minimize excessive fat pockets for those struggling with losing fat in specific areas. Freezing fat is not a suitable weight loss option or solution for obesity. Instead, it’s the best for patients who can’t seem to maintain a healthy weight, even with all the best efforts put forth with lifestyle choices.

KYBELLA® Injections

If you struggle with a double chin, you’re already aware of how difficult it is to get rid of. There are only so many exercises you can do without seeing much change before it’s time to turn to something else. That’s when patients come to professionals at medical spas. 

KYBELLA destroys fat cells underneath the chin. It reduces submental fullness which helps you in losing fat for a more defined profile.

Woman's side profile with no submental fullness

How Much Does KYBELLA Cost?

As with any cosmetic treatment for weight loss or fat reduction, the cost varies for a number of reasons. For starters, your location has an impact on pricing. So does the expertise of the provider you’re turning to. Plus, your KYBELLA cost also depends on how many sessions you need. 

At KP Aesthetics, one vial of KYBELLA will cost $600, with most patients using one or two vials in total.

CoolSculpting® Elite

CoolSculpting, and the latest version, CoolSculpting Elite, is a fat reduction treatment, not a weight loss treatment. It is FDA-cleared for fat reduction in nine areas of the body, including:

  • Upper arms
  • Flanks (love handles)
  • Abdomen and stomach area
  • Fat under buttocks (banana roll)
  • Inner and outer thighs
  • Back
  • Bra fat area
  • Under the chin
  • Jawline area

When you gain weight, your existing fat cells (the number of which is fixed) will expand. When you lose weight, your current fat cells shrink. The number of cells in your body will remain the same through weight loss and gain. Fat eliminated through fat freezing with CoolSculpting is gone for good.

Maintaining your new, slimmer physique with diet and exercise is essential. While frozen cells cannot grow back, nothing stops your remaining fat from expanding to accommodate weight gain. This may obscure your CoolSculpting results.

CoolSculpting Before and After*

CoolTone® Strengthens Muscles and Reduces Fat

CoolTone is a quick, easy solution for sculpting the abs, butt, and legs. Unlike CoolSculpting’s fat-freezing technology, CoolTone uses electromagnetic energy. This stimulates muscle contractions to tone and strengthen the target muscle, which also slims down excess fat so you lose weight.

What this means is that while CoolSculpting focuses on targeting and destroying fat, CoolTone stimulates muscle improvement. Whichever area you choose to treat, the CoolTone device prompts motor nerves to contract for the equivalent of 20,000 crunches, lunges, or squats. Many patients actually choose to combine CoolSculpting with CoolTone to fully boost their body contouring results. After treatments are complete and results show, maintain muscle mass by eating a proper nutrient-dense diet and exercising regularly.

CoolTone Before and After*

Woman's buttocks before and after cooltone treatment at KP Aesthetics in Newton Square, PA.

Weight Loss Treatments at Med Spas

If you want to lose weight overall, instead of slimming and toning one specific spot, you’ll need something other than fat reduction options. When you combine a prescription weight loss medication with an active, healthy lifestyle, you can see more transformation than you would hitting the gym daily.

Semaglutide Injections

Originally brought about as a medication for those with type-2 diabetes, Semaglutide for weight loss has become increasingly popular due to its dramatic results. Semaglutide is the active ingredient, which acts as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. That means it helps increase feelings of fullness, suppressing the appetite for better control.

Once success became standard for diabetics using Semaglutide, pharmaceutical companies began working on semaglutide for weight loss. Now, Semaglutide medications are also for adults struggling with obesity or who are overweight with at least one medical condition.

Dosages prescribed come in different amounts ranging from 0.5 mg to 1 mg dosage per week for diabetes while ranging from 2.4 mg to 7 mg per week for weight loss. As a long-term medication, Semaglutide in non-diabetics has been shown to result in 11% weight loss at the highest recommended dose. There are also generic Semaglutide options available, so it’s good to talk with your provider to ensure that you’re choosing the right solution for your goals. 

Your Semaglutide Results

Originally brought about as a medication for those with type-2 diabetes, Semaglutide for weight loss has become increasingly popular due to its dramatic results. Semaglutide is the active ingredient, which acts as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. That means it helps increase feelings of fullness, suppressing the appetite for better control.

Once success became standard for diabetics using Semaglutide, pharmaceutical companies began working on semaglutide for weight loss. Now, Semaglutide medications are also for adults struggling with obesity or who are overweight with at least one medical condition.

Dosages prescribed come in different amounts ranging from 0.5 mg to 1 mg dosage per week for diabetes while ranging from 2.4 mg to 7 mg per week for weight loss. As a long-term medication, Semaglutide in non-diabetics has been shown to result in 11% weight loss at the highest recommended dose. There are also generic Semaglutide options available, so it’s good to talk with your provider to ensure that you’re choosing the right solution for your goals. 

person measuring their stomach

Customize Your Personal Weight Loss & Fat Reduction Treatments in Philadelphia

No matter what your body needs to help get things back on track, the team at KP Aesthetics is here to help. We are happy to sit down with you to discuss your current goals and concerns. Getting rid of unwanted fat might feel like a challenging time, but you don’t need to go through it alone. We can offer the advice you’ve been looking for as you choose between weight loss and fat loss solutions.

If you’re in the Philadelphia area, don’t hesitate to call 484-420-7094 to learn more about CoolSculpting, CoolTone, Semaglutide, and KYBELLA treatments in the Newtown Square area.

*Keep in mind that results vary. Treatments cannot guarantee results. Our information is based on years of research and working with patients to find the right solution for individual concerns.

Schedule a Free Consultation

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.

Kimberly Costalas, RN at KP Aesthetics.

Kimberly Costalas, RN

Nurse Injector for Cosmetic Medicine and Certified Coolsculpting Specialist
Kim has over 10 years of patient care experience and has been performing aesthetic services since 2011. She trained with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and has had many private, one-on-one sessions and instruction from Merz Pharmaceutical. She has had extensive, individual training by Zeltiq (the maker of CoolSculpting) representatives and attended CoolSculpting University for further instruction.

Schedule a Free
Consultation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.