Getting Summer Ready with Semaglutide: Safety and Side Effects Guide

Well, the science is here for you: 8 out of 10 patients experienced visible, lasting BMI reductions through medically monitored semaglutide injections. Furthermore, almost all of the patients included in this real-world study lost weight, and while 65 percent of them noted side effects, they were mostly mild and only lasted a short time.

Now, before you try some fly-by-night mail-order weight loss injections (which can be contaminated and dangerous, as you may have seen in the news), keep in mind that semaglutide is still a drug. Therefore, it is advised that you should only get it from medical professionals who know your medical history and can provide safe, genuine prescriptions. Here at Apex Skin, our providers can help you get the best results for your body while helping you manage any potential side effects safely.

She’ll answer some of your most pressing questions about getting summer-ready with weight loss injections:

“Semaglutide is unique because it is a glucagon-like peptide, meaning it mimics a hormone that your body naturally makes to help you regulate blood sugar and appetite,” explains Stebbins. “In turn, this makes you feel fuller for longer, leading to less intake of calories. Most patients experience anywhere from a 15-20% loss of their body weight, which is more than most other options. It also tends to have fewer long-term effects compared to other options.”

In other words, these medical weight-loss injections tell your body: “Hey, I’m full already. No need to keep eating.” It also helps regulate your blood sugar, which is helpful for patients who have insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, or type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide has revolutionized how we look at weight loss and the possibilities for medically treating it.

Study after study shows that it is safe, but the caveat is that its highest level of safety and success comes from using it under medical supervision and with medical monitoring and guidance. Apex Skin’s own medical professionals have not only studied the drug in-depth, but several of them have even tested semaglutide on themselves! Scientific understanding combined with both clinical and personal experience has helped us create an in-depth medical protocol for supporting our patients as individuals as they go through their semaglutide weight loss journey. This protocol includes:

Stebbins understands: “I think seasonal motivation is real,” she says. “As the weather warms, people want to be active and engage in outdoor activities. Spring is also when someone’s mood is more positive, and you become more open to new beginnings. It’s a mental and physical “fresh start”. It’s a time when people start prepping their “summer bod” to wear their summer clothes.”

Spring is all about new starts, second chances, and empowering your confidence. It’s a good time to make sustainable changes like adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your meals, taking more walks, drinking more water, and feeling more positive. Starting weight loss injections with a trained medical provider now can help you re-energize your efforts to take better care of yourself and give yourself the self-love and confidence you absolutely deserve. Weight loss looks different for everybody, and nobody will do it just like you. The Apex Skin team can help you get the best results for your situation.

Mild semaglutide side effects are fairly common, but also very manageable, as Stebbins explains: “Most commonly, I have found side effects to include GI symptoms like nausea and constipation,” she says. “I also see appetite loss, headaches, and fatigue as well. There is a potential for others like hypoglycemia or increased heart rate, for example, but I don’t see that as much.”

The most common list of semaglutide side effects includes:

Stebbins and our other Apex semaglutide experts coach patients on easy ways to manage and reduce the side effects; however:

Patients need to know that, as with any drug, there can be rare side effects that require immediate medical attention. This is why medical supervision with a trusted healthcare provider is essential if you decide to try weight loss injections. Some rare but potential semaglutide long-term side effects include:

Stebbins says it’s always important to watch for red flags of severe side effects and to report these immediately to your healthcare provider: “During your consultation, we will discuss this topic with you as we review your medical history,” she explains. “It’s imperative that you reach out to your provider if you feel like you are having side effects that weren’t discussed. Red flags can include signs of an allergic reaction, trouble breathing, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or bloody stools, changes in urination, or swelling.”

Because there is a small chance of semaglutide long-term side effects that could be severe, this is a weight loss drug you should not try by yourself without medical supervision and regular monitoring. Apex Skin doctors and nurses want you to have a safe, successful, long-term weight loss experience with minimal side effects—and to be there for you if side effects do occur.

Although semaglutide does have a strong safety profile, research has shown that some patients have contraindications to the drug. Health conditions that may disqualify you from treatment include a personal or family history of the following conditions:

You should also not have semaglutide injections if you are under the age of 18.

Numerous reports of fake, unregulated, and even dangerous online, mail-order weight-loss injections have circulated through the news. Your health is simply too important to gamble on such a risky option. Stebbins has even worked with patients who have taken this treacherous route before coming to the medically-guided Apex approach to semaglutide:

“I have had patients who had complications because they were not properly managed,” she explains. “They were using an online company at first and had severe side effects. Once they were being properly cared for, the side effects they were experiencing halted and the patient felt so relieved that they were finally getting the results they were hoping for.”

It’s important to sit down with a board-certified healthcare provider who has medical expertise, ask questions, and become well-informed. Then you can make wise choices for your health and lifestyle.

“Apex guarantees that you will receive personalized care with a comprehensive approach,” explains Stebbins. “Your medical provider is also your accountability partner who will monitor your progress, side effects, and identify any adjustments to your weight loss plan that are needed. They will ensure you are being dosed appropriately. You can also guarantee that your medications will be from a quality source. Apex only uses a nationally known compounding pharmacy. This also prevents risks associated with illegal and unsafe online purchases.”

It’s important to remember that weight loss should not be a sudden, fast, overnight experience. Rapid weight loss may give you a boost of satisfaction, but it’s usually short-lived and can lead to health risks, too. By following a medically supervised semaglutide plan, you can expect slow, steady, healthy weight reduction:

“Patients, on average, will see a 5-10% weight loss within the first few months,” says Stebbins. “It’s important to remember that slow and steady wins the race. Losing weight too fast can lead to health risks that include muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, and potential heart problems. It’s also much harder to maintain that weight loss if you lose it too quickly. It’s just not sustainable.”

At Apex Skin, our commitment to your success doesn’t stop after your first semaglutide injection—or even after you reach your weight loss goal. We offer long-term support to help you maintain results and feel your best at every stage of the journey.

Many patients also explore our aesthetic procedures to complement their weight loss and enhance their results. Whether you’re looking to tone specific areas or restore volume and radiance, Apex offers non-surgical treatments that work beautifully alongside semaglutide:

Our team will help you choose the right combination of treatments based on your unique goals—because feeling confident in your body is about more than just the number on the scale.

Keep in mind: Semaglutide side effects can be minor and short-lived as you experience safe, sustainable, long-term weight loss that contributes to your overall health and wellness when you work with Apex Skin.

“Remember to always be patient and gentle with yourself,” urges Stebbins. “You didn’t gain this weight overnight, and you won’t lose it overnight. Let’s get your nutrition and exercise plan in order, too, so that you can feel more confident in that swimsuit! It’s better to do this the healthy way. Healthy is the new sexy!”