Arike Aesthetics | Medical Weight Management

Semaglutide
Injections

Evidence-based weight loss solutions in Bellaire & River Oaks, TX

Woman in white outfit relaxing

Beyond Calories In, Calories Out

If you’ve ever tried to lose a significant amount of weight, you know it’s never quite as simple as antiquated diet advice. In reality, your energy level, appetite, stressors, hormones, and metabolism all dictate how easy or difficult it is to lose excess body fat.

When diet and exercise alone aren’t enough, semaglutide injections overseen by our medical professionals can provide the biological support you need to finally achieve a healthy, sustainable weight.

“Semaglutide was developed as an antidiabetic medication, but a randomized controlled trial from 2021 found it to be an incredibly effective weight loss drug for non-diabetic adults—lowering the risk of obesity-related conditions.”

What is Semaglutide?

Sold under brand names like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®, semaglutide is a prescription medication for long-term weight management. It works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which the body naturally produces to regulate hunger and blood sugar levels.

How It Aids Weight Loss

  • Appetite Regulation
    By mimicking the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, semaglutide targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite, significantly reducing cravings and caloric intake without the feeling of starvation.
  • Prolonged Fullness
    It works in the GI tract by slowing gastric motility. Because food stays in your stomach longer, you experience a prolonged feeling of fullness, making portion control effortless.
  • Holistic Health
    Beyond aesthetics, shedding excess fat through semaglutide helps your body manage insulin levels and may lower your risk of severe obesity-related conditions like heart attack and stroke.

Administration & Dosing

Semaglutide can be administered subcutaneously (via injection) or orally, depending on the specific brand and your medical provider’s recommendation.

The dose will vary significantly depending on the individual, their weight loss goals, and their body’s response to the medication. Adjustments are carefully made under medical guidance to ensure maximum efficacy while minimizing side effects.

At Arike Aesthetics, our team provides comprehensive guidance on how to safely self-administer the medication from the comfort of your home.

Your Treatment Plan

  • Medical Consultation
    We evaluate your health history, current weight, and goals to determine if you are a candidate.
  • Routine Administration
    Typically, adults taking Wegovy® for chronic weight management inject 2.4 mg once weekly.
  • Monitoring & Adjustments
    We monitor your progress closely, making dosing adjustments as needed to ensure optimal results.
Expertise you can trust

Dare V. Ajibade, MD, Ph.D., MPH

Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Dare V. Ajibade is an aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon with advanced training in body contouring procedures, including tummy tucks, Lipo 360, and breast surgery, all of which are central to a Mommy Makeover. He completed his plastic surgery fellowship at Temple University Hospital and an aesthetic fellowship at North Texas Plastic Surgery.

His extensive background in general surgery, plastic surgery, and clinical research informs every personalized treatment plan. As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ajibade follows the highest standards in patient care.

More about Dr. Ajibade

dare v. ajibade, md, ph.d., mph

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. While it was initially developed as an antidiabetic medication, you don’t need to have type 2 diabetes to experience the weight loss benefits. Clinical trials have proven it to be highly effective for overweight and obese non-diabetic adults.

Semaglutide is safe and effective for many people. However, potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn, constipation, or burping. Adverse reactions are usually limited to mild gastrointestinal upset. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, which our provider will discuss with you.

While you should always ask your provider for specific instructions, general guidelines depend on the brand:

  • Ozempic®: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s been more than 5 days since you missed it. If so, skip the dose.
  • Wegovy®: Take the missed dose as soon as possible, as long as your next dose is more than 2 days away. Otherwise, skip it.
  • Rybelsus® (Oral): Skip the missed dose entirely and take the next tablet when you usually would.

Note: Never double your injections to make up for a missed one. If you consistently miss oral doses, switching to an injectable form may help.

Take Control of Your Health

If you’re interested in semaglutide to help with weight loss, contact our office today. Our providers can determine if it’s a good match for you.