Why You Need to Combine Semaglutide (Ozempic) with a DEXA Scan

May 16, 2024

Weight-loss drugs such as semaglutide (Ozempic) have become popular solutions for people who want to maximize their results. While these drugs can promote weight loss, body composition, which refers to the breakdown of lean mass and fat mass, may suffer. If you’re considering weight loss drugs, you may want to combine them with a DEXA scan. Why? Read on to find out.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is an antidiabetic medication that belongs to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It is an active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Although these medications are intended for people with type 2 diabetes, they are also widely used for weight loss. Celebrities and people from all walks of life use Ozempic and praise the results they have achieved.

How does semaglutide (Ozempic) work?

Ozempic, and other medications with semaglutide, work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which is a naturally-occurring hormone. Your body releases GLP-1 in the gut as a response to food. One important function of GLP-1 is to encourage the production of hormone insulin for better management of blood glucose (sugar). That’s why this medication is used mainly for type 2 diabetes.

As levels of GLP-1 increase, the molecules go to your brain and send a message saying that you’re full. When that happens, your calorie intake decreases. You stop eating frequently and don’t overeat during your meals. Moreover, this molecule can slow digestion by increasing the time it takes for food to leave your body. The effects of Ozempic are similar to those of bariatric surgery, which is why it’s become a popular solution for weight loss.

Does semaglutide work for weight loss?

Yes, semaglutide can help people lose weight. A randomized-controlled trial from the New England Journal of Medicine found that 2.4mg of semaglutide a week, together with lifestyle adjustments, led to significant weight loss.

A different study revealed that in 175 patients with overweight and obesity, the use of semaglutide led to a notable reduction in weight. Total body weight loss after three months was 5.9%, and after six months it was 10.9%.

One systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed that subcutaneous semaglutide is effective for weight loss in people without type 2 diabetes. The paper suggests this drug contributes to an 11.85% reduction in body weight from baseline compared to placebo. For that reason, this medication can be used for the management of obesity.

Why combine semaglutide with DEXA scan?

Although semaglutide i.e. Ozempic is effective for weight loss, it comes with certain shortcomings. It makes significant changes in your body composition. Whether you’re taking semaglutide or considering it, you should combine this drug with a DEXA scan.

DEXA stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, a painless and noninvasive test that measures bone mineral density and body composition. The scan uses low-dose X-ray beams. Since these beams have different frequencies, DEXA can scan bones and soft tissues. It provides precise insight into bone mineral density, adipose (fat) tissue, and other measurements such as muscle mass.

Reasons to combine semaglutide with DEXA scan include the following:

● Understanding body composition before treatment: before you even start with Ozempic it’s smart to do a DEXA scan at Fitnescity to gain a better understanding of your body composition. Only when you understand the ratio between muscle and body fat will you be able to make effective lifestyle adjustments? After all, you shouldn’t rely on medications and let them do all the work. For the best results, you need to combine weight-loss drugs with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet.

● Tracking progress: in addition to providing baseline assessment, the DEXA scan helps track progress. Undergoing regular scans allows you to monitor changes in bone density and lean mass. That way, it’s easier to detect potential issues and modify your approach accordingly. Weight loss with Ozempic typically includes muscle mass in addition to adipose tissue. Although a certain degree of muscle loss is expected, it can be a problem when it happens too quickly. DEXA scan helps you avoid these issues. For example, you can preserve muscle mass through strength training. Without this scan, you wouldn’t be able to monitor the effects of Ozempic on body composition.

● Personalized approach: a combination of semaglutide and DEXA scan allows for a personalized approach to weight loss. Various factors can influence the impact of weight-loss drugs. These include your age, gender, activity level, and health status. DEXA scan at Fitnescity delivers a detailed insight into your body composition directly to your personal dashboard. That way, you and your healthcare provider can work together on creating an individualized weight loss program that targets your needs specifically.

● Prevention of sarcopenia: loss of muscle due to Ozempic can be troublesome when it happens too quickly and paves the way to sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is a condition wherein you lose muscle mass and strength. While it’s an age-related condition, rapid weight loss due to semaglutide can speed up this process. When that happens, you lose stamina, and strength, and find it more difficult to perform daily activities. DEXA scan provides information about fat-free mass and bone density, thus helping you prevent this condition and also reduce the risk of injuries.

● Confidence and motivation: a combination of semaglutide and DEXA scan serves as a major confidence and motivation boost for people who struggle with overweight and obesity. You become more confident because the DEXA scan shows body composition in detail, so you can immediately tailor your approach to weight loss. As a result, your effort becomes more successful. When you’re satisfied with results, you’re more motivated to stick to your weight loss program.

Plus, you can use a personal dashboard on Fitnescity to compare your body composition to people of the same age, gender, and size.

Tips for more successful weight loss

Efforts to achieve successful weight loss shouldn’t stop with the use of medications such as Ozempic. Lifestyle adjustments are crucial, especially if you want to maintain your results. These tips will help you out:

● Increase physical activity levels

● Do cardio and strength or resistance training on alternating days

● Eat more protein

● Get enough sleep

● Avoid high-fat foods

● Manage your stress levels

● Don’t skip meals

● Eat slowly

● Stay hydrated

● Take a walk after a meal

● When using medications, stick to doctor-recommended dosage

● Keep track of your progress (keep a journal, undergo DEXA scan)

Conclusion

Semaglutide (Ozempic) has become widely popular among celebrities and “regular” people who are trying to slim down. Indeed, evidence confirms this medication leads to significant weight reduction. For the best results, you should combine it with a DEXA scan. This is important because a DEXA scan shows body composition, helps track progress, and makes it easier to avoid problems such as significant loss in muscle mass. A combination of DEXA and semaglutide allows you to personalize your approach to weight loss.