Have you set body goals for the new year? If so, there are a wide range of options available to help you reach them. In addition to diet and exercise, prescription weight loss medications and non-invasive body sculpting treatments are both possible solutions, but which is the best for you? More specifically, let’s look at semaglutide injections for weight loss and the revolutionary EMSCULPT NEO® body shaping treatment.
While semaglutide has been creating quite a buzz in the weight loss industry, it does come with some potential drawbacks. You may find EMSCULPT NEO, the first and only non-invasive body shaping treatment that helps eliminate fat and build muscle simultaneously, to be a more comfortable, convenient and safer approach to achieving your goals.
While each serves its own unique purpose, both treatments are most effective when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. To get a better sense of what’s right for you, let’s look at how these treatments compare:
Weight loss vs. fat loss and muscle building
If overall weight loss is your end goal, semaglutide may be an ideal treatment for you. If you meet the BMI and health requirements, semaglutide injections can help curb your food cravings and reduce your caloric intake to aid in weight loss. However, studies have found that semaglutide can lead to a decrease in muscle mass. This is where EMSCULPT NEO works differently. Harnessing the power of radiofrequency and high intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM®) energies, EMSCULPT NEO builds muscle and reduces fat at the same time. While it is not meant for weight loss, the device can provide an average 25% muscle mass increase and an average 30% reduction in fat when applied to the abdomen, buttocks, arms, calves or thighs.
Once-weekly injections vs. four 30-minute treatments
Once your healthcare provider has approved you for semaglutide weight loss treatments, you are required to self-administer subcutaneous injections once a week. It may take up to eight to 12 weeks of steady use for semaglutide to start working — your dosage may be adjusted as needed. For some people, injections can be an inconvenience. EMSCULPT NEO, on the other hand, can provide optimal fat reduction and muscle building results in four convenient 30-minute treatments, spaced seven to 10 days apart. Treatments involve no downtime and are non-invasive and well tolerated, comparable to the feeling of a hot stone massage. Most patients see their best results about three months after their last treatment.
BMI of 30+ vs. BMI up to 35
While your eligibility for a semaglutide prescription is up to the discretion of your healthcare provider, the general criteria is a BMI (body mass index) of 27 or higher and one weight-related health condition or a BMI of 30 or higher. This prescription weight loss medication is meant to improve the health of overweight and obese adults. EMSCULPT NEO accommodates a wide range of body types, effective for patients with a BMI of up to 35. This technology can help almost anyone reduce areas of stubborn fat and build muscle strength. It can also reduce visceral fat and treat rectus diastasis (separation of abdominal muscles), a common condition that occurs with childbirth.
More research needed vs. heavily researched technology
The long-term effects and safety of semaglutide for weight loss are still unknown. Common side effects that we are aware of include nausea, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting. Other than temporary muscle soreness, there are no known side effects of EMSCULPT NEO. In fact, 30 scientific publications make HIFEM the most researched body contouring technology since it was introduced in 2018. And not only is EMSCULPT NEO FDA cleared, but it is also backed by seven clinical studies which demonstrate an average 30% fat loss and 25% muscle gain.
AVIE! is proud to be the first in Loudoun County to provide the groundbreaking EMSCULPT NEO body shaping device since 2018 and look forward to discussing your treatment options with you. To learn more about making the right decision for your unique needs and goals, call 703.737.0197 or request a consultation online today.