Consultation
Keely reviews your medical history, current medications, BMI, and weight loss goals to confirm semaglutide eligibility.
Semaglutide Weight Loss in Indianapolis, IN
Clinically proven GLP-1 therapy for sustainable weight management.
Treatment Type:Weekly injection
Results Timeline:Gradual over 12-16 weeks
Average Weight Loss:15-20% body weight
FDA Approved:Yes (Wegovy)
Why Traditional Weight Loss Falls Short
Understanding Metabolic Resistance
For many adults, losing weight through diet and exercise alone feels like an uphill battle. Your body's natural hunger hormones and metabolic set points can actively work against your efforts, triggering intense cravings and slowing your metabolism the more you restrict. You may find yourself stuck in a frustrating cycle of losing a few pounds only to regain them, or feeling constantly hungry despite eating well. This biological resistance to weight loss isn't a failure of willpower — it's your body's survival mechanism working against your goals.
Semaglutide works with your body's own biology to break this cycle. By mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1, semaglutide reduces appetite signals in the brain, slows gastric emptying, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Keely creates a personalized dosing plan that gradually increases over several weeks, allowing your body to adjust comfortably. Combined with nutrition guidance and ongoing monitoring, semaglutide helps patients achieve meaningful weight loss — typically 15-20% of body weight — and maintain those results long-term.
What Is Semaglutide?
The Science of GLP-1 Therapy
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist originally developed for type 2 diabetes management and now FDA-approved for chronic weight management under the brand name Wegovy. It works by mimicking the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone that your body produces after eating, signaling fullness to the brain and reducing appetite at the neurological level.
When injected subcutaneously once per week, semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus — the brain's appetite control center — reducing hunger and food cravings. It also slows gastric emptying, meaning food stays in your stomach longer, helping you feel satisfied with smaller portions. In the landmark STEP 1 clinical trial, participants lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks compared to 2.4% with placebo. At Mint Aesthetics & Skin, we offer compounded semaglutide with a structured dosing protocol and regular weight monitoring to optimize your results safely.
Treatment Timeline
First Signs
Appetite reduction within 1-2 weeks
Full Effect
Peak weight loss at 60-68 weeks
Treatment Time
Weekly self-injection (under 1 minute)
Recovery
No downtime — continue daily activities
Benefits of Semaglutide
Clinically Proven Weight Loss
- 01
Significant Weight Loss
Average 15-20% body weight reduction in clinical trials
- 02
Reduced Appetite
Naturally decreases hunger and food cravings throughout the day
- 03
Once-Weekly Dosing
Simple self-administered injection just once per week
- 04
Metabolic Benefits
Improves blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
- 05
Sustainable Results
Supports long-term weight maintenance with lifestyle modifications
Semaglutide vs. Alternatives
Compare Your Options
| Treatment | Mechanism | Time | Results | Duration | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Weekly injection | Gradual over 12-68 weeks | Ongoing therapy | None | Significant sustained weight loss |
| Tirzepatide | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | Weekly injection | Gradual over 12-72 weeks | Ongoing therapy | None | Enhanced weight loss with dual action |
| Liraglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Daily injection | Gradual over 12-56 weeks | Ongoing therapy | None | Moderate weight loss, daily dosing |
| Phentermine | Sympathomimetic amine | Daily oral pill | Rapid initial loss | Short-term (12 weeks) | None | Short-term appetite suppression |
Who Is a Good Candidate for Semaglutide?
Finding Your Path to Weight Loss
Semaglutide is ideal for adults who have struggled to achieve or maintain weight loss through diet and exercise alone. During your consultation, Keely will evaluate your medical history, current health status, and weight loss goals to determine if semaglutide is the right fit for your needs.
Ideal Candidates for Semaglutide
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or greater (obesity)
- Adults with a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related condition (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
- Patients who have tried diet and exercise without achieving desired results
- Those committed to lifestyle modifications alongside medication therapy
- Individuals with realistic expectations about gradual, sustained weight loss
Who Should Wait or Avoid Semaglutide
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 syndrome
- History of pancreatitis or active gallbladder disease
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant within 2 months
- Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any formulation components
- Active or recent history of suicidal ideation or severe depression
A thorough medical evaluation and health history review during your consultation ensures semaglutide is safe and appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Semaglutide Treatment Overview
Initiation
You begin at a low starting dose, with Keely providing injection training and nutrition guidance for your first weeks.
Titration
Keely gradually increases your dose over 4-8 weeks based on your tolerance and response to the medication.
Monitoring
Regular check-ins track your weight, assess side effects, and adjust your plan to keep progress on course.
Maintenance
Once you reach your goal weight, Keely helps you transition to a long-term maintenance strategy.
Risks and Side Effects
What to Know
The most common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain, particularly during the initial dose-escalation phase. These gastrointestinal effects typically diminish within the first 4-8 weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. Starting at a low dose and titrating slowly helps minimize these effects.
Less common side effects may include headache, fatigue, dizziness, and injection site reactions such as redness or mild swelling. In rare cases (less than 1%), patients may experience gallbladder problems including gallstones, or pancreatitis. Semaglutide carries an FDA boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumors observed in animal studies, though this risk has not been confirmed in humans.
Semaglutide (Wegovy) received FDA approval for chronic weight management in 2021. The overall safety profile is well-established, with over a decade of clinical data supporting its use in both diabetes and weight management.
Keely Phelps's clinical training and thorough health assessment process help minimize risks and ensure you're monitored throughout your treatment. Any side effects are addressed promptly with dosing adjustments or supportive care strategies.
Semaglutide Cost in Indianapolis
Pricing and Payment Options
Semaglutide in Indianapolis, IN is priced by the vial, with vials ranging from $220 to $275 depending on your dosage. Each vial lasts 4-12 weeks based on your prescribed dose, and vials are shipped directly to your home for convenience. During your consultation, Keely will provide a personalized quote based on your specific treatment plan and program duration.
What's Included in Your Program
- Initial comprehensive health evaluation and metabolic assessment
- Compounded Semaglutide vials shipped directly to your home
- Injection training and supplies
- Regular weight monitoring and check-in appointments
- Dosing adjustments and side effect management
- Nutritional guidance and lifestyle recommendations
Mint Aesthetics & Skin accepts financing through Cherry to make your semaglutide program more accessible. Many patients find that the health improvements from Semaglutide therapy reduce other medical costs over time.
Why Choose Mint Aesthetics & Skin
Indianapolis's Trusted Provider
Medical Expertise
PA-led program with comprehensive metabolic health assessment
Personalized Dosing
Gradual titration protocol customized to your tolerance and goals
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular check-ins with weight tracking and side effect management
Holistic Approach
Nutrition guidance and body contouring options as you transform
Related Services
View All Services
Related Treatments
Enhance your weight loss results with these complementary services.
Medical Weight Loss
Facials & Skin Treatments
Advanced Skin Technology
Semaglutide FAQ
Your Questions Answered
01 What is semaglutide and how does it work?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural hormone your body produces after eating. It works by reducing appetite signals in the brain, slowing digestion to keep you feeling full longer, and helping regulate blood sugar. This combination leads to reduced calorie intake and sustained weight loss over time.
02 How much weight can I lose with semaglutide?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15-20% of body weight over 68 weeks. Individual results vary based on starting weight, dosage, lifestyle changes, and adherence to the program. Keely will set realistic expectations during your consultation based on your specific goals and health profile.
03 What are the most common semaglutide side effects?
Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and mild abdominal discomfort are most common, especially during the first few weeks. These typically improve as your body adjusts. Starting at a low dose and gradually increasing helps minimize side effects. Keely monitors you closely and adjusts dosing as needed.
04 Is compounded semaglutide safe?
Compounded semaglutide is prepared by licensed 503B pharmacies following strict FDA guidelines. At Mint Aesthetics & Skin, we source only from reputable compounding pharmacies that meet rigorous quality and purity standards. Keely ensures your medication is safe and properly dosed throughout your treatment.
05 What is the difference between semaglutide and Ozempic or Wegovy?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in both Ozempic (approved for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (approved for weight management). The difference is primarily in dosing and FDA-approved indication. Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient and is available at Mint Aesthetics & Skin as an alternative option.
06 How long do I stay on semaglutide?
Treatment duration varies by individual. Most patients remain on semaglutide for 12-18 months to reach their goal weight, then work with Keely to develop a maintenance strategy. Some patients continue on a lower maintenance dose long-term, while others transition off with ongoing lifestyle support.
07 Can I combine semaglutide with other treatments?
Yes, semaglutide pairs well with Exion body contouring treatments to tighten skin as you lose weight. Many patients also explore tirzepatide as an alternative GLP-1 option. Keely can create a comprehensive plan that addresses both weight loss and body contouring goals.
08 How does semaglutide compare to tirzepatide?
Both are GLP-1 based medications, but tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist that targets two hormone receptors. Some studies suggest tirzepatide may produce slightly greater weight loss. Keely will help you determine which medication best suits your health profile, goals, and budget during your consultation.
Location2015 Broad Ripple Avenue
Indianapolis, IN, 46220
Indianapolis, IN, 46220
Phone(317) 748-3169
Schedule Your Semaglutide Consultation
References
- PubMed (PMID: 33567185) - STEP 1 Trial: Once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg resulted in 14.9% mean body weight reduction vs 2.4% with placebo over 68 weeks in adults with obesity.
- PubMed (PMID: 34170647) - STEP 2 Trial: Semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly achieved superior weight loss compared to placebo in adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- PubMed (PMID: 34706925) - STEP 3 Trial: Semaglutide combined with intensive behavioral therapy produced 16.0% mean weight loss over 68 weeks.
- PubMed (PMID: 35441470) - STEP 5 Trial: Semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly sustained clinically meaningful weight loss of 15.2% over 2 years of continued treatment.
- PubMed (PMID: 37385275) - SELECT Trial: Semaglutide 2.4 mg reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% in adults with overweight/obesity and established cardiovascular disease.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) approved June 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with weight-related comorbidity.