Hello everyone, I’m Hannah, also known as @mshannahchia on Instagram. As a travel and lifestyle content creator, I love exploring the world – including its different cultures and cuisines. However, over the 2 ½ years of the COVID-19 pandemic, being unable to travel and stuck at home, my appetite increased and I gained over 10kg. Today, I’d like to share how I shed that extra weight with the help of the Ozempic Weight Loss Injection Pen so that I can continue to enjoy life without any worries!
Back in 2019, I visited Dr. Terence Tan from Halley Body Slimming Clinic Singapore for a CoolSculpting treatment and attained great results. So I decided, why not go back to a clinic I trust?
After a thorough consultation with Dr. Tan which included some measurements and calculating my BMI, we found out that I was slightly obese. While I was perfectly fine with how I looked, I still wanted to seek professional help to lose that covid weight as none of the other slimming methods I tried worked. Dr. Tan decided that the Semaglutide treatment (Ozempic Weight Loss Injection Pen) would be best for my situation as it would help control my increased appetite.
Watch my full weight loss consultation with Dr Terence Tan in the video below. See how he plans my weight loss journey for me, and advise me on the weight loss medications and meal replacements that are available for my treatment.
So, what is Semaglutide?
A US FDA-approved self-injection treatment pen, Semaglutide is designed for those with type 2 diabetes to control high blood sugar. However, it can also be used for weight loss by curbing your appetite and increasing satiety for a longer period. Many doctors believe that Semaglutide has fewer side effects and is more effective compared to other slimming medications. The drug is known as Wegovy In the US. It is known as Wegovy when used for weight loss, and as Ozempic when used for diabetes. However, they are the same drug. Currently, only Ozempic is available in Singapore.
Semaglutide mimics the function of Glucagon-Like Peptide (GLP-1), a hormone produced by our intestines after a meal to signal to our brains that we are full. However, unlike GLP-1, the effects of Semaglutide last for a week and it allows us to feel fuller for longer.
Naturally, those who undergo this treatment experience weight loss as their appetite becomes smaller and cravings are reduced, resulting in them eating less than usual.
My Semaglutide Journey
The treatment plan was actually extremely easy to keep up with. All I had to do was administer the injection every week somewhere with an extra bit of fat. Usually, this would be your tummy, thigh, or upper arms.
While Ozempic can be taken at any time of day, the injection should always be on the same day each week. Before injecting, I always make sure to turn the dose selector to the amount I was prescribed (either 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2). I also make sure to replace the needle on the pen – every needle should only be used once. After washing my hands, I used an alcohol swab to wipe the area where the injection would be administered. Using one hand to pinch the site of injection, I insert the needle into my skin with the other. Then, I press and hold down the dose button until the dose counter shows 0. After the injection, I count slowly to six before removing the needle from the skin.
There you go, easy breezy! Usually, this all takes a minute or less.
Remember to store your Ozempic in the refrigerator but do not freeze it as it can no longer be used if you ever freeze it. Discard after 8 weeks.
To maximise its effectiveness, I coupled the treatment with a change in my diet as well as an increase in physical activity for the best results.
Throughout my treatment, given my busy schedule, I undoubtedly missed a dose or two. However, I was reassured that as long as I took it within 5 days of the date of the missed dose, the treatment would not be derailed.
By the way, if you are afraid of needles, there’s no need to worry! Ozempic Weight Loss Injection Pen’s needle is really fine and tiny. At only 4 mm, it is the shortest and thinnest needle available from Novo Nordisk. In short, it is as thin as 2 strands of human hair! However, if you are not convinced, Halley has introduced the Semaglutide Weight Loss Medication in tablet form called Rybelsus, opening up alternatives to those who prefer oral medication.
I was extremely lucky in my experience not to have experienced any side effects of Ozempic besides the odd feeling of discomfort when I overate. However, the most common side effect is nausea. Besides nausea, other side effects may include swelling or bruising at the injection site, tiredness, vomiting, or constipation. For those who experience nausea, usually, it will go away after a month.
After Ozempic, I kept up my diet and active lifestyle. This is important as they are crucial elements to maintaining your weight loss post-treatment. Should you put on weight again, you can always go back to your doctor for another assessment as Ozempic treatment can be repeated.
Some FAQs
People who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, should consult their doctor for the best advice.
No, Semaglutide on its own usually does not cause low blood sugar unless it is taken with other diabetes medication.
It is $450 per injection pen (each pen typically lasts 1 month) excluding doctor consultation fees.
Overall, I was very satisfied with my treatment! I lost 5kg over 2 months, and while I am still far from my ideal weight, Dr. Tan crafted a sustainable and safe weight loss plan specific to my needs so that I can healthily lose weight.
All I had to do was to remember to administer the treatment every month! My appetite has gone back to pre-COVID days, meaning that I consume less but feel full longer. I also experience fewer cravings.
Thank you, Dr Tan and the team at Halley Body Slimming Clinic!
