Oh Well!
SEMA-Revolution
How Jason O’Neil transformed his life one step at a time.
- Heather Lee
For most of us, transformations begin with a single step—or, in Jason O’Neil’s case, a referral. When the 48-year-old embarked on his health journey in June 2023, his goal wasn’t just to lose weight. He wanted to reclaim his health, energy, and life. Now, after shedding more than 65 pounds and walking 423 consecutive days, Jason reflects on how semaglutide, discipline, and a newfound love for movement reshaped his life.
“I Needed a Jumpstart.”
Jason’s wake-up call came during a routine doctor’s visit. His A1C levels had crept into the borderline-high range, putting him on the precipice of a diabetes diagnosis. “Once you cross that line, you can’t go back,” Jason explains. “That scared the heck out of me.”
Jason’s doctor referred him to Heather Sheldon, MSN, APRN, NP-C, a weight management specialist. Together, they decided to incorporate compounded semaglutide—a medication initially developed for diabetes but effective for weight loss—into his plan.
Heather, who has been using GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide in her practice for more than five years, emphasizes its role as a tool, not a quick fix. “Patients aren’t just losing weight,” she explains. “They’re overcoming challenges like plateaus, hormonal imbalances, stress, morbid obesity, and unhealthy habits.”
She’s quick to clarify that the medication isn’t about rapid results but sustainable progress. “It’s not just about the number on the scale,” Heather says. “We measure success through improved bloodwork, healthier body composition, and effective lifestyle management. By addressing the root causes of obesity, we’re setting patients up for long-term health improvement.”
Jason was determined to make the most of this opportunity. “Some people use semaglutide long-term, and that’s OK, but I wanted it to be a jumpstart,” he says. “I needed to change the habits that got me here—stress eating, super-sized meals, and being sedentary during the pandemic.”
Within months, Jason saw significant changes. By August 2023, he had lost more than 20 pounds, and his A1C was back to normal. It was the momentum he needed to take charge of his health.
–Heather Sheldon | MSN, APRN, NP-C
Building Healthy Habits
In October 2023, Jason added another cornerstone to his transformation: walking. Inspired by a YouTube video, he set a goal to walk 10,000 steps daily for a month.
“I started by walking the perimeter of my neighborhood—just 1.5 miles at my own pace,” Jason explains. “It felt great, so I kept going.”
What began as a month-long experiment became a daily ritual. Rain or shine, Jason committed to walking at least 30 minutes a day. Today, he’s on day 413 of his streak, having covered more miles than he ever thought possible.
The benefits for Jason were immediate and transformative. His weight steadily dropped, his energy levels surged, and even everyday tasks became more manageable. “My knees don’t hurt anymore, I can play soccer with my kids, and I feel stronger overall,” he says.
While semaglutide initially helped curb Jason’s appetite, it was his commitment to healthier habits that truly made the difference. “I don’t crave fast food like I used to,” he shares. “I’m much more aware of how food affects me now.”
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Early on, Jason experienced mild nausea after each dose increase, but the side effects subsided as his body adjusted. Over time, the appetite-suppressing effects of semaglutide lessened, but by then, Jason had established sustainable habits that kept him on track.
Heather underscores the importance of understanding the risks and limitations of semaglutide. “This isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution,” she explains. “Some patients face side effects like nausea, fatigue, or digestive issues that can be discouraging, even debilitating in some cases. And when patients stop taking semaglutide, there’s a significant risk of rapid weight regain if they haven’t built a strong foundation of healthy habits. That’s why close monitoring and personalized adjustments are critical.”
Heather believes that semaglutide is most effective when combined with meaningful lifestyle changes. “This medication is a tool, but it has to be used thoughtfully,” she says. “Pairing it with a high-protein diet, strength training, and addressing unhealthy patterns through behavioral counseling is what creates lasting results.”
For Jason, this journey has been about more than just weight loss—it’s about reclaiming his health, confidence, and joy. Starting semaglutide gave him the boost he needed to initiate a lifestyle shift, paving the way for lasting transformation.
New Lifestyle
Jason’s transformation didn’t just impact him—it inspired his family. His sons, both soccer players, began adopting healthier habits. “My older son is more mindful of his eating, and my younger son is following suit,” Jason says proudly.
On the one-year anniversary of his walking streak, Jason celebrated by walking 25.5 miles and 65,000 steps in a single day, joined by friends and family. He’s even started an Instagram page to document his journey and encourage others.
“It’s not about fame or money,” Jason says. “I want people to know that semaglutide can help, but it’s not the whole story. You have to pair it with movement and healthy habits.”
When asked for advice, Jason keeps it simple: “I always refer people to Heather, but the key is working with someone you trust—someone who’s truly invested in your success. And… as simple as it sounds, go for a walk. Even if you’re tired or busy, carve out 30 minutes. It doesn’t have to be all at once. Walking may seem simple, but it can make a world of difference.”
For Jason, this journey has been about more than just weight loss—it’s about reclaiming his health, confidence, and joy. His story serves as a powerful reminder that transformation is possible with the right tools, a supportive team, and a commitment to taking that first step.
The Pros & Cons of Using Semaglutide for Weight Loss
The buzz around medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, and compounded semaglutide is hard to ignore. These GLP-1 receptor agonists have become prominent players in the weight-loss world. But are they right for you? Here’s a breakdown of the benefits, drawbacks, and what to consider before making a decision.
How They Work
GLP-1 medications mimic a hormone in your body that regulates appetite and blood sugar. They:
Suppress hunger and reduce food cravings.
Slow digestion, helping you feel full longer.
Support insulin production and lower sugar release from the liver.
In addition to controlling blood sugar for diabetics, these mechanisms can promote significant weight loss—up to 15–20% of body weight over 16 months when paired with healthy habits.
The Benefits
Effective Weight Loss
Clinical trials show these medications outperform traditional weight-loss drugs. On average, users lose 16% of their body weight, with higher success rates for those embracing lifestyle changes.
Improved Metabolic Health
Beyond weight loss, many patients see better blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, and enhanced liver function. Early studies even hint at a reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Sustainable Habit Support
By reducing appetite and improving focus, GLP-1 medications can make it easier to adopt long-term dietary and exercise routines.
The Challenges
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are common, especially during the first weeks of treatment. These symptoms usually subside with time and can be managed with small meals and hydration.
Weight Regain Without Continued Use
Discontinuing the medication often leads to weight regain—studies show patients may regain two-thirds of lost weight within a year.
Cost and Availability
Without insurance, brand name medications like Ozempic can cost upwards of $1,000 per month. Compounded semaglutide is less expensive, but most people can expect to pay up to $500 per month.
Rare but Serious Risks
There’s a slight risk of pancreatitis and thyroid cancer, particularly for individuals with a family history of these conditions.
Is It Right for You?
If you’re considering GLP-1 medications, work closely with a knowledgeable healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks for your specific situation. While these drugs are powerful tools, long-term success ultimately depends on pairing them with sustainable lifestyle changes.
