According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), nearly 70% of Americans are overweight or obese, and it’s not from a lack of trying to lose some pounds.

The human body has a built-in regulatory mechanism to maintain a certain weight point. So, even when your weight fluctuates momentarily, it’s designed to return to its maximum weight point.

When your body has a higher energy storage set point than what it needs for optimal functioning, you’re overweight. Being overweight often leads to several types of illnesses, including killer diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Many types of drugs exist for weight management. However, amid so many unsafe and ineffective drugs, semaglutide, endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been found to enable weight loss in those struggling with weight management and diabetes.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about semaglutide, from how it works to who should (and shouldn’t) use it to its benefits, expected results, side effects, and more. 

 

How semaglutide works

Semglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that promotes and maintains weight loss. GLP-1 plays a significant role in blood sugar regulation, insulin production, and appetite suppression.

So, how does semaglutide work?

Semaglutide works by mimicking and enhancing GLP-1 activity, which helps to reduce food intake. This makes it easier to manage calorie intake and achieve a calorie deficit, which is crucial for losing weight.

Changes to diet and exercise are generally combined with this medication.

 

Who should use semaglutide for weight loss?

Semaglutide for weight loss is approved by the FDA for use in adults and children 12 years and older. Below is everything you need to know.

 

• If your body mass index (BMI) is over 30 (BMI ≥30 kg/m2), which is considered obese, then Semaglutide  might be for you.
• If you are an individual with a BMI of 27 or more and also have weight-related conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol levels, semaglutide might also be suitable for you.
• Kids 12 years and older with an initial body mass index at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex (based on growth charts) can use semaglutide.

 

Semaglutide is also approved in adults to reduce the risk of stroke and heart-related death in people with cardiovascular (heart, blood vessel) disease with either obesity or overweight.

This medication may be particularly beneficial for people who have not seen results with lifestyle changes alone and are looking for additional support to manage their weight effectively.

 

Who should avoid using semaglutide for weight loss?

You should stay away from semaglutide if you have:

 

• History of medullary thyroid carcinoma
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
• History of gallbladder disease
• People with known allergies to semaglutide or any of its ingredients
• History of pancreatitis
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)

 

That said, if you’re considering semaglutide for weight loss, your first step should be consulting with your healthcare provider. They know your individual and family medical history and are in the best position to help you determine the proper treatment for your condition. 

If you also have diabetes and are already taking a different medication, talk to your physician about acceptable (and safe) combinations of diabetes medication.

 

Benefits of semaglutide

Because semaglutide has been proven to effectively reduce weight, it has become a go-to remedy for men and women struggling with weight.

The potential benefits of semaglutide for weight management are significant. Some of these benefits include:

 

• Reduces the risk of stroke, heart problems
• Regulates hunger
• Lowers blood pressure
• Maintains weight loss, with many individuals experiencing a 10-15% reduction in body weight over time
• Improves mobility and reduces pain
• Improves mood
• Improves sleep
• Increases self-esteem
• Lowers the risk for certain cancers

 

In addition to the above benefits, semaglutide is a convenient solution to weight management. You only need to administer the solutions once a week, which can be given on any day that works best for you. 

 

What results can I expect from semaglutide treatment for weight loss?

Semaglutide’s effects can vary from person to person, but understanding what to expect can help you set realistic expectations.

The following questions and answers will reveal the details.

 

What can I expect when starting semaglutide?

Typically, you will begin with a lower shot to minimize potential side effects. Once your body adjusts to the therapy, your healthcare provider will gradually increase the total dose. 

While taking semaglutide, it generally takes about two weeks to start working in the body. Some people begin to see changes within the first eight weeks, but most notice results within 12 weeks.

 

How will semaglutide make me feel?

As your body adjusts, you may experience mild nausea or digestive changes. Besides the temporary side effects, patients taking semaglutide have reported feeling less hungry and more satisfied with smaller portions. 

Many also note a decrease in cravings and a more manageable eating approach, making it easier to adhere to a lower-calorie diet.

 

How effective is semaglutide for weight loss in individuals without diabetes?

There have been numerous anti-obesity medications that help suppress appetite and achieve weight loss. But among them, semaglutide performs on a new level.

An initial study of 2,000 obese adults compared people using semaglutide in conjunction with a diet and exercise regimen with people who made the same lifestyle changes without using semaglutide.

After 68 weeks, half of the subjects using semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight, and almost a third lost 20%. Participants who incorporated only changes lost about 2.4% of their weight.

Since then, other research has produced comparable findings. However, they also found that when semaglutide users stop taking it, they frequently gain back the weight they lost.

You may also like: Comprehensive Weight Loss Treatment Comparison (Read This First!).

 

How soon can I expect to see weight loss results with semaglutide?

While semaglutide doesn’t provide immediate weight loss, you can start seeing some weight loss within 4 weeks of starting the treatment. 

However, the complete effect may take many months. Per a review published in The New England Journal of Medicine, adults treated with semaglutide therapy lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight after 68 weeks.

So, what does this mean for your weight loss journey? 

Every patient is different, and weight loss will depend on factors ranging from genetics to exercise regimen and everything in between. However, semaglutide has been found to safely help patients lose body weight within just a few weeks.

Note that when therapy begins, your doctor will gradually raise your dose to help alleviate possible stomach side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. It usually requires around 17 weeks to reach your final maintenance dose of semaglutide.

 

Can weight loss occur within the first week of taking semaglutide?

While every patient’s weight loss journey differs, you can expect to lose 1-5 pounds of weight in the first 1-2 weeks of taking semaglutide. However, this initial decrease comes primarily from fluid loss, appetite/eating changes, and potential GI side effects, not necessarily fat loss.

As we mentioned, your doctor will gradually raise your dose after therapy begins. As the dosage increases, you will experience more weight loss. 

Understand that significant fat reduction and substantial weight loss are cumulative with semaglutide. Rapid large drops in weight after just a single week of use are uncommon. 

To experience a more permanent result, consistency with dosage, sticking to a balanced diet, and regular physical activity can help maximize the effectiveness of semaglutide for weight loss. 

 

Is semaglutide safe for weight loss?

Semaglutide is generally considered safe when prescribed by a healthcare professional and monitored correctly. 

However, like any medication, it carries certain risks and side effects. 

You should discuss your medical history with your provider before beginning the therapy.

 

What should I monitor while using this medication?

It’s advisable to monitor blood sugar levels, particularly if you have diabetes. Also, monitor your heart rate, organ function, mental effects, and side effects.

Additionally, keep track of any digestive issues, unusual fatigue, or other symptoms and report them to your healthcare provider. Regular follow-up visits will also help ensure the treatment remains safe and effective.

 

How long does it take for the body to adjust to semaglutide?

Most individuals adjust within a few weeks, though some may take a bit longer. Your provider will work with you to manage any initial discomfort.

 

What are the signs that semaglutide is working?

One of the earliest signs you may notice that the treatment is working is reduced hunger. During the initial 1-4 weeks, you may find yourself feeling full faster and having fewer cravings. This is because semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate your appetite. The effects may be subtle initially but become more noticeable with consistent use and lifestyle adjustments.

 

Potential side effects of semaglutide

As with any medication, semaglutide comes with potential side effects, especially when first starting treatment. The most common ones include diarrhea, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and constipation. 

These side effects are usually mild and temporary. They will often subside after a few days or weeks of treatment and continuous use. 

At La Vie Md, we work closely with you to minimize side effects, recommend anti-nausea remedies, ensure proper hydration, and adjust your dosage schedule if needed.

 

How to use semaglutide for weight loss 

 

Semaglutide is injected under the skin, and it is administered once every week. Immediately you start the therapy, keep using it unless your provider tells you to stop.

 

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a shot and the next scheduled one is more than 2 days away, take the missed shot as soon as you remember. However, do not take the missed dose if your next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away. 

Try as much as you can to stay consistent in taking your dose at the regular time. Also, do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

If you miss your dose for 14 days or more, take the next shot at your regular time or call us to talk about how to restart this medication.

 

What precautions should I take when taking semaglutide?

While taking this treatment, it is essential to always follow up with regular checks on your progress. That said, below are some precautions to follow:

 

• Drink a lot of fluids while taking this medication. Drink at least half a gallon of water daily
• Observe if you develop any symptoms and inform your healthcare provider if you observe any signs
• This medication can affect your blood sugar status, so consult with us or your care provider if changes in diet or pills are needed if you have diabetes
• If you need to start taking a particular medication or program, inform your care team before you do
• If you notice any changes in your behavior, such as new or worsening feelings of deep sadness, thoughts of harming yourself, anxiety, or other unusual thought patterns, call your care team right away
• If you think you are pregnant or wish to become pregnant, losing weight is not recommended and may cause harm to the unborn child. In this case, consult your care team for more advice
• For men, if you wish to start a family, you will need to stop the medication for at least two months before you start trying to make your spouse pregnant
• If you think you have an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room at once
• Do not share this medicine with others

 

Read also: Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Zepbound: Which one to choose from?

 

What medication interacts with semaglutide?

Certain medications, including insulin or other blood sugar-lowering drugs, may interact with semaglutide. Give your care provider a list of all your medicines or dietary supplements. Also, tell them if you drink alcohol, smoke, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with semaglutide.

 

Where should I store semaglutide injections?

Semaglutide should be kept refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C ( 36°F to 46°F ). It is important not to freeze it, and it should be kept away from direct sunlight.

Keep it in the original container until you are ready to use it. Your used needles and pens must be put in a special sharps container, and you should not put them in a trash can, either. 

If you do not have a sharps container, call your provider to get one.

To get rid of the medication, you can do this in two ways:

 

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your drug store or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, follow the directions in the MedGuide.

 

Tips for effective semaglutide treatment for weight loss

While semaglutide can be effective by itself, combining it with lifestyle changes can further enhance results. The following listed tips can help you maximize this therapy.

 

• Stay hydrated
• Follow a balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Keep a journal

 

Takeaway: Achieve lasting weight loss with semaglutide

For many, losing weight and maintaining it is not an easy process. While they may faithfully engage in other means to shed some pounds, many solutions could be more effective and safe, and keeping up can sometimes feel overwhelming, so while you are trying to progress with your weight management, it is easier to revert to your initial weight.

Semaglutide, an FDA-approved medication, offers a long-term solution for individuals struggling with weight loss management. It helps suppress appetite, slow digestion, and help you stick to a healthy diet, resulting in gradual and safe weight loss.

If you’re considering semaglutide for weight loss, schedule a consultation with LA ViE MD. We can help you safely start your weight loss management journey. Book an appointment now!