Generally speaking, it takes around 8-12 weeks of steady use for Semaglutide to begin working. Weight loss is a complex process, and the speed at which you see results will depend on a variety of factors, including your starting weight, your diet, and your exercise habits.
We did have patients who lost a moderate amount but we also had patients losing over 15 pounds and even over 20 pounds in the first month!
In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Feb. 2021), participants who received Semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weightover a 68-week period, compared to 2.4% for those receiving a placebo.
Once the body gets used to the drug, patients can expect weight loss results within the first 4 weeks of taking medication.
Your blood sugar levels should start to fully decline within the first week after you start using Ozempic (semaglutide) at your regular maintenance dose. However, the full effects can take 8 weeks or longer, as this is a long-acting medication that is injected only once per week.
Does Semaglutide Get Rid of Belly Fat? Semaglutide improves body composition by helping patients lose weight and reduce excess fat, including stubborn belly fat. It also increases the proportion of lean body mass.
In one study including 1306 patients taking semaglutide, 2.4 mg, weight loss of approximately 6% was achieved by week 12 and 12% was achieved by week 28.
Use this medicine on the same day each week, at any time of the day, with or without meals.
After 68 weeks, half of the participants using semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight, and nearly a third lost 20%. Participants who incorporated only lifestyle changes lost about 2.4% of their weight. Since then, additional studies have shown similar results.
Semaglutide lowers body weight by reducing appetite and hunger, increasing satiety, reducing food cravings, altering food preferences and reducing energy intake.
How can I maximise my body weight loss on Ozempic? You can assist Ozempic by lowering your overall calorie intake, moving your body where possible and limiting your alcohol consumption.
Semaglutide injection comes as a solution (liquid) in a prefilled dosing pen to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected once a week without regard to meals. Use semaglutide injection on the same day each week at any time of day.
Can You Drink Alcohol On Wegovy (Semaglutide)? Typically alcohol is not recommended when patients are taking Wegovy® for weight loss. Alcohol provides added calories and lowers inhibitions which may make it harder to maintain a healthy, calorie-reduced eating pattern.
How Long Can You Stay on Ozempic (semaglutide)? A person can stay on Ozempic® so long as they are tolerating the medication and it is deemed appropriate by their treating provider. There is no specific time frame when someone should stop taking Ozempic as it is a medication that is intended for chronic (long-term) use.
The side effects of Semaglutide may be temporary. As mentioned, the most common side effects include feeling tired, itchy skin, and diarrhea. However, these should stop after a few weeks of continuously taking the medications.
Your calorie intake should be no more than 1,500 Calories per day and you should be consuming nearly 100 grams of protein per day. Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise daily for 3-4 days a week can help you attain your weight loss goals over time.
High fat foods or sugary foods
Ozempic can cause nausea and vomiting if taken after eating foods high in fat or sugar. It is recommended that you take Ozempic before meals, rather than after, to minimise any potential side effects from eating high-fat or high-sugar foods.
More than 85% of participants taking semaglutide lost 5% of their body weight, nearly 70% achieved a 10% weight loss, 50% achieved a 15% weight loss, and just under a third achieved a 20% weight loss.
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common semaglutide side effects. But they usually subside after a few weeks of using the medication. Although rare, serious side effects are possible. Some may require immediate medical attention, like pancreatitis and allergic reactions.
Usual Adult Dose for Weight Loss
Weeks 1 through 4: 0.25 mg subcutaneously once a week. Weeks 5 through 8: 0.5 mg subcutaneously once a week. Weeks 9 through 12: 1 mg subcutaneously once a week.