Semaglutide is an FDA-approved medication for weight loss in individuals who are obese or overweight. Users often see weight reduction within 4 or more weeks of starting treatment with a 0.25 mg dose.
Originally developed for diabetes management, Semaglutide is now recognized for its effectiveness in safely helping people lose weight. Discover the benefits of Semaglutide, how quickly it can start working, and if it might be the right treatment for you.
How Quickly Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?
Patients typically start to see weight loss with a dose of 25 units or more after about 4 weeks, though some may not notice changes until around 6 weeks.
For optimal results, it’s beneficial to pair Semaglutide injections with regular exercise and dietary changes. The duration of treatment needed will vary based on your health conditions and your ability to sustain lifestyle changes for long-term weight management. For instance, studies show that combining Semaglutide with a low-calorie diet and behavioral therapy can lead to even greater weight loss.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate hunger and control food intake. By administering Semaglutide weekly, it suppresses hunger signals and slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, making you feel fuller and more satisfied after meals.
Factors Affecting How Soon It Will Work
The effectiveness and speed at which Semaglutide works can be affected by several factors:
- Dosage: Higher doses may deliver quicker results but could also increase the risk of side effects.
- Individual Metabolism: Each person’s metabolism processes medications differently, which can influence how soon weight loss is observed.
- Diet and Exercise: Incorporating healthy lifestyle changes can enhance the effectiveness of the drug and improve overall results.
- Severity of Condition: Individuals with less severe weight issues may see improvements more quickly than those with more severe conditions.
- Adherence to Treatment: Sticking to the prescribed injection schedule is crucial for achieving noticeable benefits within 4 to 6 weeks or longer.
- Combination with Other Medications: Interactions with other medications can impact how effectively and quickly Semaglutide works.
Benefits
Semaglutide injections offer a range of benefits, including:
- Significant Weight Reduction: Especially effective when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Consistent, Safe Weight Loss: Helps achieve steady weight reduction over a longer period.
- Lowered Risk of Heart and Cardiovascular Disease: Achieving a healthy weight reduces these risks.
- Improved Overall Health: Contributes to a healthier appearance and better well-being.
- Convenient Weekly Injections: Typically required only once a week, often for up to 16 weeks.
Who is a Candidate?
You may be a candidate for Semaglutide injections if the following applies to you. During your initial consultation, your healthcare provider will perform a comprehensive health assessment to determine your eligibility.
- Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: Helps in managing blood sugar levels.
- Patients Needing Weight Loss Support: For those who haven’t achieved desired results through diet and exercise alone.
- Adults with Obesity or Overweight: Specifically for those with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia.
Research shows that Semaglutide is most effective when paired with diet and exercise changes. In a study of 1,961 individuals with a BMI over 30 who did not have diabetes, those who received Semaglutide injections and exercised experienced an average weight loss of 14.9% over 68 weeks. In contrast, the placebo group saw only a 2.4% average weight loss.
Therefore, if you’re considering Semaglutide treatment, it is crucial to be prepared to adopt a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.
What are Potential Side Effects?
Potential side effects can vary depending on your current health but may include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Stomach pain, constipation
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Low blood sugar (in people with diabetes)
In rare cases, additional side effects may include thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, kidney issues, and gallbladder problems.
Do You Need Help With Weight Loss?
At Her Way, your health and comfort are our top priorities. We go above and beyond what other women’s clinics offer, ensuring you receive the best care possible. During your visit, relax in our comfortable overstuffed chairs and enjoy watching sports on our flat-screen TVs.
Choosing Her Way for your Semaglutide treatments means you’re partnering with one of the leading medical providers in women’s health, giving you the confidence and support you deserve.
