Perhaps the most common questions we hear at Rejuvime Medical from women and men considering starting semaglutide injections are how long do you have to take semaglutide for effective weight loss, and what happens if you stop taking semaglutide?
Before answering those questions, it’s essential to understand what semaglutide does and identify the reasons for taking it.
What Is Semaglutide?
When prescribed to treat people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide manages insulin production. One of its side effects is significant weight loss, and it has become a popular treatment for overweight or obese individuals.
We offer patients at Rejuvime Medical compounded semaglutide with vitamin B12 for metabolic optimization and weight loss. A compounded drug is custom-made by a specialty compounding pharmacy. Our pharmacy partner is accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy®.
How Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists and works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which we produce in our intestines. It slows the rate at which food empties from the stomach and signals to our bodies that we are full. The medicine affects the brain by blunting hunger signals and making people feel indifferent to food.
What Happens If You Stop Taking Semaglutide?
Men and women using semaglutide for metabolic optimization to lose weight give themselves weekly injections. Clinical studies, including one conducted in 2022 and published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, found that one year after stopping semaglutide injections, study participants regained about two-thirds of the weight they had lost. The key takeaway is that once you stop taking semaglutide and have not changed your eating habits, you may regain weight.
We encourage patients using semaglutide for weight loss to couple the medication with lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. If you decide to stop the medication, maintaining a healthier lifestyle can help minimize weight gain and other health issues that were a product of previous weight gain. It is important to understand that you do not need to stop your semaglutide.
GLP-1 receptor agonists were created to be a long-term medication and have proven to be safe with very few risks.
Why Do People Stop Semaglutide?
People discontinue semaglutide treatments for various reasons. Cost is the number one reason, and may be prohibitive if they use a brand-name form of the drug that’s not covered by health insurance. We offer compounded semaglutide with B12 for an affordable, low monthly fee as part of our Metabolic Optimization (Meta Opti) VIP subscription service. This program includes medical monitoring by a nurse practitioner, lab work, and medication conveniently shipped to your home.
Some patients taking semaglutide experience mild side effects. These typically include gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and diarrhea. Side effects often resolve as the body adjusts to the medication; in addition, our practitioners can recommend anti-nausea medications to counteract these side effects until your body adjusts. For patients who are unable to give themselves a small weekly shot, oral medications are in development and hopefully will be available within a few years.
Let’s Talk
If you’ve made lifestyle changes and still find it difficult to lose weight, we encourage you to consider semaglutide. Our knowledgeable providers at Rejuvime Medical can answer all of your questions to help you make an informed decision about starting semaglutide treatments.
You can call us at (225) 960-1580 or use the online form to schedule a consultation. Or visit any Rejuvime location to meet with a nurse who performs your initial blood work, provides an overview of our services, and answers all your questions (no appointment necessary).
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