How Fast Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?

If you’re interested in losing weight and have tried exercise and dieting without success, chances are you’ve heard of celebrities and influencers using diabetes drugs for weight loss. Initially used for insulin management, these drugs made a splash when patients diagnosed as obese shed up to 30% of their weight after using them.

The active ingredient in several FDA-approved weight loss medications is semaglutide. At Rejuvime Medical, we provide prescription GLP-1 therapies through accredited pharmacies as part of our medically supervised weight loss programs. While brand names like Wegovy® may be more widely recognized, many people are less familiar with the ingredient itself. This guide is designed to help you learn what semaglutide is, how it works, the timeline for results, and whether it may be a good option for you.

Semaglutide is a versatile medication used to tackle weight loss and manage insulin for both diabetics and individuals diagnosed with obesity. It mimics the body’s natural appetite-suppressing hormone, which can help curb hunger pangs. Semaglutide also helps regulate blood sugar levels, keeping them stable.

People using semaglutide eat less and feel fuller when they do eat. Semaglutide does this by targeting an area in the brain (called GLP-1 receptors) that helps regulate your appetite and how much you eat. It closely mimics a natural hormone in the body called incretin, which is made primarily in our digestive tract. Semaglutide:

Studies show that semaglutide helps people lose weight and keep it off for over a year with continued use.

Each person’s situation is unique, and it’s challenging to offer a specific timeline once you start semaglutide injections for weight loss. You might start seeing changes within a few weeks, while others might take a bit longer. It all depends on your body, lifestyle, and commitment to the process.

It usually takes several months to see the full effects because you’ll start treatment on a lower dose. We slowly increase the dose to help lessen stomach side effects like nausea and diarrhea. It typically takes about 17 weeks to reach your final maintenance dose of semaglutide.

Studies show that, on average, adults using semaglutide lost about 35 pounds—about 15% of their body weight. In contrast, 31% of people using a placebo lost about 6 pounds, or about 2.5% of their body weight. The key to success is consistency. Stick to your prescribed dosage, maintain a healthy diet, and get moving with regular exercise.

Adults with a body mass index higher than 30 (or 27 if they have a weight-related medical condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol levels) can benefit from semaglutide injections. You can take our quiz to understand better if you’re a good candidate.

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, which affects about 25% of patients. You can manage these side effects with dosage adjustments. Most patients believe these side effects are worth the weight loss benefits of semaglutide.

People taking semaglutide to treat obesity should consider it a long-term treatment. That’s not to say everyone takes semaglutide for their entire lives. Semaglutide and other drugs that promote weight loss should always be coupled with lifestyle changes, like eating a healthy diet and exercising more. If you stop taking the medication, your healthy lifestyle will help keep your weight off.

Embracing a healthier lifestyle is essential when you start taking semaglutide.

Here are a few tips:

Consume a balanced diet . Focus on nutrient-rich foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Cut back—or even eliminate—processed snacks.

Stay active. The best way to do this is to choose an exercise you enjoy. It might be hiking, dancing, swimming, or hitting the gym. Regular exercise improves your overall well-being, including your mental health.

Get plenty of sleep. Studies show lack of sleep can lead to weight gain. Try to sleep for 7 to 9 hours nightly.

Keep a positive outlook . A good attitude can help you through the more challenging times of your weight-loss journey. Be kind to yourself and celebrate even small successes.

If you’re looking in the Baton Rouge or New Orleans area for a semaglutide provider, our hormone specialists provide personalized care and can evaluate if you’re a good candidate for this breakthrough treatment. You can start by requesting a free consultation using the online form or by calling us at (225) 960-1580 to schedule an appointment at one of our clinics.

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