How Long Does It Take Semaglutide to Work? A Week-by-Week Timeline of What to Expect
Semaglutide is an injectable weight-loss drug. It is commonly offered under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic. It also helps stabilize blood glucose levels, slowing the stomach’s natural emptying processes. As a result, it helps patients feel satiated longer after meals.
You may be a good candidate for Semaglutide injections if you need help losing weight. Many people turn to Semaglutide treatments after other weight-loss methods fail. But how long does it take Semaglutide to work, and what can you expect from your treatment plan? Keep reading to learn the answers to these common Semaglutide questions.
How Long Does It Take Semaglutide to Work?*
Semaglutide is a promising treatment with an impressive history of success. In a placebo-controlled trial, 86% of treated patients achieved at least a 5% body weight reduction. In the same trial, more than half of treated patients achieved a 15% or higher body weight reduction1. These patients also participated in daily physical activity and reduced-calorie diets. We always recommend lifestyle changes like these in conjunction with Semaglutide treatments. Individual results may vary.*
You may wonder how long it will take to achieve similar results from your Semaglutide treatment plan. We always stress that people respond differently to weight loss treatments. Therefore, it’s impossible to give a precise Semaglutide timeline that works for everyone. However, most people experience little to no weight loss in the early weeks. As they can accept a higher medication dosage, their weight loss results tend to increase.
A Typical Semaglutide Treatment Plan
We always start patients off with a low dose (0.25mg) of Semaglutide. This approach gives their bodies time to acclimate to the medication. Over the following weeks, we slowly increase the dose according to each patient’s tolerance levels. Semaglutide has a titration period of approximately eight weeks. What this means is that most patients reach the dose required for optimum weight loss (2.4mg) by their eighth week of treatment. If the patient tolerates 2.4mg of Semaglutide, we typically maintain this dosage until the end of the treatment period.
Semaglutide Timeline: What to Expect Week-by-Week
Though everyone responds differently to Semaglutide treatments, many have similar experiences. Here’s what to expect from a typical Semaglutide week-by-week treatment timeline.
Week 1
During the first week of your Semaglutide treatment plan, you’ll consult your doctor. Then, if you’re a good candidate for treatment, you’ll likely receive your first weekly dose. This is usually just 0.25mg. The medication is injected under the skin in the upper arm, stomach, or thigh.
During your first week of treatment, you may notice feelings of increased satiety and decreased hunger. You’ll also receive recommendations for eating a healthy diet and exercising. In addition, other lifestyle changes may be recommended as needed to improve your results.
Some patients feel nausea after their first Semaglutide injection. If you experience this side effect, it’s no cause for concern. Some degree of nausea is common and will likely subside once your body gets used to the medication.
Weeks 2-4
Since Semaglutide is a once-weekly injectable medication, you’ll receive your second dose at week two. If you experienced nausea after your first dose, you’ll probably experience it after your second dose, too. If your first dose didn’t result in nausea, you’re less likely to experience it going forward. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help with nausea.
You probably won’t experience noticeable weight loss in your first 2-4 weeks of treatment. This is because you’re receiving Semaglutide at a low dose. However, as the dosage increases, your weight loss results should follow.
Week 5
Week five is an exciting milestone to reach. This is typically when we can increase your dosage to 0.5mg. At this dosage, you should begin experiencing noticeable weight loss. Some people choose to continue receiving this dosage for months, while others prefer to increase their dosage.
Weeks 6-20
During weeks 6-20, we usually slowly increase the dosage of Semaglutide from 0.5mg to 2.4mg. We will adjust the dosage if you experience any adverse symptoms, such as nausea or stomach pain. Our primary goal is to help you get to the maximum effective dosage your body will tolerate.
Some people stop Semaglutide treatments after 20 weeks. Others continue receiving treatments until they reach their weight loss goals. We may recommend tapering down your treatments once you’ve reached your goal. An occasional “maintenance dosage” may help you maintain your results and avoid weight regain.
How to Get the Most from Your Semaglutide Treatments
Semaglutide works best when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. To help you get the most from your Semaglutide treatment plan, we may recommend:
- Exercising for at least 15 minutes each day
- Eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day
- Avoiding fatty and processed foods that may cause unwanted side effects
- Eating more slowly
- Reducing or eliminating alcohol from your diet
- Staying hydrated
We also recommend following our treatment recommendations as closely as possible. We’ll create a customized plan for you based on your goals and your body’s response to the weight-loss medication.
Get a Customized Semaglutide Treatment Plan
There is no better time than now to begin transforming your body and losing excess weight. If you’re ready to finally drop pounds, give Body Morph MD a call at (914) 391-1274. We offer Semaglutide treatments in Westchester, NY, and at our newest location in Naples, Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions About Semaglutide Treatment Plans
How Long Do I Need to Take Semaglutide?
Many people take Semaglutide for 12 weeks for optimal weight loss results2. Others may continue taking a maintenance dosage after that to help with their weight management needs.
What Are Possible Side Effects?
Possible side effects of Semaglutide injections include nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Some people also experience inflammation or pain at the injection site. More serious but rare side effects may include slurred speech, seizures, and chest tightness.
Is It Safe for Me to Take Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is FDA-approved and is generally considered safe for weight loss and diabetes management. However, there are some people who should not receive this treatment. If you have kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, or a family history of thyroid cancer, you may not be a good candidate.
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