Semaglutide is the main (or ‘active’) ingredient in weight loss drugs like Wegovy . It’s also the main ingredient in Ozempic, a drug typically used for treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide suppresses your appetite by mimicking a hormone that’s produced in the body, called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is naturally produced when we eat, and signals to the brain that you’re full.
If you’re curious about taking Wegovy , or have just started your course of weekly injections, you might be itching to see results straight away. In this article, we’ll dive into not only how semaglutide works, but how quickly it suppresses your appetite, and how to manage changes in your eating habits.
Remember, weight loss medications aren’t a ‘quick-fix’ to weight loss. They’re best used as part of a weight loss plan that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Semaglutide starts suppressing appetite quickly
In short, there’s no definitive answer to “how long does semaglutide take to suppress your appetite?”, because everyone is different. You may see results much faster or slower than someone else taking the same dose of semaglutide medications like Wegovy. That being said, most people taking Wegovy (or other semaglutide-based drugs) will start to notice a drop in appetite soon after starting treatment, within the first few weeks.
Wegovy injections are available in five doses, from 0.25mg up to 2.4mg. Everyone begins treatment on the lowest dose so that your body has time to get used to the medication and any potential side effects (which we’ll go into more detail about later on).
Providing you have minimal side effects, your dose will increase by 0.25mg every four weeks, until you stay on what’s called a “maintenance dose”, which is the highest dose of Wegovy you will take. Your clinician will work closely with you to decide which dosage might be a good maintenance dose for you.
Here’s what your semaglutide journey week-by-week might look like:
How semaglutide works for suppressing appetite
Wegovy mimics the body’s naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone , which sends signals to the brain to control your appetite and hunger. It works on the reward pathways in the brain, reducing cravings and food noise. Moreover, it slows down digestion so you feel fuller for longer after eating, enabling you to eat less overall. In addition to suppressing appetite, semaglutide offers significant benefits , such as improved blood sugar control, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and potential improvements in metabolic health. By keeping energy levels steady and fostering sustained weight loss, semaglutide can contribute to better overall health and well-being.
How much weight can you lose on semaglutide?
How much weight you can lose on semaglutide varies from person to person. As individuals can react to medication differently there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but we do have an idea based on clinical studies.
Evidence indicates that when used alongside a balanced diet, physical activity, and behavioural support, Wegovy users see an average weight loss of almost 15% after 68 weeks.
Ultimately, it’s not a race. Medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro should be used alongside healthy lifestyle changes to see the best results. Once you’ve got your new routine down after a year or so, you’ll be able to maintain it without the help of semaglutide. It’s a long journey, but you can do it.
Semaglutide side effects
If you’re taking semaglutide, it’s important to be prepared for potential side effects , as they impact more than one in 10 people using this medicine, especially as the dosage is increased.
The most common side effects include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- constipation
Less common side effects include:
- low blood sugar
- changes in how food and drink tastes
Serious side effects include:
- severe stomach pain that doesn’t go away
- allergic reactions
- pancreatitis
- gallbladder disease
For the most part, semaglutide side effects are minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter medicines, staying hydrated, and eating smaller meals. However, if you have any serious side effects you should talk to your clinician as soon as possible to discuss whether to lower your dose.
Who can take semaglutide?
You might be prescribed semaglutide medications such as Wegovy if:
- You’re over 18.
- You have health problems due to your weight.
- You have a BMI of 30 or above
You can’t take semaglutide if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Your clinician should take your full medical history to make sure you don’t have any conditions that could make taking semaglutide unsafe. They’ll also want to check if you take any other medications that could negatively interact with the medication.
If you’re curious about trying weight loss medication like semaglutide, find out if you’re eligible by taking our short weight loss quiz.
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