How Fast Do You Lose Weight on Semaglutide?

Almost 40% of U.S. adults are obese, 31% are overweight, and 7% are severely obese, according to the Food Research and Action Center. Weight loss as it is can be challenging, and if you have underlying medical conditions, it can be even more difficult to achieve. If you have tried various weight loss methods, but find they are just not cutting it, semaglutide may be the breakthrough you need for successful weight loss.

The rate at which semaglutide helps you lose weight varies for each individual, making it impossible to specify an exact timeframe. Many individuals experience noticeable changes within the two weeks, however, others might notice weight loss until the second month. But, why does it vary, and what factors influence this outcome?

Read on to understand the workings of semaglutide and how rapidly it can aid in weight loss.

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is used to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. This injection treatment is complemented with a personalized diet and exercise regimen.

Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone released in the gut in response to eating, glucagon-like peptide- 1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 indicates the body to increase insulin production, which reduces glucose (blood sugar). Higher amounts of GLP-1 interact with the appetite-suppressing parts of the brain and indicate you feel satiated.

How Does Semaglutide Work in the Body?

Semaglutide works by assisting the pancreas to release the correct amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are too elevated. Insulin helps sugar move from the blood into other body tissues where it is needed. Moreover, it slows down the movement of food through the stomach, making one feel fuller for longer and decreasing appetite. Use Fastic to monitor your sugar intake and maintain a well-balanced diet throughout your weight loss journey.

Who Is Semaglutide for?

Samaglutide was initially developed as a type 2 diabetes treatment. It is used to reduce the risk of a stroke, heart attack, or death in adults who have type 2 diabetes along with blood vessel disease. It is also used to aid with weight loss in obese or overweight adults who may also suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Who Should Not Take Semaglutide?

Individuals who have a history of the following medical conditions should not take semaglutide, including:

How Fast Do You Lose Weight on Semaglutide? A Look into the STEP Trials

The STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) trials consist of a series of clinical studies intended to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of semaglutide for weight loss in individuals with obesity.

Key characteristics of the STEP trials are:

Involve diverse groups of participants including, those with obesity, those with type 2 diabetes, and those without diabetes.
Typically last 68 weeks, which allows researchers to see the short and long-term effects of the medication.
Are randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. This means that participants are randomly assigned to receive either semaglutide or a placebo, and neither the researchers or the participants know who is receiving the medication.

how fast do you lose weight on semaglutide

STEP 1

Participants: Adults without diabetes, mostly obese.

Trial design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 1,961 participants receiving 2.4 mg of semaglutide or placebo weekly for 68 weeks.

Results: Participants on semaglutide lost 14.9% of their body weight, while those on placebo lost 2.4%.

STEP 2

Participants: Adults with type 2 diabetes

Trial design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with participants receiving 2.4 mg or 1.0 of semaglutide, or placebo weekly for 68 weeks.

Results: Participants on 2.4 mg semaglutide lost 9.6% of their body weight, compared to 7.0% on 1.0 mg and 3.4% on placebo.

STEP 3

Participants: Adults without diabetes, mostly obese.

Trial design: Randomized, double-blind. A placebo-controlled trial with intensive behavioral therapy and a low-calorie diet for 68 weeks.

Results: Participants on semaglutide lost 16.0% of their body weight, while those on placebo lost 5.7%.

STEP 4

Participants: Adults without diabetes, mostly obese.

Trial design: 20-week run-in period with semaglutide, followed by randomized continuation or placebo for 68 weeks.

Results: Participants who continued semaglutide lost an additional 7.9%, while those who switched to placebo gained 6.9%.

STEP 5

Participants: Adults without diabetes, mostly obese.

Trial design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 2.4 mg of semaglutide or placebo weekly for 104 weeks.

Results: Participants on semaglutide lost 15.2% of their body weight, while those on placebo lost 2.6%.

STEP 6

Participants: East Asian adults, obese, with or without diabetes.

Trial design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 2.4 mg or 1.7 mg of semaglutide, or placebo weekly for 68 weeks.

Results: Participants on 2.4 mg semaglutide lost 13.2% of their body weight, compared to 9.6% on 1.7 mg and 2.1% on placebo.

STEP 7

Participants: Adults without diabetes, mostly obese.

Trial design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing 2.4 mg of semaglutide weekly to 3.0 mg of liraglutide daily for 68 weeks.

Results: Participants on semaglutide lost 15.8% of their body weight, compared to 6.4% on liraglutide.

According to the trial results, there is no doubt that semaglutide treatment helps with weight loss; nonetheless, the rate at which it is achieved can vary. These trials, which range from 68 to 104 weeks, demonstrate significant weight loss results, typically around 10-16% body weight. However, due to the variability in individual responses and health backgrounds, pinpointing a specific timeframe for seeing weight loss results is complicated.

Factors Influencing Weight Loss Speed

How fast you lose weight with semaglutide will depend on various factors. If you are given a higher dose, it doesn’t always mean you will achieve weight loss at a faster rate.

Factors that influence how fast semaglutide works in your body include:

Dosage and administration frequency

Your doctor will prescribe whatever dose and frequency they deem safe and necessary. You must not interfere with these indications for your body might react negatively to any changes.

Metabolic rate

Metabolism greatly influences how effective semaglutide is. Metabolic rates differ from person to person, so the effects of semaglutide might work faster on some individuals than on others. People with a fast metabolism tend to process and eliminate foods and medication faster, which means they may need higher doses. Learn how intermittent fasting may increase metabolism.

Medical background

Medical background also plays a key role in semaglutide acts in your body. For example, participants with type 2 diabetes on 2.4 mg semaglutide for 68 weeks lost 9.6% of their body weight (STEP 2), while participants without diabetes on the same dosage and duration lost 15.8% (STEP 8).

Lifestyle factors

Exercise and dietary changes also impact the speed and effectiveness of semaglutide in your body. Incorporating a proper workout routine and adapting to a nutrient-dense diet can potentialize the effects of semaglutide in your body, and encourage healthier lifestyle habits.

Adherence to treatment plan

Staying on track with your prescribed treatment plan and dosage is vital to reaching a healthier weight and seeing the full potential semaglutide can have on your body.

Side Effects of Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Common side effects of semaglutide include:

bloating
heartburn
recurrent fever
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
belching
stomach discomfort or pain

Seek medical attention or consult with your doctor if you experience extreme negative side effects while taking semaglutide.

If you are considering semaglutide to lose weight, consult your healthcare provider, they will know better if semaglutide is the right approach for you. Discover other weight loss methods that don’t require taking medication but still offer weight loss results. Learn how Fastic can help you start your journey toward your ideal weight.

Disclaimer: It is advised to speak with a health professional before beginning intermittent fasting or a diet program. There may be side effects for people with certain medical conditions.