People with type 2 diabetes have been using semaglutide under the brand name Ozempic for several years to help regulate their blood sugar levels. Since then, it was discovered that in addition to blood sugar control, semaglutide also helped to promote weight loss, and in June 2021, it was FDA-approved to be used for weight management and marketed under the brand name Wegovy.
People began using the injections and started sharing their success stories on television and social media, and even celebrities have started to admit they have used semaglutide to help them lose a substantial amount of weight. If you are thinking about trying semaglutide or have just started the medication, you may be wondering if semaglutide suppresses your appetite immediately or when you can expect it to start.
Today we are going to provide some answers to many of the questions we are asked about semaglutide, including how long it takes for the semaglutide to begin working, how to speed up weight loss on semaglutide, and when you can expect to see results from semaglutide.
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How Semaglutide Works
When you eat, it triggers your body to make a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is released into your digestive system. This hormone is responsible for keeping your blood sugar levels regulated, helps to control your appetite, and keeps your metabolism on track and running smoothly. The problem is that many people have underlying issues that interfere with the production or release of this natural hormone, and their digestive system does not function as it should, so their weight loss efforts are inhibited, or they may even gain weight despite eating a healthy diet.
Semaglutide mimics your natural GLP-1 hormone, and when it is injected into your system, it enhances the levels of the natural hormones and helps your metabolism to perform better. Semaglutide helps you stay feeling full longer, controls food cravings, and prompts your body to burn more calories instead of storing them as fat. The semaglutide works with your natural hormones and makes it easier for you to consume fewer calories, efficiently process the ones you do ingest, and lose weight.
How Fast Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide can affect each person a bit differently because everyone’s body is different, and each has DNA, underlying conditions, and health issues that are specific to them. We often are asked, “What happens in the first week on semaglutide?” The answer is that the medication begins to make changes to your metabolism as soon as you take your first injection, and even though you may not feel any different, it is starting to work behind the scenes.
It can take several weeks or even a few months before you begin to notice any changes because it depends on how out of balance your metabolism is and how long it has been that way. One of the first things you may notice that would signal that the medication is starting to work is that you may begin to experience some very common side effects like nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset.
These side effects are normally only temporary as your body adjusts to the medication, and most people report that they go away in a few weeks. It is normal to experience these side effects temporarily again each time the strength of your medication is increased.
Does Semaglutide Suppress Your Appetite Immediately?
Right after you take your semaglutide injection, it is immediately absorbed into your bloodstream, but most people do not feel any different right away. It starts to work behind the scenes and gradually reduces your appetite and begins to bring your blood sugar levels into better balance, but the timeline can vary for each person.
Many things can influence the speed at which semaglutide works, including the strength of the dose, how efficiently your metabolism was operating before you started the injections, what you are eating, the type and amount of exercise you get every day, and if you are being consistent in using the medication.
Each person’s response to semaglutide is different, but many people begin to notice they are not feeling as hungry after using the medication for just a few weeks. Semaglutide works in stages, and during the “onset” stage and right after you get your first dose, it begins to regulate your blood sugar.
The “peak” is when it reaches its highest concentration in your body and when it may begin to trigger weight loss, but it is not unusual for it to take closer to two months to find the dosage that works for you to begin losing weight. Your peak point can be very different from someone else's and can be anywhere from two to three days after your injection.
The medication stays active in your body for about a week after your injection before beginning to wear off, and this is known as the “duration” of semaglutide. The goal is to keep the medication at the most consistent level every day of the week, so taking your injection on the same day of the week and at about the same time of the week would be the best schedule.
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How Fast Do You Lose Weight on Semaglutide?
As we discussed earlier, everyone can have a different timeline when they begin to see weight loss, but most people normally experience a substantial difference in their weight by their third or fourth month using semaglutide.
A study published in JAMA in September 2022 reported that most participants taking semaglutide injections lost about 15 pounds in only 3 months. People who experience the most dramatic weight loss results are those who implement big changes to their diet and lifestyle habits and practice them every day.
*Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36121652/
Is There a Way to Speed up Weight Loss on Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a great weight loss tool that can give you a substantial amount of help during your weight loss journey, but unfortunately, it cannot work magic. It is designed to work in conjunction with eating a healthy, low-calorie diet, getting plenty of exercise, and making any other modifications to your lifestyle that help with weight loss. These can include getting enough sleep, staying properly hydrated, managing stress, and more.
The rate at which you lose weight will depend on how your body responds to the medication and how diligent you are in sticking to healthy lifestyle habits. Experts recommend losing weight safely at a rate that is about one or two pounds a week for most people because this can eliminate some of the risks that occur due to rapid weight loss, like developing gallstones or experiencing hair loss.
Using the injections on a steady schedule while you practice healthy lifestyle habits will help speed up your weight loss and how fast you will lose weight on semaglutide.
Where Can I Get Help With Semaglutide?
If you are curious about semaglutide and want to learn more, contact Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center in NYC and speak to the experts in medical weight loss. Dr. Steven Batash has over 30 years of experience helping individuals lose weight and improve their health. He and his team offer personalized guidance that is tailored specifically for you based on your medical history, current health, and your personal goals.
The team at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center offers the highest level of support to help you succeed in reaching sustainable weight loss. We would love the opportunity to talk with you about semaglutide and the other non-surgical options we offer that can help you lose weight. Set up an in-person or virtual consultation today!
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