If you are like millions of Americans carrying extra pounds around with you every day, you know that there is no shortage of weight loss solutions. You may have even tried some. But if changing your diet, exercising, and other methods haven’t worked for you, you are probably looking for a different approach–one that’s not a gimmick.
Enter semaglutide. Semaglutide is a medication that can aid individuals with weight loss. It is often prescribed for people struggling with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. However, a doctor can prescribe it to help overweight individuals reach their weight loss goals.
Semaglutide can be like having an extra hand on deck in your weight loss journey to help steer you in the right direction. But what does semaglutide actually do in your body? And how well does it work? This is your comprehensive guide for what to expect when using semaglutide for weight loss.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide actually targets the receptors in your brain called GLP-1 receptors. Because of that, you’ll hear semaglutide and some other weight-loss drugs like tirzepatide, referred to as GLP-1 drugs.
Those receptors regulate appetite and how much you eat. This means that semaglutide can make you feel fuller when you eat since it slows down how quickly the stomach empties. Think of semaglutide as your friend giving you a gentle tap on the shoulder, reminding you to take it slow.
Semaglutide also mimics the hormone incretin, which is produced in your digestive tract. It helps manage blood sugar and digestion, leading to reduced appetite.
Many prescription drug brands you’re probably familiar with that contain semaglutide are approved to treat type 2 diabetes, so while not all semaglutide products are marketed for weight loss, they can lead to weight loss.
Who Can Take Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide is only available if you have a prescription. So, a doctor will decide whether or not to approve you for semaglutide based on your body mass index (BMI). It’s an indicator that uses your weight and height to calculate where you fall in the weight range.
Of course, everybody knows that BMI isn’t a perfect measure—after all, it doesn’t take into account muscle mass or overall health. But it’s generally a good indicator of obesity since it correlates with the amount of body weight a person has.
You can get approved to take semaglutide for weight loss if your BMI puts you in the obese category at 30+. And if you’re overweight with a BMI of 27 or more and you have a weight-related condition like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol levels, semaglutide may still be a good option for you.
For adolescents ages 12 and up, semaglutide can be recommended by a doctor for BMIs at or above the 95th percentile for sex and age.
If you’re wondering if semaglutide is for you, a quick check of your BMI can help you and your doctor make the call. It’s another handy tool in the toolbox. You can check it yourself here. If you and your doctor decide it is a good option for you, you may be able to get an online prescription for semaglutide.
When Could I See the Results?
You might start to see some results in as short as four weeks from the time you start taking semaglutide, but the full effect takes months and a lot of dedication to achieve. It’s like waiting for your favorite show to finally release the next season but with healthier rewards.
Several factors influence how fast semaglutide works, including:
- Metabolism: A slower metabolism means your body processes the medication more slowly, allowing it to stay in the system longer and extend its effects.
- Treatment Plan: Following your treatment plan’s prescribed dosage and schedule is key to promoting the best results.
- Lifestyle: Factors like your diet, exercise routine, sleep quality, and stress levels can impact how effectively the medication works.
With a combination of those kinds of factors, you can see the biggest changes over time. But be patient—Rome wasn’t built in a day.
How Much Weight Will I Lose with Semaglutide?
Here’s the truth: weight loss is never guaranteed. But semaglutide users usually do see significant results.
In fact, one study found that over the course of about 17 months, adults using semaglutide lost about 15% of their body weight. People in the study who just used a placebo—that means fake—drug only lost about 2.5% of their body weight.
Just remember that semaglutide is a tool, not a magic fix. Healthy habits are essential for maintaining long-term results. You might not notice it overnight, but steady changes can lead to significant results over time—think marathon, not sprint.
Does Semaglutide Have Side Effects?
Everything you put into your body—whether it’s food, drinks, or medications—has some kind of side effect. And semaglutide is no different.
Some semaglutide users have reported abdominal pain and discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. To circumvent such discomfort, doctors typically start patients on a small dosage, increasing it over a few months to the final dose amount. This primes your body to accept the medication in its regular dosage.
It’s a good idea to stay in communication with your healthcare provider and reach out quickly if any side effects do occur.
Forming Healthy Habits
So, there you have it. Semaglutide in a nutshell. It’s important to remember that while semaglutide can help with weight loss, it should be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise for best results.
That’s because long-term weight management rides on whether or not you decide to form and maintain healthy habits. Weight loss isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a choice you make every day. While semaglutide does some of the heavy lifting, keeping those healthy habits will make the journey even smoother.
If you think you want to get semaglutide for weight loss, have a chat with your healthcare provider—they’re there to offer advice, help you set realistic goals, and get you started on your safe weight-loss journey.
