You’ve heard about semaglutide, for sure. It’s become a popular medication for weight loss under various brand names. And it helps you shed pounds more effectively and maintain a healthy weight after. But how long does it take for semaglutide to suppress appetite?
And what should you also expect if you’re considering it for weight loss?
In this post, we’re discussing using semaglutide to suppress appetite, covering anything from the best injections for weight loss to the recommended doses and treatment length for optimal results.
If you’re curious about how fast semaglutide can work for you and what makes it a top choice for weight management, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out.
What is Semaglutide and How Does It Work?
Semaglutide is a medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but recently, it’s gained popularity for its effectiveness in promoting weight loss.
It works by mimicking a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. By activating GLP-1 receptors, semaglutide slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, which helps you feel full for longer.
This leads to reduced hunger and fewer cravings, making it easier to control your food intake and, ultimately, lose weight.
You need semaglutide injections once a week (in office or at home – we teach you how).
What is the Best Injection for Weight Loss?
When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, semaglutide is currently one of the most effective and widely recommended options.
However, the best injection for weight loss depends on your individual needs, preferences, and medical conditions. So, before starting any treatment, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider to find the option that will work best for you.
We have a caveat at this point: Semaglutide has become so popular for weight loss that it’s often referred to on social media as “skinny pens”.
But these injections are not fashionable additions to make you skinny. Skinny is not necessarily healthy. Semaglutide is intended for specific medical conditions, like obesity or type 2 diabetes. Its aim is to help you lose weight sensibly under supervision and stay healthy.
Semaglutide is prescribed under two brand names.
Wegovy is specifically approved for weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with weight-related health conditions. Doctors prescribe it at a higher dose to achieve significant weight loss. It helps reduce appetite, making it easier to control your food intake and support your long-term weight loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Ozempic was originally approved to treat type 2 diabetes by helping manage blood sugar levels. While it also promotes weight loss, the dose is lower compared to Wegovy. Some people with diabetes may experience weight loss as a secondary benefit, but doctors don’t specifically prescribed it for that purpose.
In addition to these most popular options, other medications are available, but they require daily injections, making them less convenient than semaglutide.
Let’s now look at the dosage needed for semaglutide.
Semaglutide Dose for Weight Loss
As mentioned, for weight loss, doctors typically prescribe semaglutide at a higher dose than when used for diabetes management.
The doses increase gradually to help your body adjust to the medication and minimize side effects. Here’s what it looks like in general:
- Starting dose: 0.25 mg once a week for the first four weeks.
- Increase to: 0.5 mg once a week for the next four weeks.
- Gradual increases: The dose continues to increase every four weeks, going up to 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and finally 2.4 mg once a week, which is the target dose for weight loss.
This gradual increase helps to reduce possible nausea or digestive discomfort while still allowing semaglutide to suppress your appetite.
The maintenance dose of 2.4 mg per week is typically the goal, but it’s important to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider. They’ll tailor the dosing schedule to your specific needs.
Now, here’s the answer to the original question: How long will it take for semaglutide to kick in and help with the weight loss you want?
How Fast Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide starts working quickly, but noticeable weight loss may take some time depending on your lifestyle choices.
This means that the speed and amount of weight loss can vary, depending on your diet, physical activity, and your response to the medication.
Many people begin to experience a suppression of appetite within the first week or two after starting treatment. That’s because semaglutide works by slowing your digestion and helping you feel fuller for longer.
But when it comes to actual weight loss, results tend to become more visible after 4 to 8 weeks. And the most significant results usually occur after 3 to 6 months of consistent use, as the dose gradually increases.
For some people, the effects may continue improving even after several months, with studies showing substantial weight loss after a year of use.
How Long Do You Stay on Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
The length of treatment with semaglutide depends on your weight goals and progress, as well as your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
However, using semaglutide to suppress appetite and manage weight is usually a longer-term treatment. In clinical studies, participants typically used semaglutide for at least 68 weeks (about 16 months) to achieve significant and sustained weight loss.
There’s a risk of putting the weight back on when you stop – unless you maintain lifestyle changes, a healthy diet of whole foods, and regular exercise.
Your healthcare provider will assess your progress and help determine how long you should stay on semaglutide. But at LifeMed, we’ll also help you with other important factors such as optimal hormone levels, vitamin supplementation, and appropriate dietary life style modifications. Otherwise, busy, stressful lifestyles can easily cause you to regain the weight!
Semaglutide to Suppress Appetite: LifeMed Can Help
If you’re about to search on “semaglutide weight loss near me,” we’re already here for you! We’ve found that clients trust our LifeMed team to bring them a comprehensive weight loss plan with appropriate semaglutide prescriptions, lab work, and lifestyle coaching.
You’ll also have access to nutritional coaching and the latest treatments to help you effectively manage your appetite and achieve the lasting results you crave.
Achieve lasting results with LifeMed’s personalized semaglutide plans and expert nutritional coaching. Get in touch today and let’s talk!
