Written by Kyle Ustach | BScEcon
Fact checked by Andrew Lenau ISSA CPT & Sports Nutritionist
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We live in a world where people expect instant results, especially in the gym world. Whether your goal is to gain muscle or lose weight, we all want our hard work to pay off quickly. Of course, our desire for instant gratification has led to the widespread use of weight loss medications and fat burners.
One of the most popular and effective weight loss medications today is semaglutide, the active medicine in Ozempic. So, to answer our need for quick results, how long does it take for semaglutide to work?
In this article, we will introduce semaglutide, learn how long it takes to start working, and look at best practices for optimal results.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Semaglutide?
- How Long Does It Take Semaglutide To Work?
- How Does Semaglutide Work For Weight Loss?
- Dosage And Duration For Weight Loss
- Semaglutide Results
- Side Effects Of Semaglutide
- FAQs
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide, a medication initially prescribed to help control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients, has remarkable weight loss properties.
Semaglutide is a compound referred to as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics the effects of GLP-1 in the body, whose primary role is to increase insulin production in response to eating to help control blood sugar levels. After noticing significant weight loss during clinical trials, semaglutide expanded from a type 2 diabetes medication to a potent weight management supplement.
Semaglutide is currently available in three FDA-approved brands: Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy. While they all contain the same active drug (Semaglutide), each is prescribed differently.
Ozempic and Rybelsus are both approved for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, but only Ozempic can be prescribed for weight management. Wegovy is unique because it is the only one of the three that's specifically a weight loss medication. Wegovy and Ozempic are once-weekly injections, while Rybelsus is a daily tablet. You can learn more about this in our article: Semaglutide Pills vs Injection.
To compare two of these weight loss medications, check out our article comparing Ozempic vs Wegovy.
How Long Does It Take Semaglutide To Work?
Perhaps the most desirable effect of semaglutide is that it begins to work almost immediately. Like any medication or supplement, the exact time it takes to work will vary from person to person depending on several factors, such as age, weight, and medical history.
For diabetes treatment, blood sugar levels will slowly decline in the first week, but it takes roughly four weeks to stabilize. After four weeks, the drug reaches a steady state, keeping semaglutide levels consistent in the body. From here, users can increase to a more effective dose if warranted. Semaglutide is designed to be a long-acting medication, so some people with diabetes may not experience results for up to eight weeks. Weight loss, however, appears to occur much quicker.
Although there are no studies on the exact time, anecdotal evidence points to early success with semaglutide for weight loss.
In the sub-Reddit r/Semaglutide, a thread called ‘How long until you feel the effects?’ shows many users lose several pounds in the first week. User u/thedorkening posted, “It started working right away for me, I take my second shot tomorrow, and I’m already down 10 lbs.” (source)
Similar results are found across the internet, with most reporting an average of 5 to 10 lbs in the first week. Once the medication stabilizes, weight loss levels out to roughly one pound per week.
One study measured the weight loss results of 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg semaglutide injections after three and six months. After three months, participants lost an average of 15 lbs (6.7 kg), equal to 5.9% weight loss. After six months, there was an average weight loss of 27 lbs (12.3 kg), equivalent to 10.9% weight loss. (2) This shows that semaglutide continues to work at roughly the same pace once it reaches the maintenance phase.
How Does Semaglutide Work For Weight Loss?
Compared to other weight loss medications, the key to weight loss with semaglutide lies in the effect of GLP-1. As a response to eating, semaglutide triggers the pancreas to release insulin, reduce glucagon (a hormone that increases blood sugar levels), and trick the brain into lowering appetite.
The combination of releasing insulin and reducing glucagon helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which makes it useful to type 2 diabetes patients. Increasing insulin lowers blood sugar levels and allows glucose to enter cells for energy, which is critical for weight loss because the body can use glucose more efficiently and reduce fat storage.
Lastly, semaglutide helps slow the rate at which food passes the stomach, allowing nutrients to be absorbed slower and keeping you full longer. Studies also show that higher doses of semaglutide help reduce hunger and food cravings and lower the desire to eat fatty foods. (1)
Dosage And Duration For Weight Loss
The dosage of semaglutide depends on which brand you use, with options of a once-weekly subcutaneous injection or a daily tablet. Some people prefer a semaglutide injection of either Ozempic or Wegovy to ensure they never miss a dose and get optimal absorption.
Ozempic injections: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 2.0 mg per week
The standard starting dose is 0.25 mg for the first four weeks, followed by 0.5 mg for at least four weeks. Starting with the lower dose is meant to help the body adjust to the medication without side effects; it is not effective for long-term blood sugar control.
The best part about Ozempic injections is that they can be taken at any time, with or without food, as long as it’s on the same day each week. They're administered under the skin of the stomach, upper arm, or thigh, which users should rotate to prevent injection site damage. Blood sugar levels should be steady after four weeks, but weight loss will start in the first week. (3)
Wegovy injections: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg per week
Like Ozempic, users will take 0.25 for the first month and slowly increase dosage as needed, with a maximum dose of 2.4 mg per week. Also, like Ozempic, users can take the injection with or without food and any time of the day, as long as the day of the week stays the same.
Rybelsus Tablets: 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg
Rybelsus is the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist medication, designed as a once-daily tablet. Although Rybelsus is only FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, the weight-loss properties still exist. In contrast to the injections, Rybelsus tablets should be taken at the same time every day upon waking with water, at least 30-60 minutes before the day’s first meal. While taking a tablet is less invasive than an injection, the strict dosage protocol complicates it.
All three medications are safe for long-term use, especially for diabetes patients. People may use semaglutide for weight loss both short- and long-term use.
Semaglutide Results
Semaglutide weight loss results are flooded all over the internet, with users achieving unbelievable transformations.
One commonly-referenced study measured the results of 12 weeks of semaglutide injections compared to a placebo. Participants took 0.25 mg for four weeks, 0.5 mg for four weeks, then 1.0 mg for the final four weeks. The average weight loss on semaglutide after 12 weeks was 11 lbs (5 kg), or roughly one pound per week. (4) Several studies report similar weight loss for both short- and long-term use.
A long-term study from the New England Journal of Medicine followed semaglutide use for 68 weeks in non-diabetic people considered obese (Body Mass Index of at least 30). The 1961 participants received either a once-weekly dose of 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide or a placebo. Results showed significant weight loss in the semaglutide group, with a 15% average drop in body weight versus a 2.4% drop with the placebo. The average weight loss on semaglutide was 33.7 lbs (15.3 kg) compared to only 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) in the placebo group. (5)
Similar results are echoed across Reddit and message boards, with most users reporting an average of one pound per week.
In the sub-Reddit r/Semaglutide, a popular post titled ‘Average weight loss’ shows positive anecdotal results. Most users agree that one to two pounds a week is average, with an initial loss of 5-10 lbs in the first week. User u/That_Golf9029 stated “1.5 lbs per week has been my best after the first week or two where I lost 7 lbs right away.” (source)
There are plenty of long-term success stories as well, with yearly losses ranging anywhere from 30 lbs to over well over 100 lbs. User u/mjeden0824 shared one of the most amazing transformations, “I am 8 months in and down 111 lbs.” (source)
It’s important to note that weight loss results vary depending on diet, exercise routine, sleep schedule, and age. To maximize weight loss, users should follow a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise habits. If you are not seeing results, check out our article 7 Reasons Why You're Not Losing Weight On Semaglutide for some helpful pointers.
Side Effects Of Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a powerful prescription medicine that should be taken carefully to avoid adverse side effects.
Most Common Side Effects:
- Nausea (16-20%)
- Vomiting (5-9%)
- Diarrhea (8-9%)
- Abdominal pain (6-7%)
- Constipation (3-5%)
- Decreased appetite (positive for weight-loss use)
Less Common Side Effects:
- Injection site reactions
- Hypoglycemia
- Pancreatitis
- Allergic reactions
To prevent side effects, start with a low dose and slowly increase if needed. The most severe side effects are typically caused by very high dosages and, therefore, can be avoided.
Semaglutide can be used safely long-term if you follow the proper dosage. You should consult your doctor or a healthcare professional before starting semaglutide, especially if you have existing conditions.
FAQs
In this section, we will answer the most commonly asked questions about semaglutide.
What does Ozempic do?
Ozempic helps regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin levels and reducing glucagon. This helps in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss management.
Does Ozempic lower blood sugar immediately?
Ozempic slowly begins to lower blood sugar with the first injection. Blood sugar levels should begin to decline during the first week.
How do you know if semaglutide is working?
You should begin to achieve weight loss within the first week, with most people losing several pounds quickly. Another way to tell if it’s working is by checking your blood sugar levels. People with type 2 diabetes should notice reduced symptoms caused by the disease, such as fatigue.
How much weight can you lose on semaglutide?
Weight loss on semaglutide depends on a ton of variables, such as initial body weight, diet, exercise schedule, pre-existing health conditions, and more. However, many report an average of 1 lb/week.
For more details on specific situations, read our article: How Much Weight Can You Lose On Semaglutide?
Does semaglutide get rid of belly fat?
Yes, semaglutide targets all areas of body fat, including belly fat.
What should I eat while taking semaglutide?
A healthy diet includes lean proteins, healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Monitoring your sugar intake, eating complex carbohydrates, and eating lots of fiber will help control blood sugar levels.
How Fast Does Semaglutide Work For Weight Loss? A Summary
While semaglutide is highly effective at treating type 2 diabetes, semaglutide shines in the fat-burner world brighter than most. It typically will help stabilize blood sugar levels in the first week and help users shed up to five pounds or more. After four weeks, semaglutide reaches a steady state in the body, and users will continue to see consistent results.
If you follow the dosage, eat a balanced diet, and exercise consistently, semaglutide is a valuable tool for your weight loss journey. While there is no such thing as a miracle drug or magic pill, semaglutide is one of the best medications for treating obesity and chronic weight management.
References
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Blundell, John, et al. “Effects of Once‐Weekly Semaglutide on Appetite, Energy Intake, Control of Eating, Food Preference and Body Weight in Subjects with Obesity.” Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, vol. 19, no. 9, 5 May 2017, pp. 1242–1251, https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.12932.
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Ghusn, Wissam, et al. “Weight Loss Outcomes Associated with Semaglutide Treatment for Patients with Overweight or Obesity.” JAMA Network Open, vol. 5, no. 9, 19 Sept. 2022, p. e2231982, jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2796491?resultClick=1, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982.
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“How Long Does It Take for Ozempic to Work?” Drugs.com, www.drugs.com/medical-answers/long-ozempic-work-3543031/.
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Blundell, John, et al. “Effects of Once‐Weekly Semaglutide on Appetite, Energy Intake, Control of Eating, Food Preference and Body Weight in Subjects with Obesity.” Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, vol. 19, no. 9, 5 May 2017, pp. 1242–1251, https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.12932.
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Wilding, John P. H., et al. “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.” The New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 384, no. 11, 10 Feb. 2021, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567185/, https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183.
Kyle Ustach
Author