Individuals who suffer from type 2 diabetes have been using semaglutide for several years to help get their blood sugar levels under control. In June 2021, it was approved by the FDA for the purposes of weight management and has become quite popular since that time.
Individuals who are using semaglutide for weight loss are sharing their stories on social media, and even celebrities have started to admit they have used it to help them lose a significant amount of weight. If you are considering using semaglutide to enhance your weight loss journey, it is important for you to understand that the medication works differently for everyone.
Today we are going to answer some questions that should help you set realistic expectations before you begin your semaglutide treatment. We will talk about how long it takes semaglutide to get into your system and answer questions like, “How long before you see results from semaglutide?”
What Makes Semaglutide Work For Weight Loss?
Semaglutide helps you lose weight because it copies a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and helps this hormone better perform its job responsibilities. It helps keep your appetite under control, your blood sugar levels properly balanced, keeps your stomach full for a longer time, and enhances the performance of your metabolism so more calories are burned for energy instead of being stored for fat. These improvements all work together to make it easier for you to eat less and lose weight.
How Quickly Does Semaglutide Start Working?
As soon as you administer your first injection, the semaglutide is absorbed into your bloodstream and begins to affect your body. Semaglutide, like any other type of medication, will affect you differently than others because your body, genetics, underlying conditions, etc., are unique only to you.
The medication will begin to make changes in your body right away, but it may take up to a few weeks for you to notice. The first indication when the semaglutide kicks in could be that you begin to experience some common side effects like feelings of nausea or vomiting.
How Soon Do You Feel the Effects of Semaglutide?
You may feel less hungry soon after starting semaglutide, but it normally takes several weeks before you begin seeing significant weight loss. Some people do experience weight loss almost right away, which may be attributed to eating less because the medication helps suppress their appetite or could be due to an increase in physical activity, a low-calorie diet, and other lifestyle changes they have made as a part of their weight loss journey.
How Long Does It Take Semaglutide to Get in Your System?
It usually takes about four to five weeks for semaglutide to reach a steady concentration in your body, and this is about the time some individuals begin to experience weight loss. It can take longer for some people to find the dosage that triggers weight loss for them.
Do You Feel Semaglutide Right Away?
Semaglutide is absorbed into your bloodstream very quickly, but most individuals do not “feel” its effects immediately. It begins to work gradually to reduce your appetite and balance out your blood sugar levels, but it varies by person. Some people may notice small changes in how hungry they feel within the first week but may not see any weight loss for several weeks or even months.
Several things can affect how quickly and effectively semaglutide works for you, including the dosage, how well your metabolism was working before you started using semaglutide, your diet, the amount of exercise you are getting, and if you are using the medication properly to get the best results.
What Is The Semaglutide Onset, Peak, and Duration?
Semaglutide works differently for each person and takes time to gradually build up in the body.
- Onset
- Semaglutide starts working right after you get your first dose, starting with regulating your blood sugar and helping to suppress your appetite.
- Peak
- The peak point is when the semaglutide reaches its highest concentration in the bloodstream and has the strongest effects.
The concentration level in your body can peak anywhere between one to three days after you administer your injection, but everyone’s body will process semaglutide in a different way, so peak points will differ. - Duration
- Semaglutide remains active in your body for about 7 days before wearing off, which is why it is administered once a week. To ensure the medication remains at a consistent level for all seven days, it is important to administer your injection on the same day each week and at approximately the same time of day.
How Long Does It Take to See Results on Semaglutide?
Weight loss results with semaglutide will be different for everyone, but most people will notice a significant decrease in their weight by around the three or four-month mark. One study reported that participants using semaglutide lost an average of about 15 pounds in just 3 months. The individuals who see the most weight loss are normally those who make significant changes to their diet and lifestyle and are consistent in implementing them.
It Is Important To Set Realistic Expectations For How Fast Semaglutide Works
Semaglutide can offer you a significant amount of help in losing weight and optimizing your metabolism, but it is not a magical quick fix. The results of semaglutide normally happen very gradually and are different for everyone. Knowing what to expect and understanding the efforts that are required by you in order to reach your weight loss goals can help you stay focused and engaged in the process.
It is important to stick with your entire weight loss plan, including making lifestyle modifications, which include watching what and how much you eat, getting enough exercise, managing stress, staying hydrated, getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night, etc. Combining semaglutide with these types of changes in your lifestyle will help speed up your weight loss and how long before you see results from semaglutide.
Who Can Help Me With Semaglutide?
Before starting semaglutide, it is essential to consult with a doctor who is an expert in medical weight loss, like Dr. Okeefe Simmons. He and his team will provide you with personalized guidance based on your medical history, current health, and weight loss goals.
At Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions, our team offers the highest level of support to help you succeed in reaching your goals. For your convenience, we offer both virtual and in-person consultations to learn more about semaglutide and the other non-surgical weight loss options we offer to help you improve your health. Contact us today to learn more about your options for medical weight loss and get started on reaching your goals.
