Are those old jeans still a little too snug? Or maybe you've been diagnosed with a weight-related health issue and need to shed some pounds. If you're looking to drop weight, you may have heard about the new medication semaglutide. This weekly injection has been making waves as a highly effective weight loss aid.
But how does it work exactly? And is it right for you?
In this article, we'll walk through everything you need to know about using semaglutide for weight loss. We'll explain the science behind how it helps you slim down. We'll go over the typical dosing, how to properly administer the injection, and tips to maximize your results.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide is engineered to mimic the effects of the natural hormone GLP-1. This hormone is released by the digestive system after a meal and has several important functions that help regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. 1
- Stimulates insulin release from the pancreas: This helps absorb excess sugar in the bloodstream to prevent spikes.
- Inhibits the liver from releasing glucose: This maintains stable blood glucose levels.
- Slows down stomach emptying: This aids in portion control and promotes the feeling of fullness. 1
Semaglutide works just like natural GLP-1, but with a major advantage - it lasts much longer. While natural GLP-1 only sticks around for a couple of minutes, 2 semaglutide has been engineered to linger in the body for up to 5 weeks. 1 This extended action allows semaglutide to keep providing the blood sugar and weight-regulating benefits of GLP-1 over the long term.
Can Semaglutide Cause Weight Loss?
Several studies have confirmed semaglutide's ability to produce meaningful weight loss in people with and without type 2 diabetes.
- A 68-week study of nearly 2,000 overweight or obese adults found that those receiving 2.4 mg of semaglutide lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight. In contrast, those taking a placebo only lost 2.4% of their body weight.
- Another 68-week study of over 1,200 overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes showed that participants taking 2.4 mg of semaglutide lost 10.6% of their body weight. Those on a placebo lost 3.1%.
- A third study of 611 overweight or obese individuals combined 2.4 mg of semaglutide with lifestyle changes. After 68 weeks, participants lost 17.6% of their body weight. Those making lifestyle changes alone lost 5%. 3
In addition to these successful studies, the FDA approved a semaglutide injection specifically for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. 4
While semaglutide shows promise for weight loss, it’s not a magic solution. To achieve the best results, semaglutide should be combined with lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise. 1 Semaglutide is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan.
Semaglutide Dosage for Weight Loss
The semaglutide dosage required to achieve weight loss varies from person to person. While some people start dropping pounds soon after beginning semaglutide, others need higher doses to see results. Research shows that, in general, higher doses lead to more weight loss for a greater number of people.
- 0.5 mg: In one clinical trial, participants taking 0.5 mg of semaglutide lost an average of 8.2 pounds over 30 weeks. For some, this lowest dosage is enough to start seeing the scale go down. 5
- 1 mg: Taking 1 mg of semaglutide per week led to an average weight loss of 13.2 pounds over 40 weeks. 6
- 2 mg: Taking 2 mg of semaglutide per week resulted in an average weight loss of 15.2 pounds over 40 weeks. 6
The rule of thumb is to gradually increase your dose until you find the amount that helps you lose weight. Once you find an effective dose, it’s best to stick with that. Remember, a higher dose is not always necessary. Maintaining a lower dose minimizes side effects while still providing weight loss. 1
The right dose for you may differ from someone else's. Some lose weight on the lowest dose, while others require the maximum to see results. It’s best to monitor what works well for your body.
How to Take Semaglutide
When you first start semaglutide, your doctor will provide you with instructions on properly taking this medication. Semaglutide can be intimidating to take since it’s a self-administered injection. However, the administration is straightforward, and many people report minimal to no pain.
Each semaglutide pen comes pre-filled and includes the necessary needles to get started. You will have everything required to begin treatment.
To administer your semaglutide pen properly, just follow these simple steps:
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Take a new needle and peel off the paper tab.
- Push the needle straight onto the pen and turn it clockwise until it is secure.
- The needle has two caps on it. Remove the outer cap and set it aside (you will need this later). Pull off the inner cap and discard it. 7
- Turn the dose selector at the end of the pen to your prescribed dose (0.25 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg). You will hear clicks as you turn. If you choose an incorrect dose, simply turn the selector backward to the right dose.
- Select an injection site: front of your thighs (outer side), front of your abdomen (2 inches from your belly button), or outer upper arms (3 inches below shoulder and 3 inches above elbow). Rotate sites with each injection.
- Wipe the injection site with an alcohol swab and let dry.
- Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle into your skin. Ensure you can see the dose counter at all times, or the injection may stop.
- Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter reaches “0.” You may hear a click when this happens. After the dose counter reaches “0” continue holding the dose button for 6 seconds.
- Remove the needle slowly and release the dose button once the needle is completely removed.
- If bleeding occurs, apply light pressure with a gauze.
- Carefully place the outer cap back on the used needle and then twist the needle to get it off the pen.
- Discard the used needle into a sharps container or a heavy-duty plastic container.
Monitoring Weight Loss Progress
Patience is a virtue when it comes to weight loss with semaglutide. While you may be eager to watch the pounds melt away, the results often come more gradually than expected. But with time, semaglutide can be an effective tool for weight management.
During your first month on the starter dose of 0.25 mg, you likely won't see much change on the scale. This low dose helps your body adjust to semaglutide to minimize side effects. It's an important step, even if it doesn't lead to weight loss right away. 1
Once your doctor increases your dosage to the maintenance levels of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg, you may start to see results. But how quickly and the dosage needed varies by individual. 1
On average, weight loss progresses steadily over months. One study found patients lost:
- 14 pounds after 3 months on semaglutide
- 27 pounds after 6 months on semaglutide 8
This equated to roughly 1 pound lost per week, which experts consider a safe and sustainable rate of weight loss. 9
If you've been on semaglutide for a few months without results, discuss it with your doctor. You may need a dosage adjustment or there could be other factors interfering with your weight loss.
Final Tips for Success
In order for semaglutide to work effectively, it's important to take steps to optimize its performance. Here are some tips to get the most out of your semaglutide treatment:
- Store semaglutide properly: Refrigerate unused pens between 36-46°F. Once you start using a pen, you can either leave it in the fridge or store it at room temperature between 59-86°F. 7
- Be patient: It can take some time to find the right semaglutide dosage and make lifestyle changes that work for you. You may not see significant weight loss right away. Give the medication a chance to start working as you learn how to optimize it.
- Make healthy lifestyle changes: Although semaglutide can help you feel full sooner and eat less, you still need to stay within your recommended calorie allotment and exercise regularly. Semaglutide alone may not produce results if you continue unhealthy eating and exercise habits. 1
- Be mindful of insulin injection sites: Semaglutide and insulin can be injected in similar areas like the abdomen, but the two injections should not be right next to each other. 7
Visit our semaglutide blog to learn more about the benefits of semaglutide for weight loss.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical conditions, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
