Updated: Feb 2025
Semaglutide is a versatile medication that is used to tackle weight loss in overweight individuals and can help those with type-2 diabetes manage insulin. It mimics the body’s natural appetite-suppressing hormone, with the goal of helping curb hunger pangs, optimize your metabolism, and boost weight loss.
Many wonder how long it takes to see the effects of using semaglutide and how long one should stay on the medication. Hydralive Therapy® is here to help answer those questions and more.
How Long Before You Start Seeing Effects from Semaglutide?
When you use semaglutide, you tend to eat less and feel fuller faster when you do eat. This happens because it targets an area in the brain that works to regulate the appetite and how much you eat. As a result, you tend to eat less when taking semaglutide, and you feel fuller for a more extended period.
While each individual’s situation is unique, some on semaglutide may start seeing results in just a few weeks.
Others might have to wait eight to twelve weeks before noticing any fundamental changes. It can take several months to see the full effects of semaglutide because treatment is started at a lower dose and then gradually increased to lessen side effects like nausea and diarrhea.
The average cycle where people are on semaglutide is around seventeen weeks. At that point, the final maintenance dosage is then administered.
Factors That May Affect How Long You Stay on Semaglutide
Those using semaglutide to assist with weight loss should consider it a long-term treatment. This doesn’t mean you’ll be on semaglutide for the rest of your life. Still, lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet and exercising more should accompany the medication. That way, if you have to stop taking it, the healthy lifestyle you have created in conjunction with taking semaglutide can help you keep the weight off.
Still, several factors may affect how long you can stay on semaglutide.
Overall Health and Underlying Medical Conditions
Semaglutide is not suitable for everyone, and any health conditions you have may make you ineligible to use it. For any concerns as to whether or not you should take semaglutide for weight loss, Hydralive Therapy recommends you speak with your doctor in order to have a clear picture as to whether semaglutide is suitable for you.
Side Effects of Treatment
How long you can stay on semaglutide will depend on how your body responds to it and how well you tolerate any side effects. If you experience side effects that are too challenging, there may be alternative treatments to consider. If you experience any side effects while on semaglutide, it’s best recommended to speak with your medical provider.
Weight Loss Progress
It is recommended to take semaglutide until you reach your desired weight. Once you have successfully achieved your weight loss goals, your healthcare provider may recommend gradually stopping the medication, reducing the dosage, or making additional lifestyle adjustments.
Lifestyle Habits
Semaglutide works best when it is combined with a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet and regular exercise. If you can maintain a healthy weight based on your lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend that you discontinue the treatment.
The decision of how long to stay on semaglutide will be determined by you and your doctor.
Best Practices for Losing Weight on Semaglutide
Results will vary from one patient to another, but there are a few things that can be done for optimal results with semaglutide.
- Eat smaller portions
- Consume food slowly
- Drink at least 80 ounces of water per day
- Avoid sugar and processed carbohydrates
- Avoid alcohol
Following your doctor’s instructions and maintaining check-ins is the best way to see results.
Focus on Your Weight Loss Journey Today!
If you are ready to focus on your weight loss journey, contact Hydralive Therapy® today. We want to help you look and feel your best.
Image Credits: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock
