How long does it take for semaglutide to suppress appetite?

What do Wegovy and Rybelsus have in common, apart from being breakthrough medications that are revolutionising the weight loss industry?

They're brand names for semaglutide, a powerful peptide that mimics the naturally occurring hormone, GLP-1. By regulating the appetite and reducing food cravings, these medications are helping people all over the world achieve significant weight loss and keep it off.

But, if you've recently been prescribed one of these medications (or are thinking about seeking treatment), you might be wondering how long it will take to feel and see the results.

To help set you up for a successful weight loss journey, read on and discover what to expect with semaglutide — including how long it might take to suppress your appetite.

How does semaglutide impact your appetite?

Semaglutide medications promote appetite regulation in a few different ways.

The glucagon-like peptide 1 (which semaglutide simulates) is produced in the gut when we eat and plays an important role in sending messages to the brain that we're satiated [1].

So, medications including semaglutide help you feel full on less food, meaning you're likely to eat smaller portion sizes.

Where you'd normally go back for seconds when enjoying comfort food, these medications can leave you feeling stuffed and like you couldn't possibly eat another thing. Those feelings of fullness also tend to last for longer, which can help reduce snacking throughout the day.

Some people also notice that their food preferences change when taking semaglutide. You might find that you naturally gravitate towards salads and other nutritious meals when you would normally crave salty crisps, chocolate brownies, or ice cream.

While it's not known exactly why this happens, new research shows that these medications may influence taste perception and sensitivity [2].

As a type-2 diabetes medication that is used off-label for weight loss, semaglutide also helps with blood sugar control [3]. This means that in people who are insulin resistant, it can further reduce cravings — particularly for sweet things.

All of these mechanisms work together to regulate appetite and reduce calorie intake, usually leading to significant weight loss over time.

On top of that, semaglutide injections can also improve your metabolism by promoting fat oxidation [4] — which is yet another reason some people find they lose weight almost effortlessly on the medication.

How quickly do you start feeling the effects of semaglutide?

There's no one answer to the question "How fast does semaglutide work?"

Everyone is different, and some people are more sensitive to medications than others. That said, semaglutide medications work quite quickly in general. While most people will see noticeable appetite suppression in the first 1-4 weeks, some notice the difference within the first few days [1].

However, it's important to note that those who see quick appetite suppression may also notice a faster onset of side effects, such as nausea, bloating, or other gastrointestinal side effects.

So, if it takes a while to notice a difference — don't worry! In this scenario, slow and steady wins the race.

When does weight loss actually start?

So, you've been taking semaglutide for a few days or weeks, and have started to notice a difference in how you feel. Suddenly, you're no longer thinking about food all the time!

It's a promising sign, but you might be wondering when you're likely to see a difference on the scales, in the mirror, or how your clothes fit.

Again, this varies from person to person. Some patients lose weight within just a few days — however, in some cases, this can actually be water weight from eating less, not actual body fat. For others, things can take a bit longer.

As with anything, the results you'll see on semaglutide depend on the effort you put in. It can also depend on your body, lifestyle habits, and how much weight you have to lose.

However, overall the 8 to 12-week mark is when you should expect to really see things shift [5]. At this point, you will be working your way up to the full semaglutide dose (with the guidance of your healthcare provider), and your body will be adjusting to the medication.

How much weight can you expect to lose?

Research shows that on average, patients lose about 5% of their initial body weight within 3 months of starting semaglutide injections, and 12% at 6 months [6].

After that, it is still possible to lose more weight on the maintenance dose, if you continue to make healthy lifestyle changes and intentionally increase your calorie deficit.

There are a number of factors that can impact how much weight you can lose on semaglutide, including your overall health status, food intake and exercise habits. Another variable is which semaglutide medication you are taking.

Can you take semaglutide every day to control your appetite?

No, semaglutide is a weekly injectable medication that is designed to be taken on a regular schedule (on the same day every week).

Taking the medication every day is dangerous, as it's highly likely you would exceed the maximum therapeutic dose.

There are also no additional benefits to be gained from injecting more than once weekly — it won't speed up weight loss, and will likely just lead to more severe side effects.

It's extremely important to follow the dosing schedule provided to your healthcare provider, so your body can adjust comfortably to the semaglutide treatment.

Saxenda (liraglutide) is a weight loss medication that is injected daily. Some patients do see faster initial results on Saxenda, compared to semaglutide medications.

However, ultimately semaglutide medications lead to slightly better weight loss outcomes. In a clinical trial, patients lost 12 to 15% of their body weight on semaglutide compared to 5-10% on Saxenda [8].

Is semaglutide a long-term solution?

Semaglutide medications aren't designed to be a quick fix or a bandaid solution.

For those who struggle with type 2 diabetes and chronic diseases related to a high body mass index, they are intended to be lifelong medications.

Without making significant lifestyle modifications, many people find that they quickly regain the weight they lost on semaglutide.

In some cases, patients may also put on additional weight, as they haven't taken the necessary steps to preserve muscle while taking semaglutide — negatively impacting their metabolism in the process.

The good news is, with the right approach, you don't necessarily have to take semaglutide medication forever. By combining your weight loss treatment with healthy lifestyle changes, you can maintain your progress for the long haul.

Juniper's Weight Loss Programme is designed to not only help you lose weight with medication but also overhaul your lifestyle for weight management that goes far into the future.

You'll learn to understand your unique nutritional and physical needs from the inside out, to future-proof your weight loss goals. You'll also get access to an expert-led nutrition and exercise plan designed to maintain muscle during rapid weight loss.

We have a range of weight loss medications available, so you can find the perfect solution for your unique needs. You can check your eligibility today.

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