How Much Weight Can You Lose On Ozempic? Potential Results Explained
Dr Ashwin Sharma
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Sep 10, 2024
In clinical trials participants lost 7-15% of their body weight after a year with semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic.
Semaglutide is a popular medication for weight loss. It can be incredibly effective for suppressing appetite and curbing cravings. Taking semaglutide can help you focus on making long term sustainable lifestyle changes to support your health goals.
How quickly semaglutide gets to work will differ from person to person. Some people may notice changes to their appetite in as little as 4 weeks. [1] For others, it may take up to two months.
Things like metabolism, lifestyle and dosage can all influence how effective semaglutide is. [2, 3] How long appetite changes take to kick in will be unique to you.
By the end of this article, you’ll be a semaglutide pro. Armed with everything you need to know about its appetite reducing effects.
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in several weight-loss medications. It was originally developed in 2012 to help people manage type 2 diabetes. It’s a synthetic version of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This is a hormone that occurs naturally in the human gut after eating.
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) approved semaglutide for weight management in 2021. [4] Since then, it has become a popular drug for supporting weight loss. It’s often marketed under the brand names Ozempic® and Wegovy®.
Semaglutide can help to promote a feeling of fullness (satiation) by:
Clinical studies have shown that semaglutide can support effective weight loss. [1] If you have obesity, or are overweight with a health-related condition such as prediabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol and have struggled to navigate your weight loss journey through diet and exercise alone, semaglutide might be a great option for you.
Compounded Semaglutide* is a custom-made version of semaglutide medication. It’s made by specialized pharmacies and can be up to 80% cheaper.
It contains the same active ingredient as branded weight loss medications, like Ozempic® and Wegovy®. But may also include other ingredients, like glycine and B12.
These are often added to help alleviate nausea. It can also be available in different doses, which can be handy for people who need tailored doses.
Even though it’s not branded, Compounded Semaglutide* goes through rigorous testing to ensure the highest safety and quality standard. It has the same side effect profile as branded alternatives including Ozempic® and Wegovy®. You should however always purchase from a reputable pharmacy.
At Levity, we only work with pharmacies that are NAPB and/or LegitScript accredited and certified. This means all of our pharmacies meet rigorous state requirements for quality and safety.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of the GLP-1 hormone. [5] GLP-1 is a natural hormone that is released by the gut after eating.
Mimicking the effects of GLP-1 can have several beneficial effects for managing weight and aiding weight loss. These include:
Here’s a breakdown of how each effect works:
Semaglutide decreases appetite by binding to GLP-1 receptors in your brain. [5] This ‘tricks’ your brain into thinking you have more GLP-1 present in your bloodstream.
When the brain detects GLP-1, it signals to your body that you’re full. This means you won’t feel like eating as much or have as many food cravings.
People who take semaglutide find it easier to reduce their calorie intake. This is because you don’t feel like eating as much as before. You will also feel full after eating smaller meals, which can contribute to weight loss over time.
Semaglutide also slows down digestion by delaying the emptying of food from the stomach to the intestines. This is known as delayed gastric emptying.
Slowing down digestion promotes a feeling of fullness for longer. Studies have shown that people taking semaglutide often report feeling fuller for longer. [6] This can reduce the urge to snack and how much you eat over time.
Semaglutide also promotes insulin release after eating. [5] Insulin helps to keep your blood sugar levels stable
Lots of us get sugar crashes mid afternoon, around 3pm or after lunch. This is super common, and leaves us craving a sweet snack.
If your blood sugar levels remain stable, you’re less likely to give in to that hunger pang. This reduces how much you eat over time.
Improved insulin regulation can improve metabolism too, in addition to reducing the risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels). This may support sustained weight loss and weight management over time.
With semaglutide injections, the timelines to experience its effects will vary from person to person. From the large clinical trial assessing one-weekly semaglutide for the treatment of obesity, an average of around 2% body weight was reported after 4 weeks of treatment. By 8 weeks, this was around 4% and by 12 weeks this was around 6%. An average body weight loss of 14.9% was reported at the final 68-week endpoint. [1]
Some people will notice changes quickly, while others will experience noticeable decreases in appetite and subsequent weight loss the longer they are on the treatment. [1]
At Levity, we check in on your progress as you go. Our team will monitor your dose and are on hand to help you reach your goals. We can also monitor any side effects and make sure your treatment is working for you.
Here’s a timeline of what to expect when you start taking semaglutide.
During the first few weeks of using semaglutide, your body will be adjusting to the medication. You may notice a gradual reduction in cravings, appetite, and notice a feeling of fullness. The weight loss effects are likely to be subtle at first.
You may not notice any effects during the first 4 weeks. Don’t worry — this is also normal. Changes happen at different rates for different people. Give your body some time to adjust.
After your first month, you should start to notice your decreased appetite to be fairly consistent and predictable. [1] You’ll likely feel more satisfied with smaller portions. You may also be feeling ‘fuller’ for longer after meals. You may also be snacking less and have reduced your overall calorie intake.
You can expect to see a gradual and consistent decrease in body weight.
If you’ve not noticed any significant weight loss yet, don’t worry. Everyone’s timeline is different. Stick with your treatment plan and assess where you’re at by 12 weeks.
At 20 weeks of semaglutide treatment, the effects of appetite suppression will have reached a sustained level. You should be fully adjusted to the medication by this point.
With reduced appetite now part of your norm, your food intake should be less. With long-term use, you’re unlikely to experience cravings or hunger pangs frequently. Long-term semaglutide use can also result in improvements in your overall metabolic health. [8]
If you haven’t noticed any significant changes by this point, contact your healthcare provider.
Several factors can influence how effective semaglutide treatment is for appetite reduction and weight loss. These factors include:
These vary from person to person, depending on your unique biology and recommended treatment plan.
Higher doses of semaglutide generally promote more consistent feelings of ‘fullness’. [3]
That being said, it’s important to always follow your recommended dosage and treatment plan. When starting on semaglutide, the majority of people will start on a low dose of 0.25 mg. This is to minimize side effects and allow your body to adjust to the medication. This can be increased over time, to reach a final maintenance dose.
Dosage adjustments can be prescribed by your physician. These are often tailored to you, depending on your medical history, tolerance and weight-loss goals. Always speak to your physician before adjusting your dose.
Lifestyle factors can impact how effective semaglutide is for you. Things like diet, regular exercise, and sleep are all incredibly important.
Studies have shown that people who eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, often get better results from semaglutide. [2] The same goes for regular exercise.
To get the best results from semaglutide, you can optimize your lifestyle by:
Individual metabolism and genetic factors could also impact how effective semaglutide is. Your metabolism could impact how long semaglutide stays active within the bloodstream. [3]
People with faster metabolism may notice appetite-suppressing effects sooner. This is usually because they can process the medication faster.
For people with slower metabolic rates, the full effects of semaglutide may take longer to kick in. This can be especially true for changes like weight loss or sustained appetite reduction.
Metabolism can be impacted by age, genetics, and sometimes, the presence of other health issues.
Just like any type of medication, using semaglutide can cause side effects. Although side effects are common, they are generally mild and temporary. [8] For most people, any side effects will subside after the first few weeks of treatment.
Common side effects can include:
If you experience any side effects that persist for more than two weeks consult your healthcare provider.
If you experience any severe side effects, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Severe side effects can include: [9]
It can be normal to still feel hungry when taking semaglutide. Your body requires time to adjust to the medication.
Yes, it is possible to lose weight within the first week of taking semaglutide. Generally, early weight loss (be it from semaglutide or other means) typically results from reductions in water weight, rather than fat loss. Most people will begin to notice significant fat loss the longer they take the drug.
You may find that you become more aware of the appetite suppressing effects of semaglutide increase as your dosage increases. When you first begin treatment, you administer a low-strength dose so that your body can become adjusted to the new medication. The strength of this increases every 4 weeks until a maintenance dose is reached. If you aren’t noticing the changes you expected, contact your healthcare provider.
Lifestyle can also impact the drug's effectiveness, as semaglutide should be used in addition to changes in diet and increased physical activity Your healthcare provider can work with you to find the right treatment plan for you.
Weight loss on semaglutide will vary from person to person. However, recent clinical trials have shown that people can lose up to 14.9% of their initial body weight in 68 weeks. [1]
It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle whilst taking semaglutide. This includes getting adequate sleep, regular exercise, and eating a nutrient-dense balanced diet. This will all help to support your weight loss goals.
Yes, if you're managing a chronic health condition, like type 2 diabetes or obesity, these medications are designed for long-term use. Other people may choose to taper off the medication once they’ve reached their weight loss goals, however this is known to be associated with weight regain. [10]
Consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide advice and help you to find an appropriate treatment plan for your long-term health goals.
At Levity, we’re here to support you throughout your weight loss journey (and beyond). Check if you’re eligible to get started with Compounded Semaglutide*. Take your 5-minute online consultation today.
*Compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law but are not FDA-approved and do not undergo FDA safety, effectiveness, or quality review.
In clinical trials participants lost 7-15% of their body weight after a year with semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic.
This GLP-1 drug requires titration. Our Levity clinical experts break down everything you need to know about the Ozempic dosage schedule here.
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