Written by Garett Reid | NSCA, CSCS, CISSN, M.S.E.S.S
Fact checked by Andrew Lenau, ISSA CPT & Sports Nutritionist
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Weight gain is natural as we age and our metabolism slows, so many people turn to weight loss medications. The newest weight loss medication to take over Hollywood and trickle down to mainstream America is called Ozempic, a brand-name form of semaglutide.
As social media has made it easier than ever to learn about new kinds of drugs, semaglutide's popularity and results have positive reviews flooding the internet.
So how much weight can you lose on semaglutide? In this article, we will break down what semaglutide is, evaluate weight loss outcomes, and learn how to use semaglutide for weight loss.
Table of Contents:
- What Is Semaglutide?
- What Does Semaglutide Do?
- How Much Weight Can You Lose On Semaglutide?
- Tips On How To Use Semaglutide For Weight Loss
- Additional Benefits Of Semaglutide
- Semaglutide Side Effects
- FAQs
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is part of a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1, a hormone produced in the intestines, is released in the gastrointestinal tract as a response to eating.
One of the primary roles of semaglutide is to promote insulin production, which lowers blood sugar levels. It also reduces glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. Increasing insulin and reducing glucagon helps control blood sugar levels, which is very helpful for diabetics and losing weight. As such, semaglutide is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, obesity, and chronic weight management.
Higher doses of GLP-1 have also been shown to interact with the parts of the brain responsible for reducing appetite and feeling full. This means that, in higher doses, semaglutide becomes an even better tool for weight loss or management. So far, the FDA has only approved it in three brand-named, pharmacologic weight loss medications: Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy.
Ozempic is by far the most popular of the three for weight loss, but it's also very effective for diabetes treatment. It's also approved to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in patients with heart disease or type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is currently only available as a weekly injection, but a pill version is being developed as of summer 2023.
Rybelsus is very similar to Ozempic, except it is in tablet form, becoming the first GLP-1 receptor agonist available in oral form. Further, while both Ozempic and Rybelsus are approved for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, only Ozempic is approved for weight management. We discuss this in more detail in our article: Semaglutide Pills vs Injection.
Learn more about Ozempic and Rybelsus in our article: Ozempic vs Rybelsus: Which Is Better? We also have a great article comparing Ozempic vs Wegovy.
The last type of semaglutide available, Weygovy, differs from Ozempic and Rybelsus in that it is only prescribed for weight loss and management, not diabetes. Wegovy is a once-a-week injection approved for anyone over 12 for weight problems. It contains higher amounts of semaglutide to act as an appetite suppressant and increase satiety1.
Interested in additional appetite suppressant options? Check out our article on the 7 Best Appetite Suppressants!
What Does Semaglutide Do?
The key to semaglutide and weight loss is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 causes the pancreas to release insulin, a crucial part of losing weight.
Insulin plays a significant role in body fat because it regulate available blood sugar levels, either storing and breaking down fats. Extra insulin helps glucose enter cells to be used as energy rather than be stored as fat, and semaglutide can stave off insulin associated weight gain.
In addition to releasing insulin, GLP-1 also reduces the release of glucagon. Glucagon helps prevent glucose from entering the bloodstream, causing blood sugar levels to rise. So by increasing insulin and reducing glucagon, semaglutide helps regulate blood sugar levels and therefore helps you lose weight.
In higher doses, such as in Wegony, semaglutide can also help by suppressing appetite and increasing satiety. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study explored how semaglutide helps weight loss in obese individuals.
After twelve weeks of once-weekly, 1.0 mg injections, they found that participants using semaglutide had significantly reduced food cravings, better control of hunger and eating, and a lower preference for fatty foods. Patients achieved a weight loss of 5 kg (11 pounds), primarily of fat2. This study confirms that semaglutide can act as a powerful appetite suppressant and increase satiety, leading to less eating.
Lastly, semaglutide can help burn fat because GLP-1 slows down the rate at which food enters the small intestine during digestion. The slower rate helps nutrients absorb gradually, controls blood sugar levels, and makes you feel full longer - all mechanisms that fight hunger and fat.
We discuss semaglutide uses and how it works in more detail in our article: Liraglutide vs Semaglutide: Uses, Differences, & Results.
How Much Weight Can You Lose On Semaglutide?
The amount of weight someone can lose varies by individual because of several other important factors, including diet, exercise routine, and genetics. With that said, we often get asked how much weight we can lose with semaglutide, so let's assess weight loss outcomes from research first.
In the 12-week study above, the participants lost an average of 11 pounds (5 kg), primarily of fat mass2. A more long-term study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, featuring nearly 2,000 people over 68 weeks.
Participants, considered obese with a minimum body mass index (BMI) of 30, received a once-weekly dose of 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide or a placebo. The semaglutide group had a remarkable 15% average drop in body weight, with several experiencing more than a 20 percentage weight loss compared to a 2.4% drop in the placebo group.
The average weight loss on semaglutide was 33.7 lbs (15.3 kg) compared to only 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) in the placebo group3. These studies show that semaglutide users' weight dropped significantly, with patients achieving weight loss, on average, of one pound per week.
Semaglutide Weight Loss Results: Real User Experiences
It can be difficult to relate to the results of a study involving anonymous people. That's why we always like to compare weight loss outcomes from research to real people regarding semaglutide.
Reddit is loaded with positive results from all types of people. In the "Average Weight Loss" thread, several people report an early phase where they shed 5-10 pounds rather quickly, followed by an average loss of one pound per week.
One user lost 23 pounds in only seven weeks on 0.7 mg weekly, stating, "I've never ever lost weight this easily." (source)
Another who was 6'3" and 357 pounds prior to starting semaglutide, explained that they lost an amazing 111 pounds in just eight months. "Best I've felt since my 20s," the user posted. (source)
The commonality throughout the thread was that most people lost weight quickly at first, then roughly one pound every week. A separate commenter posted: "1lb a week for me was average. Some weeks it was 2, and others less than 1. Consistency is key. If you do that each week of the year, you're ~50lbs lighter." (source)
An additional user agreed, stating "I lost 7 or 8 the first week (water weight I assume) and have lost 0.5-1 lb since then." (source)
Semaglutide Weight Loss Timeline
As you can gather from the results above, the amount of weight you lose with semaglutide varies as time goes on. So let's examine what a typical timeline might look like.
Of course, following a healthy diet and exercising consistently is imperative to maximize weight loss on semaglutide.
1) Week 1:
Based on studies and human testimonials, most people lost roughly five to ten pounds in the first week of semaglutide. Many users think the initial weight loss is primarily water weight, but after that, it's all from fat.
Weight Loss Potential: 5-10 lbs
2) Weeks 2-4:
An important thing to note regarding the beginning of semaglutide use is the dosage. Most people start at a lower dose before working up to a higher dose as needed.
A Reddit user posted: "1st week: - 2.5 kg 2nd week: -2 kg 3rd week: - 0.9 kg 4th week: - 2.3 kg On day 32: - 0.4." (source)
So they lost 5.5 lbs week 1, 4.4 lbs week 2, 2 lbs week 3, 5 lbs week 4, and slowed down to 0.9 lbs by day 32, for roughly 18 lbs in the first 32 days on semaglutide.
Weight Loss Potential: 10-20+ lbs in the first month
3) Long-Term:
The study we mentioned above tested how much weight you can lose on semaglutide over 68 weeks. This long-term study showed that, on average, patients achieved weight loss of 15% of total body weight, equivalent to roughly a 34 lb loss.
A separate study measured semaglutide weight loss in 175 participants at three and six-month intervals. The results showed a total body weight loss percentage of 5.9% at three months and 10.9% at six months, almost double. (4)
Based on these results and the 68-week study, it seems that a 15% loss of body weight is normal for a year on semaglutide.
Weight Loss Potential: 15% body weight lost in 1 year, or roughly a 40 lb loss for a 250-pound individual
Interested in listening to a real-life user talk through their 6-month experience taking Ozempic? I highly recommend you watch the video I've posted below!
Tips On How To Use Semaglutide For Weight Loss
Semaglutide is usually administered as a subcutaneous injection once a week under the skin of the stomach, thighs, or upper arm. Ideally, you should rotate body parts every injection to give each site a break. If needles aren't your thing, don't worry because a tablet version is also available.
In order to maximize results on semaglutide, there are a few key tips to follow:
- Eat smaller portions more frequently, rather than 2-3 big meals
- Drink as much water as possible
- Avoid alcohol or drugs
- Try to focus on eating slower
- Avoid unhealthy foods such as fatty foods, processed foods, or items high in sugar
- Maintain a consistent exercise routine
The more muscle you're able to build, the more body recomposition becomes obtainable. Start by picking one of these workout splits, and then pairing it with some HIIT and LISS cardio.
To learn more about various diets that pair well with semaglutide treatment, check out our article on How To Successfully Use Meal Preparation For Weight Loss. In addition, our High Protein Meal Plan is great for those with weight loss goals.
Additional Benefits of Semaglutide
Aside from weight loss and weight management, semaglutide is mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is also used to help prevent heart attack, stroke, or death in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Semaglutide Side Effects
There are certain side effects to look for with semaglutide, including:
- Nausea
- vomiting
- Diahrrea
- Headache
- Injection site reactions
More rare side effects might occur, so seek medical attention if you experience things like bleeding, a burning feeling in the chest, pancreatitis, hypoglycemia, or loss/change of taste.
FAQs
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions with semaglutide.
Does semaglutide work?
Yes, semaglutide is very effective at weight loss and has been proved to yield prolonged weight loss outcomes. Countless studies and human testimonials show short- and long-term success using semaglutide.
Is semaglutide the same as Ozempic?
Yes, Ozempic is a brand-name medication containing semaglutide. It is administered once a week via injection.
Is semaglutide approved for weight loss?
Yes, semaglutide is prescribed for weight loss and weight management.
How fast does semaglutide work for weight loss?
It begins working almost immediately, with most users losing roughly five pounds or more in the first week. If you aren't seeing relatively quick weight loss results, check out our article: 7 Reasons Why You're Not Losing Weight On Semaglutide.
How long do you take Wegovy for weight loss?
Studies have been done for up to 68 weeks showing safe use of Wegovy so that it can be taken for at least a year.
Does Rybelsus cause weight loss?
Yes, Rybelsus is prescribed for weight loss, and patients lose weight at a fantastic rate.
Is semaglutide safe for weight loss?
Yes, semaglutide is safe for weight loss, but there may be minor side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or headaches.
Summary Of Semaglutide For Weight Loss
Semaglutide has taken mainstream America by storm, with new people finding incredible success every day.
As a tool to help the body produce more insulin and suppress appetite, people have had incredible success with weight loss, with most users reporting losses of roughly one pound per week with minimal side effects.
With these fantastic results, it's no wonder it is one of the hottest weight loss drugs in the fitness and entertainment industries. Semaglutide is a great way to take the next step in your weight loss journey.
To learn more about two different forms of semaglutide and find the best option for you, check out our article: Ozempic vs Rybelsus: Which Is Better?
References:
- Research, Center for Drug Evaluation and. "Medications Containing Semaglutide Marketed for Type 2 Diabetes or Weight Loss." FDA, 31 May 2023, www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/medications-containing-semaglutide-marketed-type-2-diabetes-or-weight-loss.
- Blundell, John, et al. "Effects of Once‐Weekly Semaglutide on Appetite, Energy Intake, Control of Eating, Food Preference and Body Weight in Subjects with Obesity." Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, vol. 19, no. 9, 5 May 2017, pp. 1242–1251, https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.12932.
- Wilding, John P. H., et al. "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity." The New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 384, no. 11, 10 Feb. 2021, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567185/, https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183.
- Ghusn, Wissam, et al. "Weight Loss Outcomes Associated with Semaglutide Treatment for Patients with Overweight or Obesity." JAMA Network Open, vol. 5, no. 9, 19 Sept. 2022, p. e2231982, jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2796491?resultClick=1, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982.
Garett Reid
Author