How Long Do You Need To Stay On Semaglutide For Weight Loss?

Semaglutide has had an influence on people who want to lose weight. As more people think about using this treatment, they often ask: How long should you take oral semaglutide or use injectable semaglutide to lose weight? This drug has caught people's attention because it can help patients drop extra pounds, but knowing how long to use it matters a lot to those starting their weight loss journey.

The amount of time you should use injectable semaglutide or take oral semaglutide depends on your personal situation and what you want to achieve, as well as advice from your healthcare provider. This article looks at how long semaglutide takes to work, what affects how long you'll need it, and what happens when you stop taking it. We'll talk about how much weight you can lose with semaglutide, how to keep the weight off after you're done, and what to think about if you use it for a long time. By looking at these things, you'll learn a lot to help you make smart choices about how to manage your weight.

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Key Takeaways

• Semaglutide is highly effective for weight loss, with patients losing an average of 10.9% of their body weight at 6 months ^[6].
• The medication begins to work within weeks, with noticeable effects at 3 months (5.9% weight loss) ^[6].
• Long-term use shows sustained benefits, with a 10.2% weight reduction at 208 weeks compared to 1.5% with placebo ^[4].
• Type 2 diabetics may require longer treatment periods, as they typically experience slower weight loss (7.2% vs 11.8% at 6 months) ^[6].
• The FDA recommends semaglutide for individuals with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 or ≥27 kg/m2 with weight-related comorbidities ^[1].
• Side effects are generally mild, including gastrointestinal issues and headaches ^[1].
• Semaglutide should be used with diet and exercise for optimal results ^[1].

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How Long Does Semaglutide Take To Work

Semaglutide typically begins to suppress appetite within a few days to a week of starting the medication, with more noticeable effects developing over the first few weeks. Many people see changes in how hungry they feel and how much they weigh in the early weeks [1]. The drug has an impact on the body in the short and long term. 

In the short term, within the first 1 to 4 weeks, patients might notice early signs of weight loss. These signs include feeling less hungry and feeling full sooner after eating [1]. The mid-term effects show up between weeks 5 to 20 as doctors increase the dose. This period often leads to more noticeable weight loss [1].

Semaglutide's long-term effects kick in after 20 weeks of use. Research indicates that adults on semaglutide shed an average of 35 pounds, which equals 15% of their body weight [2]. In comparison, those taking a placebo lost about 6 pounds, or 2.5% of their body weight [2].

Keep in mind that people may react differently. Some might notice changes in a few weeks, while others could take more time [2]. Semaglutide has its full impact after several months of use [2].

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How Long Do You Need To Use Semaglutide To Lose Weight

How long people take semaglutide to lose weight depends on their own needs and what they want to achieve. Studies had people take semaglutide for 68 weeks or longer, and many lost more than 10-15% of their starting weight [1]. Doctors often suggest taking it for at least 12 to 24 months to manage weight over time [1].

Research indicates that semaglutide starts to work within the first week, and people notice changes in their hunger and weight [2]. After three months, patients lose an average of 5.9% of their weight, which jumps to 10.9% at the 6-month mark [3]. The STEP 5 trial looked at results over two years. It found that people taking semaglutide shed an average of 15.2% of their body weight, while those on a placebo lost 2.6% [4].

Patients might see better weight loss results as they take higher doses of semaglutide during the 16-week dose increase plan [3]. Many people have lost a lot of weight using this drug. These semaglutide success stories show how semaglutide can help people shed a lot of weight and boost their overall health. To get the best results, doctors suggest using it for a longer time and making lifestyle changes.

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Semaglutide Weight Loss Timeline

Short Term

Semaglutide starts to work within the first few weeks after you begin taking it. Some people notice they're less hungry during this time [5]. After three months, patients lost an average of 5.9% of their body weight [6]. People who took higher doses lost more weight, about 6.9%, compared to 5.1% for those on lower doses [6].

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Mid Term

After 6 months, patients will see more significant changes in their weight. On average, they drop 10.9% of their body weight [6]. At this point, 87.3% of patients lose 5% or more of their weight, and 54.9% shed 10% or more [7]. Higher doses still work better, leading to an average weight loss of 12.1% compared to 9.2% for lower doses [6].

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Long Term

Extended use reveals long-term effects. After 104 weeks (2 years), participants lost an average of 15.2% of their starting weight [8]. This significant weight loss leveled off around week 60 and stayed steady for the rest of the study [8]. The lasting weight loss shows the value of ongoing semaglutide treatment [8].

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Factors That Influence How Long You Might Need To Take Semaglutide

Your Health and Weight Loss Goals

How long you take semaglutide depends on your health and what you want to achieve with weight loss. People with type 2 diabetes might need to take it longer as they lose weight more slowly. After 6 months, diabetic patients lost about 7.2% of their body weight on average. In contrast, non-diabetic individuals lost about 11.8% [7].

Let's say you want to get off semaglutide without gaining weight. If so, you should slowly reduce the dosage, as instructed by your doctor. At the same time, you should keep eating well and working out regularly. Making lasting changes to how you live can help you control your weight after you stop using semaglutide.

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How Your Body Reacts to the Medicine

A patient's reaction to compounded semaglutide has an impact on how long the treatment lasts. Research shows that weight loss levels off around week 60, and people can keep it off if they keep using the drug [8]. After 104 weeks, people in the study lost an average of 15.2% of their starting weight, which shows that more extended treatment leads to better results [8].

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Dosage and BMI Class

If you're starting semaglutide, understanding the proper dosing and usage guidelines is essential to ensure optimal effectiveness and semaglutide safety. Higher semaglutide doses lead to more weight loss. After 6 months, people on the highest doses shed an average of 12.1% of their body weight. Those on lower doses lost 9.2% [7]. Also, BMI class might affect how long treatment lasts. Patients with higher BMI classes may need more prolonged treatment to reach their weight loss targets. 

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How Long Can You Stay On Semaglutide For Weight Loss

The length of time someone takes semaglutide to lose weight depends on personal factors. Studies had people use semaglutide for 68 weeks or longer, with many losing over 10-15% of their starting weight [9]. Doctors often suggest using it for at least 12 to 24 months to manage weight in the long term [9].

Research has shown that semaglutide continues to help people lose weight throughout a more extended period of treatment time. A study that lasted 208 weeks (4 years) found that people who took semaglutide lost an average of 10.2% of their body weight. In contrast, those who took a placebo lost 1.5% [4]. This long-term data proves that semaglutide is safe to use and continues to work for weight loss and keeping the weight off [4].

Knowing how long semaglutide stays in your system is important. It sticks around for several weeks because it has a long half-life of about one week. This means that even after you stop taking the medication, it continues to have an effect as your body gets rid of it.

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How Long Do You Need To Take Semaglutide At A Minimum To Lose Weight

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The shortest period of time you may need to take semaglutide to lose weight is about 20 weeks. This includes 16 weeks to increase the dose to 2.4 mg, then 4 weeks at this increased dose [10]. But studies show that taking it longer helps you lose more weight. After 3 months on semaglutide, people lost about 5.9% of their weight on average. This went up to 10.9% after 6 months [7]. To get the best results, doctors suggest using it for a long time. The STEP 5 trial showed that over 2 years, people who took semaglutide lost about 15.2% of their body weight. Those who didn't take it lost 2.6% [10]. These results show that keeping up with semaglutide treatment helps people keep the weight off.

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How Long May Type 2 Diabetics Need To Stay On Semaglutide

Patients with type 2 diabetes might need to take semaglutide for longer than non-diabetic patients to get similar weight loss results. Research indicates that people with type 2 diabetes lost less weight on average compared to those without diabetes at 3 months (3.9% vs 6.3%) and 6 months (7.2% vs 11.8%) [6]. This slower weight loss in diabetic patients hints that they may need longer treatment times and higher doses of semaglutide to reach similar outcomes.

People with type 2 diabetes can get a prescription for compounded semaglutide to lose weight and control their diabetes. This could mean they take it for a longer time [9]. The drug has an impact on blood sugar levels and other heart-related health risks. This makes it useful to tackle several health issues at once [9].

People with type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol might get semaglutide prescriptions to lose weight and manage these health issues. This could mean they'll take the drug for a longer time [9]. The semaglutide costs can add up quickly if your insurance doesn't cover it. Prices can change based on your insurance plan, where you buy the semaglutide, and other factors. Research shows patients might pay up to 68% of the cost themselves for weight loss drugs.

You can get semaglutide prescriptions online through telehealth services, making it possible for you to buy semaglutide online. Getting semaglutide from sources like Eden ensures accessibility and affordable options as determined by a healthcare professional.

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Final Thoughts 

Semaglutide shows promise for weight loss, with its effects beginning in weeks and growing stronger over time. How long a person takes it depends on things like their health, how well the medicine works for them, how much weight they want to lose, and what is suggested by their healthcare provider. Some patients might see changes in as little as 20 weeks, but many doctors suggest using it for 12 to 24 months or even longer to get the best results. 

You should talk to your doctor about how long to take semaglutide. They can make a treatment plan just for you, considering things like your starting BMI, whether you have type 2 diabetes, and what you want to achieve for your health. Semaglutide works best when you also make lifestyle changes. This means eating healthy and working out to help manage your weight for the long haul.

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FAQ

1. How long is the typical treatment duration with semaglutide for weight loss?

Most individuals prescribed semaglutide injections for weight loss are recommended to continue the treatment for 68 weeks, provided they tolerate the medication well and do not encounter severe side effects.

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2. Is it possible to maintain weight loss after discontinuing semaglutide?

Yes, maintaining weight loss after stopping semaglutide is possible, but achieving long-term success generally requires additional weight management strategies. Despite adopting healthy lifestyle changes, many individuals tend to regain weight once they stop using semaglutide.

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3. Can semaglutide be used long-term for weight loss?

Semaglutide has been shown to significantly reduce body weight over the long term, with substantial decreases in relative and absolute body weight compared to placebo.

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References

1. UCLA Health. Semaglutide, also known as Ozempic, for weight loss - what you need to know. www.uclahealth.org. Published January 12, 2023. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/semaglutide-weight-loss-what-you-need-know
2. Leigh Ann Anderson. How Does Semaglutide Work for Weight loss? Drugs.com. Published March 9, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/semaglutide-work-weight-loss-3573689/
3. Cleveland Clinic, Elsevier. Semaglutide Injection (Weight Management). Cleveland Clinic. Published 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/23611-semaglutide-injection-weight-management
4. Ryan DH, Lingvay I, Deanfield J, et al. Long-term weight loss effects of semaglutide in obesity without diabetes in the SELECT trial. Nature Medicine. 2024;30, 2049–2057 (2024):1-9. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-02996-7
5. Jeneby, M.D., Dr. Jeneby Plastic Surgery. How Fast Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss: An Essential Guide | Plastic Surgeon San Antonio. The Plastic and Cosmetic Center of South Texas. Published February 21, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://drjenebyplasticsurgery.com/how-fast-does-semaglutide-work-for-weight-loss/
6. Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, et al. Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(9):e2231982. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982
7. Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, et al. Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(9):e2231982. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982
8. Garvey WT, Batterham RL, Bhatta M, et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nature Medicine. 2022;28(10):2083-2091. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02026-4
9. Mayo Clinic Diet. How long do you spend on semaglutide for weight loss? Mayo Clinic Diet. Published May 23, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://diet.mayoclinic.org/us/blog/2024/how-long-do-you-spend-on-semaglutide-for-weight-loss/

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Fornes A, Huff J, Pritchard RI, Godfrey M. Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Management: A Clinical Review. Journal of Pharmacy Technology. 2022;v.38(4)(2022 Aug):875512252210926. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221092681

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is forgeneral informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute forprofessional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not berelied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blogis not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers areadvised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medicalconcerns. Use of this blog's information is at your own risk. The blog owner isnot responsible for any adverse effects, or consequences resulting from the useof any suggestions or information provided in this blog.

‌Disclaimer: The FDA does not approve compounded medicationsfor safety, quality, or manufacturing. Prescriptions and a medical evaluationare required for certain products. The information provided on this blog is forgeneral informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute forprofessional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not berelied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blogis not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers areadvised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medicalconcerns, including side effects. Use of this blog's information is at your ownrisk. The blog owner is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequencesresulting from the use of any suggestions or information provided in this blog.

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