Overview
Semaglutide is known for its weight loss benefits, but not everyone experiences the same results. This article dives into the common reasons you might not be losing weight on Semaglutide, including dosage concerns, skipped doses, lack of dietary changes, insufficient physical activity, and potential underlying medical conditions. Understanding these factors can help you make necessary adjustments and maximize the effectiveness of your treatment. Learn how to identify and overcome obstacles in your weight loss journey while using Semaglutide, and discover strategies to achieve your health goals.
Semaglutide, as a medication, has become popular for its weight-loss effects. Connecting with the GLP-1 receptors in your body, this drug helps you control your appetite by making you feel fuller and less hungry. As a result, you eat less...or at least, you should be eating less.
However, despite following the recommended dosage and incorporating semaglutide into your weight-loss plan, you may find that the numbers on the scale are budging less than you expected. In this article, we will explore why you may not lose weight on semaglutide.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide medication mimics the effects of a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is naturally produced in the body to regulate insulin levels, control appetite, and promote satiety. By activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, semaglutide can help reduce hunger and food cravings.
The Semaglutide was invented by Jesper Lau, Vice President of Diabetes Protein and Peptide Chemistry at Novo Nordisk. In 2012, Novo Nordisk and other researchers tried to slightly modify the Liraglutide (an injectable medication that lowers blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes along with diet and exercise) to increase its effect so that people can use it once a week instead of daily dosage.
This way, Semaglutide was invented, granting people with diabetes an option for less frequent injections.
Later, in 2021, Wegovy® (the drug name of Semaglutide) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for obesity and is typically prescribed with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
The drug's active ingredient is semaglutide, which is made using recombinant DNA technology. It also includes a buffer, water, and a small amount of preservative.
How to Get Semaglutide?
Semaglutide® is commonly sold under the commercial names Wegovy® and Ozempic®. The average cost of it can vary around $215 per 0.25 mg. If there are no special conditions that increase or reduce the dosage, the monthly supply will cost around $831 without insurance coverage.
Try Eden is a platform that connects you with a reliable network of pharmacies and medical providers so you can get Injectable Semaglutide at the price of $196 for the first month.
If you're about to use this ingredient, you should know the difference between compounded semaglutide drugs and branded medication. The former is a sterile, customized medication made by a compounding pharmacy. It differs from branded medication semaglutide mainly in it being patient specific compounded with the same active ingredient of semaglutitde.
Pharmacy-made semaglutide is often customized to fit individual patient needs, such as dose adjustments or form changes. For example, pharmacies can customize semaglutide into tablets for oral use instead of injections.
Also, though brand name semaglutide is FDA-approved t, the FDA does not approve a compound version of it because of the nature of compounding.
Some Semaglutide alternatives include Mounjaro(R) and Ozempic(R), - all available at Try Eden.
Mechanism of Action
Let's take a closer look at how Semaglutide works. It mimics the HLP-1 hormone, which is Released in the gut in response to eating.
It works in two main directions:
- It prompts your body to produce more insulin, ultimately reducing blood sugar.
- GLP-1 in higher amounts works with your brain parts, which are responsible for appetite, and signals that you are full. Combining semaglutide with a healthy diet and physical activity can help you lose weight because it enables you to eat less.
Treating Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It occurs when your body doesn't produce enough insulin or becomes resistant. This then impairs the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, leading to various health complications. Semaglutide, as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, works by increasing insulin production and sensitivity, ultimately lowering blood sugar levels and improving glycemic control.
Promoting Weight Loss
The typical Semaglutide dose for weight loss is 2.4 milligrams, and it's mostly recommended for those with a body mass index of 27kh/m2 or greater and at least one weight-related condition (cholesterol, diabetes, etc.) or for those with a BMI of 30kg/m2 or greater without a weight-related condition.
With this medication, you will lose weight because...
- It targets the brain centers that make you eat less.
- It slows down how the emptying of your stomach.
Appetite Suppression and Fullness Signaling
You eat when you feel hungry, but you can withstand some levels of hunger if your brain sends you signals that you're full. The longer the time between meals, the stronger these signals become, and the easier it is for you to resist temptation. Semaglutide activates GLP-1 in the brain, which is responsible for appetite suppression and signaling satiety (feeling of fullness). This helps decrease calorie intake and aid in weight loss.
Why am I not Losing Weight on Semaglutide?
You take Semaglutide, and your roomie does, too. You lose weight, and your roommate doesn't, even though he weighs more than you do. Why is this so?
You Just Started Semaglutide
Some people start noticing the first results of Semaglutide after around 8 weeks. For most people, the first results are seen after 12 weeks of active usage. And if we're talking about the noticeable final results, it can take up to 68 weeks for those who started Semaglutide at the lowest dose.
So, don't hurry to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication if you've just started using it. Don't forget you should also adjust your eating habits according to your doctor's recommendations and have a physical activity routine that supports weight loss.
In either case, the initial weight loss is usually hard for people to notice. It is a slow process and your body may be adjusting to the new medication. But don't worry, keep taking Semaglutide as prescribed and you'll soon start seeing results.
Your Semaglutide Dosage May Be Too Low
Standard Semaglutide dosage rates imply that you should start at 0.25 mg in the first weeks, then move to 0.5 after 5 weeks of usage, and then gradually increase the average dosage to 1.7 mg after using the medication for 3+ months.
However, based on your specific needs and health condition (for example, if you're struggling with obesity or have other health conditions), your doctor may choose to prescribe a different dosage for you.
If you still feel hungry or do not see any results after 8 weeks of using semaglutide, the dosage might be too low and you should discuss lack of results with your healthcare provider.
If your regular intake of Semaglutide doesn't provide desirable results, try Try Eden for a free online consultation with an expert physician to determine the correct dosage for you.
Skipping Semaglutide Doses
To get the best results, you must take consistent doses of every ounce of prescribed medication. You should track the rate at which you take your Semaglutide doses to ensure that you do not skip any days without taking them.
It may be best toset reminders to prevent missed doses and ensure adherence. An irregular intake can disrupt the weight loss benefits that you could otherwise have obtained if you hadn't skipped any doses.
No Dietary Changes
If lifestyle changes and a healthy diet are not combined with the daily dosage of Semaglutide, weight loss results will not be easily achievable. You should carefully calculate your caloric intake and ensure you eat dense foods (whole grains, red meat, vegetables) and exclude sugary foods so that the rare intake of food is as healthy and nutrient-rich as possible.
To maximize the weight loss effects of semaglutide, it's best to start tracking caloric intake and gradually reducing it while taking it.
Lack of Physical Activity
To achieve your best weight and shape, you need physical activity—ideally, aerobic activities combined with cardio and strength training exercises. Making regular workouts a priority in your healthy habits will help you regulate your body's metabolism and enhance the weight loss effects of Semaglutide considerably.
If semaglutide intake isn't supported by physical activity, your organism will struggle to burn the calories, which could result in frustration or a longer period of time needed for weight loss results. Even though you intake fewer calories as Semaglutide controls your feeling of hunger, you still need to burn those calories with exercise.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
Lastly, if all the above advice is followed and still your weight loss results don't seem to be significant or as expected, it's best to consult with your doctor for any health conditions (like hypothyroidism) that could be possibly hindering your weight loss process. If you have any medical conditions, it's important to work with your doctor to find the best treatment plan for you that incorporates Semaglutide and other necessary medications.
Clinic professionals can reveal the cause of effects, reasons for slower progress, or unexpected weight gain. Remember, every individual's body is different and may respond differently to medication.
Maximizing Weight Loss on Semaglutide
The first and most important advice is to set realistic goals for yourself when it comes to weight loss and then track your progress to adjust and tweak your plan accordingly.
A complimentary online consultation from Try Eden will let you understand which dosage is best based on your health and weight loss goals.
After that, you will be provided with the dosage that fits you best, with fast delivery and free follow-up consultations. Follow the dosage plan provided by Try Eden to ensure proper results.
Not losing weight on Semaglutide FAQs
Why is Semaglutide not helping me lose weight?
Semaglutide may not be effective if you are not following a healthy diet and exercise routine. Ensure you are making necessary lifestyle changes to support the medication's weight loss effects.
Is it normal to experience no weight loss when starting Semaglutide?
It can take time for Semaglutide to show significant weight loss results. Stay patient, follow your healthcare provider's instructions, and maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the medication.
Can skipping doses of Semaglutide affect my weight loss progress?
Skipping doses of Semaglutide can hinder your weight loss journey. Consistency is key in achieving optimal results with this medication. Always adhere to the prescribed dosage schedule.
How can pre-existing medical conditions impact weight loss on Semaglutide?
Certain medical conditions can affect how your body responds to Semaglutide. Consult your healthcare provider to determine if any underlying health issues could be interfering with your weight loss goals.
What steps can I take to maximize weight loss while on Semaglutide?
To enhance weight loss with Semaglutide, combine the medication with a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Stay committed to your treatment plan and consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice on optimizing your results.