Their inclusion does not guarantee they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers. Healthcare providers may prescribe other medications or recommend non-pharmacological treatment based on the patient’s unique health circumstances and needs. Read more
Highlights
- Semaglutide is a prescription medication; the FDA has approved Ozempic to manage type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management in specific individuals.
- The timeline of semaglutide-induced appetite suppression varies from person to person and is dependent on many factors. Some may notice reduced appetite in the first 4 weeks while others may need to wait a few months.
- Suppressing appetite and hunger is only one of the effects of semaglutide leading to weight loss; others include increased satisfaction after a small meal, fewer cravings for sugars and carbohydrates, and reduced thoughts of food.
- The weight loss management program cannot solely rely on semaglutide to suppress appetite; lifestyle changes, such as healthier eating habits and regular exercise, play a crucial role and go hand-in-hand with the medication.
You’ve gained weight in the last few years because you’re constantly hungry and craving all the “wrong” things; it’s starting to bother you. On social media, weight loss injections like
However, you’d like to understand how this medication works to suppress your appetite, and when you can expect to see this effect. In this article, we will answer those and other questions that will help you on your weight loss journey.
Does Semaglutide Make You Not Hungry?
Semaglutide does curb your appetite; let’s briefly explore why in an easily understandable way.
- When you eat, your gut releases a hormone called
glucose-like peptide 1[5] (GLP-1). - GLP-1 activates brain receptors and the pancreas to let them know you’ve had a meal.
- Your pancreas gets your body ready to use the meal’s energy through insulin secretion, and your brain tells your body to stop eating by:
- Reducing appetite and hunger.
- Making you feel satisfied, avoiding overeating.
- Decreasing cravings for certain foods.
- Reducing ‘food noise’, so that you’re not constantly
thinking about food[6] . - Slowing gastric emptying; food stays in your stomach longer, making you feel fuller.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the action of GLP-1; it is a
Does Semaglutide Suppress Appetite Immediately?
Semaglutide takes time to suppress appetite; it is not an instant effect for a few reasons:
- The medication needs time to build up blood levels that work.
- The dose is started low and increased slowly so that the body can adjust to side effects.
However, in some individuals, semaglutide may start suppressing appetite as early as the first few weeks, but this may not happen so quickly for everyone.
Does Appetite Suppression Differ Between Ozempic, Wegovy, and Compounded Semaglutide?
Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names containing identical semaglutide molecules. They are FDA-approved for different conditions, at differing doses, but both may be prescribed for weight management.
Importantly, compounded semaglutide is not identical to the branded versions above.
- Not tested for safety and efficacy.
- Might contain extra ingredients.
- Quality and purity vary.
- Doses are not standardized.
If you consider using compounded semaglutide, ask your doctor for advice about reputable pharmacies.
FDA-Approved Uses | Maintenance dosages | |
Wegovy | Weight loss medication | 1.7 to 2.4 mg |
Ozempic | Blood sugar control in diabetes management | 1 mg |
Compounded semaglutide | Not FDA-approved | Varies |
So, although these different semaglutide medications work similarly, it makes sense that their weight loss and appetite-suppressing effects can’t be directly compared.
Timeline: When Will You Notice Appetite Suppression?
This timeline is based on Wegovy’s ability to suppress appetite, as it is FDA-registered for weight loss management.
The dose is increased slowly every 4 weeks until the
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Tapering doses |
Weeks 1 to 4 0.25 mg weekly |
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Weeks 5 to 8 0.5 mg weekly |
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Weeks 9 to 12 1 mg weekly |
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Maintenance dose |
Weeks 13 to 16 1.7 mg weekly |
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Weeks 17 to 20 + 2.4 mg weekly |
When Will I See Weight Loss Results?
How much weight you lose will depend on the dose you can tolerate, as well as how long you take it for. For example,
- 6% of initial body weight at 12 weeks.
- 12% of initial body weight at 28 weeks.
Clinical trials show that the average weight loss is about
Importantly, these results are not guaranteed; another trial showed that 14% did not respond to semaglutide after 68 weeks. If you don’t notice any expected effects, consult with your healthcare provider to adjust your weight loss plan.
Common Side Effects to Watch For
Along with weight loss, semaglutide may cause side effects, which you should look out for.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Bloating
- Belching
- Flatulence
- Heartburn
- Increased heart rate
People who are still experiencing side effects after 4 weeks on a dose may need to stay on that dose for a more extended period, which can delay the impact of semaglutide, such as appetite suppression.
What Affects How Fast Semaglutide Works?
Weight loss outcomes and how quickly semaglutide suppresses appetite depend on many factors, including:
- Dose Titration: Whether you can increase the dose every four weeks.
- Healthy Lifestyle Changes: A nutritionally balanced diet and physical activity are essential for successful weight loss on semaglutide.
- Personal Health Situation: Co-existing medical conditions can slow down weight loss; some examples are polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or an underactive thyroid.
- Personal Response: Whether you are a semaglutide super- or non-responder.
What If I’m Still Hungry on Semaglutide?
Between
Something else that may be difficult to hear is that hunger, and eating in response, can become a habit; this
When to Seek Medical Help and Talk to Your Provider
If, after four weeks on the maximum dose of 2.4 mg for weight loss, none of the expected semaglutide effects have kicked in, you should chat to your healthcare provider. Another reason to seek medical advice is for never-ending side effects, or if you have any other concerns.
If you find yourself in this position, don’t despair; there are other weight loss management options. MEDvidi’s medical providers offer personalized treatment plans and can help you on a successful weight loss journey. Book your appointment to get a tailored weight loss plan online.
