Based on the results of our weight management program, our patients have lost an average of 7.7 pounds in just 4 weeks with the lowest introductory dose of. Research has shown that 2.4 mg of semaglutide can cause a weight loss of around 16% of body weight, or between 16 and 17 kg, after 68 weeks. After 52 weeks of follow-up, after drug withdrawal, the average weight loss was 5.6% with semaglutide and 0.1% with placebo. When using semaglutide injections for weight loss, it is usually recommended to continue treatment for a long period, as it maintains the weight loss can be difficult.
Semaglutide continues to support weight loss beyond six months, especially when combined with lifestyle changes. This allows people to achieve their weight loss goals and then move on to a maintenance phase, where the dose or frequency of semaglutide injections can be adjusted to help maintain weight loss. Most of this weight loss occurs in the first 32 weeks (9 months) and stagnates, as the body adjusts to the medication and patients find a sustainable way to eat. For people with type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol, semaglutide may be prescribed both for weight loss and for treating these medical conditions.
A smaller percentage of participants who used semaglutide had lost between 15 and 25% of their weight or more at this time in the trial. To get the most out of semaglutide for weight loss, it's essential to combine the medication with a healthy lifestyle. A long-term study published in 2024, involving 17,604 adults, found that weight loss with semaglutide continued for 65 weeks and that participants maintained their weight loss for up to 4 years. When starting treatment with semaglutide, most patients do not experience drastic weight loss in the first 1 to 2 weeks.
Rest assured that while the results of the first week are modest, you can expect weight loss to increase with sustained use of semaglutide over the coming weeks and months. Semaglutide should not be used for people who just want to lose weight for a vacation or an upcoming event, such as a wedding. The length of treatment with semaglutide for weight loss may vary, but many healthcare providers recommend a minimum of 12 to 24 months for chronic weight control. These findings have led regulatory agencies, including the FDA, to approve semaglutide 2.4 mg (marketed under the name Wegovy) for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight or obesity.
By understanding these factors, you can better manage your expectations and work to achieve your weight loss goals with semaglutide.
