To get the most out of semaglutide for weight loss, it's essential to combine the medication with a healthy lifestyle. Adults with a body mass index greater than 30 (or 27 if they have a weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol levels) may benefit from semaglutide injections. Two published trials directly compare semaglutide with liraglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist indicated for weight loss. According to the available literature, 2.4 mg of semaglutide is a important addition to pharmacotherapeutic options for chronic weight control.
Unlike fad diets or over-the-counter supplements, semaglutide offers a sustainable, scientifically proven approach to weight loss. Studies show that, on average, adults who used semaglutide lost about 35 pounds, about 15% of their body weight. On average, people can expect to lose 5 to 10% of their body weight over several months while taking semaglutide. For example, a small study found that participants with a BMI of 27 or more lost an average of 14 pounds after three months of weekly injections.
Studies show that semaglutide helps people lose weight and keep it off for more than a year if used continuously. When taken as prescribed, semaglutide is administered as a weekly injection, making it suitable for those looking for a long-term solution to losing weight. If patients cannot tolerate administering a dose during the escalation, doctors should consider delaying the dose escalation for 4 weeks. Next, we'll look at the average weight loss with semaglutide and what you can expect in terms of results.
Rest assured that while the first week's results are modest, you can expect weight loss to increase with sustained use of semaglutide over the coming weeks and months. For example, in one study, patients who took semaglutide lost an average of 6.7 kg (14.8 pounds) in the first 3 months, which translates into a 5.9% weight loss compared to their starting weight.
