Whether you’ve been prescribed semaglutide or are considering a telehealth treatment plan, you’re ready to take charge of your weight management. Naturally, you have questions about what to expect: When will you see results? Does semaglutide suppress appetite immediately? Can you speed up its effects? In this guide, we’ll answer these questions and help you set realistic expectations as you embark on your journey to better health.
What Does Semaglutide Do?
Semaglutide is a medication that mimics the action of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It helps regulate blood sugar, which is why name-brand semaglutide medications like Ozempic have historically been prescribed as a treatment option for type 2 diabetes.
However, semaglutide also targets appetite-related brain receptors, reducing hunger and cravings. It can help folks feel fuller faster after eating, potentially leading to reduced caloric intake. This appetite-suppressing effect has caused both name-brand semaglutides like Wegovy® and compounded semaglutide to rise in popularity as a weight management solution.
How Long Does It Take for Semaglutide to Suppress Appetite?
According to the Mayo Clinic, you may experience changes like reduced appetite and increased feelings of fullness in as little as the first week. Remember, the time it takes for semaglutide to take effect can differ from one person to another. It may suppress your appetite within a few days, or it could take a few weeks. You can expect semaglutide to continue influencing your appetite in the medium and long term. Eventually, it can improve your overall metabolic health.
Can You Speed Up Your Results?
Starting a weight management medication like semaglutide can be exciting, and many people want to see results right away. However, not everybody reacts to semaglutide in the same way, and not everyone will see the same results on the same timeline.
Several factors can influence the effectiveness of semaglutide injections and how quickly you see results. While you can’t make semaglutide itself work faster, you can maximize its effectiveness by adhering to best practices and lifestyle adjustments.
Follow Your Prescribed Dosage Schedule
Always adhere to the dosage prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider. Semaglutide is usually started at a lower dose and gradually increased to help the medication work efficiently without overwhelming your system. Skipping doses or changing the schedule without consulting your doctor can be detrimental to your treatment plan.
Focus on a Healthier Diet
Semaglutide suppresses your diet, which can make it easier to maintain a calorie deficit and manage your weight. However, you want to be mindful of the number of calories you consume and the nutritional value of the foods you eat when you are hungry. Incorporating lean proteins, veggies, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats can help maximize the effects of semaglutide on your appetite and fullness.
Increase Your Physical Activity Levels
Engaging in regular physical activity while taking semaglutide can significantly help with weight management. Try to get in 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per day, or at least 150 minutes per week. This exercise can be a brisk walk or a session on a stationary bike. Strength training is another great option, as it can improve your metabolism.
Regularly Check In with a Healthcare Professional
Regular progress check-ins are crucial to optimizing your treatment plan. If you don’t see the results you expected or the semaglutide doses don’t work as they should, your healthcare provider can make adjustments as necessary to help you get on track.
Be Patient
It's important to remember that semaglutide treatment plans aren’t designed to be a quick fix. They are meant to produce steady and sustainable weight management results that can help you live a healthier lifestyle for years to come. Patience is key, as slow and steady progress is healthier and more sustainable long term. Instant, rapid results should not be the goal.
Take Control of Your Weight Management with OrderlyMeds
Every body is different, which means every weight management journey is unique — even when you take semaglutide. When you sign up with OrderlyMeds, you get access to a dedicated telehealth medical team that creates a personalized plan designed to help you meet your goals. They will check in to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your dosage. With our ongoing diet and fitness support, we help you maximize the effectiveness of semaglutide to get the results you want. Start your journey toward a healthier you today and check your eligibility.