For those unfamiliar with Semaglutide, it’s a relatively new FDA-approved medication class for weight loss. How it works is rather complicated but it primarily impacts the brain’s satiety center – which reduces your appetite and cravings. This approach directly addresses the root cause of weight gain which is overeating. Due to the high demand, there have been shortages of these semaglutide medications.
Semaglutide was initially developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes but eventually gained FDA approval for obesity management in 2021. The pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk manufactures Semaglutide (Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss). Interestingly, Ozempic has become the catch-all term for the weekly injection, regardless of the drug’s specific purpose or variant.
Semaglutide Success Stories to Inspire You
You’ll found numerous feedback from real semaglutide users online. Here are some of them:
Lana Rodriguez
Thirty seven year old Lana Rodriguez considers Semaglutide to be the best thing that’s ever happened to her. She began her weekly Semaglutide injections in September 2022 after battling binge eating and fluctuating weight for several years. About 4 months later (January 2023) she had already lost 30 pounds and felt content with her body. She transitioned to taking a shot every two weeks to maintain her weight.
Rodriguez, who lives in Colorado Springs shared that the medication’s biggest benefits have been that she no longer needs to keep an eye on her portion sizes and there’s no food noise in her mind anymore. However, she has experienced side effects notably constipation and of course the high cost of treatment.
Rodriguez pays $200 per shot, which she finds expensive. Still, she values the security of getting her medication from an in-person doctor who can address her questions.
Ashley Dunham
Ashley Dunham started taking semaglutide in August 2022 and in less than 6 months had lost 70 pounds She opted for compounded Semaglutide and noticed gradual changes within the first few months.
For Dunham, the most noticeable advantages of the medication are:
- The weight loss
- Better blood work
She is especially pleased with her improved cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
However, she faced challenges with nausea, migraines and constipation. Dunham described the nausea as “awful,” though not unbearable. Also she mentioned becoming “hyper-fixated” on foods. She explained that if she craves something like McDonald’s French fries, she won’t feel satisfied or want to eat anything else until she gets them.
Meredith Schorr
For registered nurse Meredith Schorr, working in healthcare during the coronavirus pandemic took a significant mental and physical toll. “I wasn’t concerned with incorporating vegetables and fruits into my meals; instead, I was focused on saving lives.”
After gaining approximately 50 pounds, Schorr said she tried adjusting her diet and exercise routine to shed the weight. But that didn’t work.
Schorr shared that her nurse practitioner recommended she try Semaglutide, the active ingredient found in medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
While Mounjaro and Ozempic are approved for managing Type 2 diabetes, some doctors prescribe them “off-label” for weight loss. Wegovy, however, is specifically approved for weight loss in individuals who are obese or overweight.
These medications work by helping the body produce insulin and lower blood sugar levels, making them effective in treating Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, they slow down the digestion process and suppress appetite, which can lead to weight loss.
In February 2022, Schorr began taking a weekly injection of Semaglutide.
While many people take Semaglutide under the brand names Ozempic or Wegovy, others obtain it from pharmacies that compound their own versions using raw ingredients. Schorr mentioned that she got the drug through this method.
However, obtaining Semaglutide this way comes with risks, as the drug can be altered, and the source of the ingredients is often unclear.
Not long after starting Semaglutide, Schorr experienced side effects like severe nausea, which is common with this drug, along with constipation. But she managed to cope with these effects and soon enough began to see weight loss.
Within about 2 weeks, Schorr noticed that she had already lost a few pounds and others around her commented on her visible weight loss.
Over the course of 11 months, Schorr lost 50 pounds. However, she decided to stop taking the medication in January to prepare for a possible pregnancy.
After stopping Semaglutide, Schorr began to notice some weight gain but viewed it as a “wake-up call.”
She didn’t anticipate how hungry she would feel after about five to six weeks without the medication. Schorr initially gained around 10 pounds, but this experience reminded her to focus on maintaining the healthy lifestyle habits she had developed. She explained that she refocused her efforts on making healthy choices.
PashasMom (Reddit)
PashasMom, who has been on Semaglutide for just under a year said she has lost 115 pounds, which is impressive, especially for a post-menopausal woman of average height. She has about 30-35 pounds left to reach her goal.
Her diet plan isn’t strict. She focuses on eating smaller portions of mostly healthy foods but allows herself the occasional treat. She avoids liquid calories as much as possible and rarely weighs or measures her food. She doesn’t count calories, fats, carbs or protein nor does she consume things like protein shakes or bars to bulk up protein. Exercise is a rare activity for her too.
As for side effects, she says she occasionally deals with mild nausea, but as long as she drinks water and eats a couple of prunes daily, she doesn’t face any issues with constipation.
PashasMom notes that this weight loss experience has been relatively easy for her especially compared to other methods she’s tried, including surgery. She hardly ever experiences cravings and doesn’t think about food much. If she wants something calorie-dense, just a few bites here and there.
How to Maintain Weight Loss After Discontinuing Semaglutide
Semaglutide works by reducing the appetite and enhancing the feeling of fullness. However, most people tend to regain some of the weight they lost after stopping the medication. By engaging in physical activity and a personalized diet plan you may be able to maintain some of the weight loss.
Semaglutide is the active component in Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus. For now, only Wegovy is approved for weight loss in the United States, while Semaglutide is also used for managing type 2 diabetes.
Regardless of the brand or health goal, this medication contributes to weight loss. However, once you discontinue its use, there’s a likelihood of regaining the weight, or at least a portion of it.
You may be able to maintain some or all of the weight loss by integrating weight management strategies into your Semaglutide treatment, especially if you continue these practices after stopping the drug.
Semaglutide functions as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Depending on the brand, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for treating type 2 diabetes, managing obesity and overweight, preventing cardiovascular diseases, or a combination of these conditions.
As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Semaglutide helps regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels, suppresses appetite, and creates a sense of fullness.
Semaglutide is marketed under several brand names:
- Wegovy: FDA-approved for weight loss, type 2 diabetes and for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Ozempic: FDA-approved solely for type 2 diabetes.
- Rybelsus: Also FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.
Healthcare providers frequently prescribe Ozempic and Rybelsus for off-label use in weight management. Off-label use refers to prescribing a medication for purposes other than those it’s officially approved for, based on its proven effectiveness.
Can You Keep the Weight Off After Stopping Semaglutide?
It is possible to maintain weight loss after using Semaglutide, but achieving long-term success requires additional weight management strategies.
Even with healthy lifestyle changes, many individuals still experience weight regain after stopping Semaglutide, a phenomenon often referred to as “Ozempic rebound,” although it can occur with all brands of Semaglutide.
Research indicates that it is challenging for most people to keep the weight off after discontinuing Wegovy. This remains true even when they continue with the healthy eating habits and regular exercise that initially helped them lose weight.
Weight gain after stopping Semaglutide is not a sign of failure or a lack of willpower. Instead, it’s a natural outcome of increased appetite and decreased feelings of fullness once the medication is no longer in your system.
If you’re worried about regaining weight after discontinuing Semaglutide, the following strategies may be beneficial:
1. Continue Your Exercise Routine
While weight gain after stopping Semaglutide is common, maintaining regular physical activity may help reduce the amount of weight you regain.
2. Mimic Fullness Through Food Choices
Semaglutide slows down the emptying of the stomach, a condition known as gastroparesis, which creates a feeling of fullness.
After stopping Semaglutide, you can replicate this sensation by including protein in your meals.
That’s because meals rich in protein may slow digestion. Also you should consume plenty of produce, which occupies more space in the stomach but contains fewer calories due to its higher water and fiber content.
3. Seek Continued Professional Guidance
Working with a team of professionals, such as an obesity specialist, personal trainer, and registered dietitian, can help you maintain long-term weight management success.
How Long Can You Stay on Semaglutide?
Semaglutide has been used in clinical trials for weight loss for up to 104 weeks, or two years. The duration of Semaglutide treatment for obesity may vary based on the person’s goals and needs, any underlying health conditions, and potential side effects.