If you have diabetes, your doctor might recommend that you take Rybelsus. But what exactly is Rybelsus and why are we seeing a lot of weight loss reviews about it?
Rybelsus is a prescription medication specifically for adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps regulate your blood sugar levels and is known to promote weight loss. The active ingredient in Rybelsus is semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. Unlike many semaglutide drugs out there, Rybelsus is available in tablet form and is taken orally once a day, at least 30 minutes before your first meal.
Available Rybelsus Dosage Forms
Rybelsus is prescribed in the following dosages:
- 3 mg tablets
- 7 mg tablets
- 14 mg tablets
Can You Lose Weight with Rybelsus?
You might lose weight while taking Rybelsus. However, it’s important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it as a weight-loss drug. In clinical studies, participants who weighed around 196 lbs (about 89kg) and took the lowest dose of Rybelsus lost approximately 5 lbs (about 2kg) in a period of 6 months. Remember, Rybelsus should be used alongside healthy eating and exercise habits to manage diabetes. Rybelsus can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and lack of appetite.
Rybelsus vs. Metformin
Metformin has been used to treat type 2 diabetes for many years, with its first approval in the U.S. dating back to 1995. Generic metformin tablets are available in 500 mg, 850 mg, and 1,000 mg strengths but is also available in other forms including Fortamet, Glumetza, and Riomet.
Metformin is approved by the FDA for managing blood sugar in adults and children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. However, the extended-release (ER) versions are only approved for adults.
Metformin helps manage the blood sugar by:
- Preventing your liver from producing more sugar
- Reducing the amount of sugar your body absorbs
- Increasing the effectiveness of your body’s natural insulin
However, there are a few differences in their use. Metformin is often the first-choice treatment for most people and recent reviews also suggest it might have some additional cardiovascular benefits. However, not everyone can take or tolerate metformin and in such cases, other options are considered.
Rybelsus isn’t generally recommended as a first-line treatment but it can be added to other medications — like metformin — for extra blood sugar-lowering effects. If you need to include a GLP-1 agonist in your treatment, Rybelsus is the only oral choice in the market right now.
On the other hand, Ozempic — the injectable version of Rybelsus — might be preferred if you also have heart disease. This is because it can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. This benefit hasn’t yet been confirmed with Rybelsus.
Rybelsus Weight Loss Reviews You Can Check
If you’re here because you want to know about Rybelsus’ effectiveness for weight loss, you may be able to find the answers you’re looking for. Here are Rybelsus weight loss reviews you can refer to:
Rybelsus Weight Loss Review #1
An anonymous reviewer on Drugs.com shared an update after being on Rybelsus for 6 weeks. They recently increased their dosage from 3mg to 7mg and the only side effect they’ve noticed is having vivid dreams, and their sleep pattern has become a bit irregular. Apart from that, they haven’t experienced any other significant side effects. They’ve lost 9 pounds in these 6 weeks without doing any exercise and their appetite has significantly decreased.
Their food intake has dropped by about 50%, which is definitely helping with weight loss. At 41 years old, they’ve been on and off diets for the last 20 years, and this medication makes it much easier for them because they can still eat what they want, just in smaller portions and less often.
The reviewer notes that Rybelsus might not work the same for everyone, but they feel lucky it suits them.
Rybelsus Weight Loss Review #2
Jay has been on the 3mg dose of Rybelsus for nearly a year. His A1C levels have dropped, and has lost about 32 pounds. He experienced some lightheadedness and nausea, which led his doctor to advise him to stop taking Metformin, as it seemed to be contributing to these symptoms. After discontinuing Metformin, the lightheadedness became much less frequent, though it still occurs occasionally. Jay has also had some issues with constipation and diarrhea, but these haven’t been too bothersome.
Jay hasn’t noticed any metallic taste or anything similar. When he feels nauseous, drinking a bit of water or eating something usually helps. His appetite has decreased, and he no longer craves sugary foods as often, which is now a rare occurrence. Instead, he finds himself craving fruits more.
Jay is concerned about potential long-term effects, which is another reason he prefers to stay on the lower dose. He has a doctor’s appointment next month to review more lab results. Despite some side effects, Jay finds that the medication has been successful in achieving his goals.
Rybelsus Weight Loss Review #3
A Reddit user, Awkward_Staff9615, shared their experience after starting the third month of taking Rybelsus, moving up to the 14 mg dose on their own initiative, without their PCP’s instruction.
With a history of pre-diabetes for nearly 20 years, they decided to try something different. Over the course of three months, they’ve lost 21 pounds. Their blood pressure has also improved and is now close to normal. They appreciate how the medication has helped them change their eating habits and maintain an exercise routine. However, they remind themselves to eat regularly and ensure they consume a lot of protein daily while drinking 128 ounces of water.
Rybelsus Weight Loss Review #4
Snowbunny199018 shared on Reddit that she has been using Rybelsus for a little over a year. Starting at 194 pounds and standing 5’2″, she began with the 3mg starter dose and later moved up to 7 mg. Even at 3 mg, she noticed a slight difference in her weight. However, once she reached 7mg, the weight started coming off more rapidly.
She changed her diet to low-carb and low-sugar while taking Rybelsus every morning before eating or drinking anything. After a year, she lost over 50 pounds and feel better than ever. She has not had to increase her dose to 13mg. Recent blood work shows her A1C has dropped from 6.2 to 5.2, and all her numbers are now within healthy, normal ranges. She encourages others not to be nervous about starting this medication, as it has worked well for her.
How much weight can you lose with Rybelsus?
Research indicates that individuals weighing 194 pounds who took 14mg of Rybelsus daily for 6 months shed around 8 lbs. Similarly, those who weighed 196 pounds and took a daily dose of 7mg for the same duration lost approximately 5 lbs.
How long does Rybelsus take to be effective for weight loss?
Rybelsus usually takes about 6 months to show its effects in weight loss. However, this can vary from person to person based on additional factors like changes in lifestyle, diet, etc.
What is more effective than Rybelsus for weight loss?
Wegovy is considered more effective than Rybelsus for weight reduction. While Rybelsus is primarily prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, Wegovy, which also contains semaglutide, delivers much better results for weight loss when paired with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
You might be eligible for Wegovy if your body mass index (BMI) is 30 kg/m2 or higher, or if your BMI is 27 kg/m2 or above and you have at least one weight-related health issue, such as elevated cholesterol, hypertension or high blood sugar.
Do people lose more weight with Rybelsus or Ozempic?
People might experience slightly greater weight loss with Ozempic compared to Rybelsus. A study conducted in 2021 found that among people with type 2 diabetes managed by diet and exercise, the highest dose of subcutaneous semaglutide (Ozempic 1mg) resulted in an average weight loss of 9.9 lbs over 30 weeks. In contrast, the highest dose of oral semaglutide (Rybelsus 14 mg) led to an average loss of 8.2 lbs over 26 weeks.
What are the risks of using Rybelsus?
The common side effects of Rybelsus include stomach pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. These symptoms usually improve as your body adapts to the medication.
Rybelsus Warnings
Using Rybelsus has been linked to an increased risk of:
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney function issues
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Diabetic retinopathy complications
- Hypoglycemia when combined with other diabetes medications
- Gallbladder problems
- Allergic reactions
- Drug interactions with other medications
Who should not take Rybelsus?
Doctors usually don’t prescribe Rybelsus to:
- Those with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2)
- Children under 18 years of age
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Individuals with type 1 diabetes
- Those allergic to semaglutide
What should I inform my healthcare provider of before using Rybelsus?
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, supplements, herbal products etc. This helps them determine if Rybelsus is suitable for you. Specifically, make sure to discuss the following:
- Pancreatitis
Let your healthcare provider know if you’ve ever had pancreatitis. They might consider another medication for your type 2 diabetes.
- Vision issues
Inform your healthcare provider if you have diabetic retinopathy or have experienced vision problems related to diabetes. Your vision may be monitored while taking Rybelsus.
- Low blood sugar
Inform your healthcare provider about any diabetes medications you’re taking as it might cause low blood sugar when combined with Rybelsus.
- Kidney problems
If you have kidney issues, including chronic kidney failure, let your healthcare provider know as this could worsen while on Rybelsus.
- Other medications and supplements
Rybelsus may interact with other medications and supplements. Before starting Rybelsus, inform your healthcare provider about any prescription or OTC medications you’re using.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Rybelsus may harm an unborn baby so be sure to inform your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You should discontinue Rybelsus at least 2 months before trying to conceive. If breastfeeding, understand that it’s not known if Rybelsus passes into breast milk. Your doctor will advise you on whether you should continue using Rybelsus during this period.