If you’ve been trying to lose weight, you’ll almost certainly have heard of Semaglutide by now.
Also known under the brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy, it’s the FDA-approved weight-loss drug that has been making headlines for its unparalleled effectiveness.
And if, like so many of our clients, you’re tempted by this incredible weight-loss solution, you’ll undoubtedly have questions as well.
Such as…
How long do you have to stay on Semaglutide to achieve your desired weight loss?
Should you, or can you, stay on it forever?
Or what happens when you stop taking it?
So if you’ve been wanting to know more about Semaglutide and whether it might be the right option for you, keep reading to find out more about exactly what you can expect.
An overview of Semaglutide for weight loss
Before we delve into how long you stay on Semaglutide, it’s important to understand what this medication is and how it works.
In our previous blog post, How Does Semaglutide Cause Weight Loss?, we covered all the ins and outs of the science behind it, as well as many other common questions, so we’d recommend you to have a read of that, too.
But in short – Semaglutide is an injectable form ingredient (originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes) that mimics the hormone that regulates appetite and food intake. Ultimately, this means that Semaglutide reduces hunger, slows gastric emptying, and promotes a feeling of fullness – making it a highly effective tool for weight loss, without feeling like you’re depriving yourself of food.
It’s important to realize that not everyone is a candidate; it’s not a quick-fix drug, nor is it suited to anyone just looking to shed a few stubborn pounds.
The qualifications for semaglutide include having a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher who also have weight-related health conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. And it’s also necessary to follow a healthy lifestyle in conjunction with the treatment, in order to see results.
Expected weight-loss timeline on Semaglutide
The weight loss timeline with Semaglutide varies from person to person, but generally you can expect to see initial results within the first four weeks of treatment, significant weight loss within six months, and continued weight loss for up to around two years – although many people find their weight loss starts to plateau around 12 months.
However, it’s important to realize that these results depend on several factors, including your starting weight and age, lifestyle changes (especially diet and exercise habits), and adherence to the treatment plan.
How long can you take Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is safe to take long-term. In fact, it’s designed for it.
However, that doesn’t mean you have to take Semaglutide forever.
It’s also important to remember that it’s not meant to be a solution on its own...
For best results, and especially to maintain them long-term, you’ll need to make healthy lifestyle choices alongside the treatment.
When you first start on Semaglutide for weight loss, there’s an initial treatment period that lasts 16 to 20 weeks. During this phase, you’ll begin with a low dose that is gradually increased, to allow your body to adjust to the medication and minimize side effects. From there, the duration depends on your weight loss progress and goals.
For most people, it’s generally recommended to continue for an extended period of at least 12 to 24 months.
While weight loss is the initial goal, once you’ve hit your target weight it becomes a case of maintaining it, and this can be harder to do if you’ve not had the time to cement your new diet and exercise habits.
A longer treatment period allows you to achieve your target weight-loss goals, and then transition to a maintenance phase where the dosage or frequency of Semaglutide injections can be gradually reduced, allowing your body to adjust to lower dosages while you simultaneously cement your new lifestyle habits.
However, as with any type of medical treatment, every individual is different and there are several factors that will influence how long you might stay on Semaglutide, including:
- Your weight-loss response to the medication
- Your individual goals
- Whether you experience any side effects
- Your commitment to diet and exercise changes
Effects of Semaglutide long-term
Given that semaglutide is designed to be used long-term, the effects of long-term use are generally all positive ones – especially when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.
The benefits of long-term Semaglutide use include:
- Sustained weight loss
- Improved blood sugar levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Increased energy levels
- Better sleep quality
- Reduced inflammation and joint pain
- Better mental health and self-esteem
- Improved physical, cardiovascular, and metabolic health
However, as with any type of medication, long-term use can also have potential risks from side effects, so regular medical check-ups are important to ensure it remains safe and effective.
Can you build muscle on Semaglutide?
One of the possible downsides of eating less while on Semaglutide is losing muscle as well as fat.
This is usually a result of not eating enough protein, which is why it’s so important to be mindful of your diet and nutrition while on Semaglutide.
Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle, so ensuring your meals are nutritious, balanced, and always include protein, is vital if you want to avoid muscle loss.
However, as long as you’re eating the right things, it’s absolutely possible to build muscle while on Semaglutide, just as when on any other healthy diet and exercise regime.
It’s recommended to do regular strength training, such as weight lifting or resistance exercises, at least twice per week to help maintain and build muscle mass.
Or if you want even more noticeable results, the great news is that it’s completely safe to do treatments such as Emscult NEO in combination with Semaglutide, once you’ve reached your target weight.
Emsculpt NEO is an advanced body contouring treatment that combines electromagnetic energy and radiofrequency heat to break down stubborn fat and strengthen and tone muscle, all in one pain-free and non-invasive treatment.
Both Emsculpt and Semaglutide are treatments that require an active participation in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to be able to benefit from them, but the combination of these two revolutionary treatments is without a doubt one of the best ways to finally get the body you’ve been dreaming of.
What happens when you stop taking Semaglutide?
A common concern about Semaglutide is what happens when you stop.
As Semaglutide suppresses appetite and makes you feel fuller, it’s common for people to regain some of the weight they lost after stopping the treatment, as they readjust to increased appetite levels.
However, this doesn’t need to be the case.
One of the reasons it’s recommended to stay on Semaglutide for at least a year, is to give yourself the time to reach your optimal weight, and then maintain that weight while gradually tapering off the medication.
This allows your body to adjust to the change in dosage while also giving yourself longer to form and solidify your new diet and exercise habits, which will be critical in maintaining your weight loss long-term.
Achieve your weight loss goals at BodyTonic Cleveland
Semaglutide has become much more than just a beacon of hope for people struggling with their weight; it’s become a life-changing – and sometimes life-saving – solution to millions of people.
As a prescription-only drug, Semaglutide can only be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider, and we at BodyTonic are proud to be authorized and licensed to offer this life-changing treatment.
So if you’re interested in Semaglutide and live in the Cleveland area, come and see us for a completely free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation.
We’ll start by checking if you’re a candidate for the treatment, and if you qualify we’ll be able to give you a personalized explanation of how long you might stay on semaglutide for your weight loss journey, what sort of results you can expect, and answer any other questions you may have.
By doing your treatment at BodyTonic Med Spa, not only will you enjoy access to the responsible regulatory practices and medical safety that a treatment such as this requires, but you’ll do so among a soothing, supportive, and enjoyable spa environment.
