How Long Does It Take for Wegovy to Work for Weight Loss?

While taking Wegovy (semaglutide) as a weight loss medication, you must monitor your health and look out for certain symptoms and signs that may provide vital information on the progression of the drug. You should consult your healthcare provider if any of these symptoms or signs begin to show.

Gastrointestinal symptoms are a very common side effect for Wegovy, and may be more common as your body is first adjusting to the medication, however, the symptoms can happen at any time while on the medication. Some of these symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, and stomach discomfort. If symptoms are severe or do not resolve on their own, you should inform your healthcare provider.

Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia may occur while taking Wegovy and you should look out for symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, hunger, and dizziness. Although Wegovy for weight loss is not directly linked to hypoglycemia, patients who are taking other blood sugar-lowering medications may be at increased risk of hypoglycemia and should consult their provider before starting Wegovy.

You should also closely monitor your weight while on Wegovy to ensure that treatment is going as planned and that any drastic or unexpected changes are addressed. In this case, you can consult your healthcare provider and may consider changing treatment plans.

Other things to watch for include injection site reactions, changes in mood and behavior, dehydration, thyroid tumors, and other medications that you might be taking. Attending follow-up appointments is another essential part of maximizing the benefits of Wegovy for weight loss while minimizing the potential for risks and negative side effects.

Several medications and supplements may not mesh well with Wegovy for weight loss, so you must inform your healthcare provider of all your medications, supplements, and herbal products before starting Wegovy. Insulin and Sulfonylureas are medications used to lower blood sugar levels for those with diabetes. People who take a medication that lowers blood sugar and Wegovy at the same time may be at an increased risk of hypoglycemia. You should tell your provider if you are taking either of these drugs before starting Wegovy and your diabetes treatment may have to be adjusted. Other oral antidiabetic medications may also have to be adjusted for the same reason. Taking certain medications in combination with Wegovy may cause increased risks of gastrointestinal symptoms. Some of these medications include other GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as liraglutide) and excessive alcohol consumption. Wegovy may also interfere with or be interfered with by the absorption of certain medications and herbal products due to its effects on gastric emptying. Other medications may also have certain impacts when taken with Wegovy, so informing your healthcare provider about the medications you take is essential in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of Wegovy.

Certain lifestyle choices may have significant impacts on the effectiveness of Wegovy for weight loss. This is because Wegovy is an appetite suppressant, and while it can cause less feelings of hunger and more feelings of fullness, it cannot magically cause weight loss. Having a healthy, protein-rich diet that is reduced in calories is recommended for aiding weight loss. Another big factor in accelerating weight loss is incorporating and allocating adequate time for exercise and physical activity. It is generally recommended that you get 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week, however, this also depends on the individual. Prioritizing plenty of sleep and less stress can also help make it easier to lose weight. Committing to these healthy lifestyle choices can help in speeding up the weight loss process, but also can help keep the weight off for good.

Although weight loss with Wegovy varies from person to person and can be influenced by several factors, there are some general timeline expectations for weight loss based on clinical studies and patient reporting. Within the first few weeks, a change in appetite may be noticeable, but a significant weight change may not yet be apparent. After the first few months, the most significant amount of weight loss occurs, usually ranging from 5-10% of the person’s starting weight. Weight loss will continue gradually and may continue for many months with long-term use. Some individual factors, like starting weight and individual metabolic rates, may influence the speed of weight loss too.

To achieve the greatest effects, take Wegovy as directed, eat well, and increase your physical activity. Consult our healthcare practitioner about whether Wegovy is good for you. Contact us for more information or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 420 West Mountain St. Kernersville, NC 27284. We serve patients from Kernersville NC, Colfax NC, Walkertown NC, Oak Ridge NC, Wallburg NC, Belews Creek NC, Winston-Salem NC, and surrounding areas.