Wegovy (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved medication for weight loss—you may have heard of it. Thanks to a remarkable efficacy in helping individuals with a BMI of 27 or higher shed excess pounds, Wegovy for weight loss (and Ozempic) have skyrocketed to weight loss fame.
The biggest question most people ask: how long does it take to lose weight on Wegovy? The second biggest: what is the Wegovy length of treatment?
How long does it take for Wegovy to work?
Wegovy starts working in your body immediately after your first injection—and you may see some more extreme side effects in the beginning as your body adjusts. However, it takes time before you start feeling its full effects.
While the medication is actively working to reduce your appetite and regulate your metabolism, noticeable results won’t happen overnight. It may take a couple weeks before you start to feel the appetite reduction. And it may take a few more to start seeing results on the scale.
Most individuals will see and feel results in the first 4 to 6 weeks on the medication, though individual results can vary. Those who make lifestyle changes will likely see results faster. Check out our 6-week semaglutide plan for best practices.
How long do you take Wegovy for weight loss?
You take Wegovy for as long as you need to in order to reach and maintain your weight loss goals. It’s important to remember that Wegovy is designed for long-term use, and many people stay on the medication to help maintain their weight loss even after they’ve reached their target weight.
Your doctor will guide you on how long you should continue taking Wegovy based on your progress and overall health.
How long is Wegovy’s treatment duration?
There is no maximum Wegovy length of treatment. This medication is meant to be taken long-term. Wegovy—and other medications like it—are treatments, not cures. Once you stop taking the medication, the effects on your appetite go away.
There is no set minimum either. But you can expect to be on Wegovy for at least a year. The studies showing 15-20% weight loss were conducted over 52-72 weeks.
Is there a way to decrease the Wegovy length of treatment?
While there is no guaranteed way to reach your goal weight faster with Wegovy, making significant lifestyle changes can help you lose weight more quickly and maintain those results long-term.
Ways to accelerate Wegovy for weight loss results
Eat a Balanced Diet: Unsurprisingly, your diet plays a crucial role in determining how much weight you lose while on Wegovy. While you don’t need to eat a balanced diet to lose weight on Wegovy, it is highly recommended. Here’s why: a balanced diet can not only accelerate your weight loss but also foster healthier habits that enable you to maintain your progress even after you stop taking Wegovy.
Focus on a nutritious, calorie-controlled diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limiting processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can further support weight loss.
Increase Physical Activity: Exercise is another crucial lifestyle change you should be making while on Wegovy for weight loss. Can you lose weight on Wegovy without exercise? Yes. But, again, regular physical activity helps you lose weight faster and maintain the weight loss once you stop the medication.
Regular exercise is crucial for weight loss. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, combined with strength training exercises to build muscle mass and boost metabolism.
Get Enough Sleep: You may be surprised to find out that your sleep can actually impact your weight loss. Too little sleep or poor quality sleep can undermine the changes you’re making and slow or stall your weight loss efforts.
Prioritize quality sleep, as inadequate rest can negatively affect hormones related to hunger and appetite. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Manage Stress: Stress can impact your weight two-fold. High stress levels can lead to emotional eating. Stress also increases your cortisol levels, which leads to an increase in insulin production. That not only counteracts the effects of Wegovy, it causes you to crave sugary, fatty foods.
Incrporate stress-reducing techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga, to help lower cortisol levels and maintain a healthy relationship with food.
Stay Consistent: Consistency is key to seeing results. Stick to your healthy eating and exercise plans, even on days when motivation wanes.
Is it safe to increase Wegovy dosing for weight loss?
You’ll notice that we didn’t list increased Wegovy dosing for weight loss. While the higher doses of Wegovy have been shown to be more effective for weight loss, you should be following your dosing schedule.
Do not increase your Wegovy dosing for weight loss without consulting your healthcare provider.
You should not be double dosing your medication either as this can lead to overdose.
How to get Wegovy for weight loss
So, how long do you take Wegovy for weight loss? The Wegovy treatment duration varies based on each individual’s unique needs and the recommendations of their healthcare provider. It’s important to work closely with a medical professional to tailor your treatment plan for optimal results.
Connect with knowledgeable healthcare providers and get started on Wegovy for weight loss. Register today!
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