How long it takes to see results with GLP-1 medications will depend on what you are taking it for. If you are using it to lower your blood sugar, it will typically start to work as soon as you reach your therapeutic dose, which will vary based on the individual.
For weight loss, the results can vary and depend on many different factors, including the diet and lifestyle changes you make while on the medication.
GLP-1 Results
When you start a GLP-1 medication for blood sugar control or weight loss your provider will start you on the lowest dose and slowly titrate up every 4-weeks or so. Gradually increasing the dose over a period of weeks lowers the risk of side effects and allows your body to get used to the medication. It is important that you follow the titration schedule to prevent any complications.
The therapeutic dose of semiglutide (Ozempic) for blood sugar control depends on the individual, your healthcare provider will decide the best dose for you. The therapeutic dose of semiglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) for weight loss is 2.4 mg. However many people begin to lose weight on lower doses.
You may not experience any results until you have been on the medication for 4-8 weeks. Typically, most people start to notice gradual weight loss between weeks 5 and 9, but this can vary depending on the individual.
Once you reach your therapeutic dose, the expected rate of weight loss is 0.5-1% of your body weight per week. This means if you weigh 200 pounds, you can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week but may lose more if you start at a higher weight. Weight loss will typically slow down the longer you stay on the medication and the closer you are to your goal weight.
Improving Your GLP-1 Results
If you want to optimize your results while taking the medication, the best thing you can do is make changes to your lifestyle and diet to support healthy blood sugar and weight loss. This includes:
- Following a calorie-controlled diet, rich in fruits and vegetables
- Choosing foods high in fiber and protein
- Avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages
- Limiting processed foods
- Limiting or avoiding alcohol
- Exercising at least 30-60 minutes daily
- Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours per night)
- Keeping stress in check
If you have been on the medication for 8 weeks and have not experienced any weight loss or improvements in your blood sugar, speak with your provider who can help you determine the best course of action to see results.
References:
- Pi-Sunyer, X., Astrup, A., Fujioka, K., et al. (2015). A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. The New England Journal of Medicine, 373(1), 11–22.
- Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S.,et al (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002.
