How Long Does It Take for Wegovy To Work?

How Long Does It Take for Wegovy To Work?

This article was reviewed by Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA.

When considering a weight loss medication — or any medication — it’s normal to wonder when the effects will kick in. So, how long does it take for Wegovy to work? The Wegovy weight loss timeline can vary a bit between individuals, but Wegovy goes to work pretty quickly, with the medication reaching peak concentration in your body within one to three days.

In clinical trials, people taking Wegovy and participating in healthy lifestyle changes lost an average of four percent of their body weight within the first eight weeks of treatment.

Weight loss typically progresses over the following year, with continued treatment. Wegovy has been shown to help people lose up to 20 percent of their body weight over 68 weeks, when paired with healthy lifestyle changes.

Below, we’ll explore how quickly Wegovy works, the Wegovy weight loss timeline, how you can maximize results with a comprehensive weight loss program, and more.

How Fast Does Wegovy Work for Weight Loss?

Wegovy starts working soon after it’s injected, with the medication reaching peak concentration in your body within one to three days.

When you first start taking Wegovy, you’ll take a lower dose. Your prescribing healthcare provider will provide you with a dose escalation (titration) schedule that outlines when to increase your dose (typically every four weeks) until you reach your long-term “maintenance” dose.

You’ll increase your dose over time to allow your body time to adjust to the medication. You might notice some of the early gastrointestinal side effects of Wegovy within the first few days or weeks of starting the medication.

If you have trouble tolerating your dose, your provider may slow down your dose escalation schedule to give your body time to adjust. Wegovy side effects like nausea and stomach upset are typically temporary.

Weight loss typically begins within a few weeks, with more noticeable changes appearing over time.

At What Dose Does Wegovy Start Working?

A 2021 Wegovy study followed nearly 2,000 adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more (or 27+ with a weight-related condition).

By week four of the trial, participants who took Wegovy and made lifestyle changes lost around two percent of their body weight. During those initial weeks, they took an introductory dose of 0.25 milligrams (mg) of Wegovy.

This suggests that Wegovy starts working at the introductory dose of 0.25mg.

Participants in the Wegovy trial increased their dose every four weeks until reaching a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. For continued weight loss success and long-term weight management, a higher dose is typically necessary.

How Quickly Can You Lose Weight on Wegovy?

Your experience with Wegovy may depend on many factors, including your biology, lifestyle, and medication dose. But, if you’d like a rough idea of what to expect, the Wegovy study we mentioned above found that people lost weight steadily over the course of several months.

The average weight loss among participants in that study, who also made healthy lifestyle changes, was as follows.

After 68 weeks, participants who also made lifestyle changes lost up to 20 percent of their body weight.

While your journey may look different, these milestones can offer a general sense of what to expect.

How long can you take semaglutide for weight loss? Our guide covers long-term use.

How Long Does It Take for the First Shot of Wegovy To Work?

You may begin to notice the effects of your first Wegovy dose within a few days — or it could take a few weeks to feel a difference.

Common early effects include a reduced appetite, feeling full more quickly, and eating less.

Be patient. Wegovy is working behind the scenes, even if physical changes aren’t immediately apparent. It takes time for your body to adjust and for semaglutide to build up to therapeutic levels.

How Long Does Wegovy Take To Work? Factors at Play

Every body is different. Several factors could potentially affect how quickly Wegovy works. Here’s what may influence how soon you start seeing results:

Your Wegovy Dose

Your prescribing healthcare provider will probably get you started on a low dose of Wegovy that gradually increases over time. You may start with a 0.25-mg dose that slowly increases every four weeks until you reach the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg.

If you experience side effects, your provider might adjust your dosing schedule, which can also impact your timeline.

Missed Doses

Consistency matters. Regularly missing doses of Wegovy could delay results.

Lifestyle Habits

Wegovy is most effective when paired with healthy lifestyle changes like healthy eating and increased activity. Weight Loss by Hers includes a comprehensive treatment plan designed to support these healthy habits, including:

• Personalized nutrition guidance, meal plans, and daily protein goals

• Daily activity recommendations

• Sleep content designed by psychologists

• Access to 24/7 Care Team support for accountability

Your Goals

If you’re monitoring your appetite, you may notice effects within the first few days or weeks of taking Wegovy. If your focus is on weight loss goals or metabolic health, it may take longer to see full effects.

How Fast Can You Lose Weight on Wegovy?

The rate of weight loss varies when taking Wegovy. While some people notice changes quickly, the recommended pace for healthy weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week to keep the weight off in the long term. Other advice suggests that losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight in the first six months is a realistic and healthy target.

For healthy weight loss, it’s also important that the weight you’re losing is adipose tissue (fat) rather than lean body mass (muscle). Losing the “right” weight is more important — and more sustainable — than losing weight quickly. To help preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss with Wegovy, prioritize protein intake.

Craig Primack, MD, Senior Vice President of Weight Loss at Hims & Hers, recommends consuming 100 grams of protein per day to support healthy weight loss.

Looking for personalized guidance on how much protein you should be eating? Check out the Protein Calculator for Weight Loss.

Dr. Primack also advises strength training to help preserve lean muscle mass while losing weight.

How Long Does It Take for Wegovy To Work? Summing It Up

While every person’s experience is different, here’s a general timeline of what to expect when taking Wegovy for weight loss:

• First week: You might feel some effects in the first week. This can include reduced appetite, eventually resulting in a lower food intake.

• You might notice weight loss in the first month. Studies suggest people lose weight within their first four weeks of taking Wegovy.

• You might notice significant weight loss in a few months. As your dose increases over time and you continue your Wegovy treatment and lifestyle changes, you may experience steady, sustained weight loss over the next few months or years.

This article originally appeared on ForHers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.