Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used for weight management and to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that helps control blood sugar and appetite. It slows digestion, suppresses appetite, and increases insulin production when blood sugar is high.
Several clinical trials have evaluated the weight loss effects of semaglutide:
- In the SUSTAIN clinical trial program, people taking semaglutide experienced significant weight loss compared to placebo over 56-68 weeks:
- Average weight loss ranged from 5.6% to 13.8% of body weight on the 0.5 mg dose
- Average weight loss ranged from 10.3 to 16.9% on the 1 mg dose
- In the STEP phase 3 trials, people with obesity taking 2.4 mg semaglutide once weekly over 68 weeks experienced:
- Average weight loss of 12% to 17.4% of body weight
- In the SELECT trial, people with overweight or obesity taking 1 mg or 2 mg semaglutide daily for 68 weeks had:
- Average weight loss of 14.9% with 1 mg dose
- Average weight loss of 17.6% with 2 mg dose
So in summary, clinical trials show that on average, people losing weight with semaglutide at approved doses tend to lose
10-15% of their body weight, with some losing up to
17-18%.
Higher doses used in research settings resulted in
12-17% average weight loss.
Individual results can vary based on factors like:
- Dose taken
- Duration of treatment
- Baseline weight
- Adherence to lifestyle changes
- Other medications or health conditions
Semaglutide often leads to more weight loss when combined with increased physical activity and healthier eating habits.
Hormone Wellness Institute Weight Loss Program
*If you're struggling to lose weight, consider the Hormone Wellness Institute medically-supervised weight loss program. We customize treatment plans that may include semaglutide along with lifestyle counseling and nutritional support. *
Our caring medical team can evaluate if you're a candidate for weight management medications like semaglutide.