The role semaglutide can play in weight loss

What you’ll learn:

• Semaglutide is a medication that mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar.
• Semaglutide works in three ways: it reduces hunger, slows how quickly your stomach empties, and improves blood sugar control.
• Studies show significant weight loss, with people taking the right dosage of semaglutide losing an average of 15% of their body weight over 16 months.

You’ve likely heard of the weight-loss benefits of Ozempic^® through social media, the news, or through one of Noom’s programs. What you might not know is that semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic^®, which is FDA-approved for diabetes management and also prescribed off-label for weight loss. Semaglutide is responsible for Ozempic^®’s blood-sugar-lowering and weight-loss effects. But what is semaglutide, and how does it work?

What is semaglutide and how does it aid in weight loss?

Semaglutide is a type of medication called a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It aids in weight loss by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which is naturally produced by your body in response to food. This hormone helps control hunger and blood sugar levels. Here’s how it works in simpler terms:

First, semaglutide helps reduce hunger and makes you feel full longer. It does this by slowing down how fast your stomach empties after eating. When your stomach empties more slowly, you feel full and satisfied for a longer time, which helps you eat less. Think about how you feel after you’ve eaten Thanksgiving dinner. Some people report that semaglutide makes them feel like this much of the time.  

Second, semaglutide targets the brain’s appetite control centers. By acting on these areas, it helps suppress your appetite and reduce cravings. Taking semaglutide is like pressing a button that sends a message to your brain saying, “Hey, you’re full! Stop being hungry!” This makes you feel less hungry and more satisfied, even if you haven’t eaten a lot. This makes it easier to stick to a healthy and balanced diet, like those cultivated by Noom.

Third, semaglutide helps control blood sugar levels. After you eat, it helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. This process supports weight loss and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.

How much weight can I lose taking semaglutide?

Clinical studies show that medications containing semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss. People taking semaglutide achieved an average weight loss of 15% over 16 months, compared to a mere 2.4% in the group that only made lifestyle adjustments. These impressive results highlight semaglutide’s potential as a reliable tool to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

People who combined Noom with semaglutide or a GLP-1 medication lost even more weight. 

If you want to know if a GLP-1 medication is right for you, Noom Med will connect you with qualified clinicians who can determine your eligibility and coordinate access to the right one. This can include navigating tricky insurance options. If your insurance doesn’t cover GLP-1s, our clinicians can prescribe compounded semaglutide* if it’s right for you. Your prescription for compounded semaglutide will start at $149 per month with medication and the Noom Med program included.  Get started with Noom Med today.

If you’ve already been prescribed a medication like semaglutide, Noom’s GLP-1 Companion can help minimize side effects and tailor your nutrition needs. By addressing the medical and behavioral aspects together, we help individuals taking semaglutide to achieve long-term, sustainable weight loss. 

FAQs: Common questions about semaglutide

Is semaglutide safe for long-term use?

Clinical trials have determined that semaglutide is safe and effective for long-term use. Studies have examined its effects for up to 68 weeks. However, as with any medication, you should discuss the possible risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment. 

What are the most common side effects of semaglutide?

Many people experience nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, and fatigue while taking semaglutide. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to get better as your body gets used to the medication.

What are the potential serious side effects of semaglutide?

Serious and less common potential side effects include thyroid tumors and/or thyroid cancer (though connections have only been established in animal studies), pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, kidney issues, and serious allergic reactions. For a more comprehensive list of side effects, visit the official Ozempic^® and Wegovy^® websites.

I’ve heard of other unofficial side effects of semaglutide. How concerned should I be?

There have been many articles in the media about the surprising side effects that those who’ve been prescribed Ozempic^® and Wegovy^® have experienced. This includes increased fertility, suicidal thoughts, “Ozempic face,” and muscle loss. Briefly, here are points to consider for each side effect:

Muscle loss: Some users report losing muscle mass and fat while on semaglutide. What’s happening is that rapid weight loss from anything can cause some muscle loss. However, most weight loss on semaglutide is fat. Doctors recommend maintaining adequate protein intake and strength training to minimize muscle loss. Noom has tips that can help. Make sure to use the GLP-1 Companion to track your protein intake and get tips on how to exercise to preserve muscle.

Increased fertility: Some people report that semaglutide boosts fertility, especially in women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). While semaglutide isn’t a fertility drug, weight loss can improve factors that often cause infertility, including unbalanced insulin levels and irregular ovulation. Read more about the connection between GLP-1s and PCOS. Note: You should not use semaglutide while pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant.

Decreased effectiveness of birth control: Some users say that semaglutide decreases the effectiveness of their birth control. It appears that GLP-1s may impact the absorption of some types of birth control pills. However, more research is needed to confirm a direct link, and you should always talk to your doctor about your personal situation.

Suicidal thoughts: This became a big concern when users reported experiencing depression or thoughts of self-harm while on semaglutide. However, recent studies have found that semaglutide has a lower risk of suicidal thoughts compared to other obesity and type 2 diabetes medicines. There have also been official government studies by the FDA (US) and the EMA (Europe) that have found no link between these medicines and suicidal thoughts. Be sure to talk to your doctor or clinician if you have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts. 

Ozempic^® Face: You might have seen reports of increased wrinkles or a gaunt appearance of the face, dubbed “Ozempic face” on social media. “Ozempic face” is likely related to rapid weight loss and is not unique to semaglutide. When people lose a lot of weight quickly, they can also lose fat in their face, making it appear less plump and more aged. Similar effects are seen with any rapid weight loss method. Here are a few tips on how to avoid “Ozempic Face.” 

Can semaglutide be used in combination with other weight-loss medications?

Taking semaglutide with other weight loss medications should only be done with your doctor’s guidance. They can provide insights about the potential benefits and risks and create a treatment plan that’s right for you.

How long does it take to see results with semaglutide?

In clinical trials, participants using semaglutide experienced noticeable weight loss as early as 12 weeks into treatment, with continued weight loss over time. However, individual results can vary. For optimal results, semaglutide works best alongside a healthy lifestyle program like Noom.

Can semaglutide help with weight loss maintenance?

Yes, semaglutide can help keep the weight off after you’ve lost it. A pivotal study featured in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) showed that people who kept taking semaglutide were better at maintaining their weight loss than those who switched to a placebo. Again, learning how to eat better and move more in coordination with Noom can also help keep weight off long-term. 

What is the right semaglutide dosage for weight loss?

The right semaglutide dosage for weight loss will depend on the person. Typically, your doctor will begin with a low dose and gradually increase it over time. The common dosing schedule starts with a 0.25 mg semaglutide dose once weekly for four weeks, followed by an increase to 0.5 mg semaglutide dose once weekly. If further weight loss is needed and you tolerate the drug well, the dose may be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 2.4 mg semaglutide dose per week.

Why am I not losing weight on semaglutide?

If you’re not losing weight on semaglutide, it could be due to a few factors. You may not yet be on the right dosage, as it often needs to be gradually increased to become effective. Additionally, while semaglutide suppresses appetite, successful weight loss still depends on a calorie deficit. How people respond to the medication varies, and some may experience slower progress based on their metabolism or overall health. It’s also important to remember that weight loss can take time, with significant results often appearing after several months. Other health conditions, like thyroid problems or medication interactions, might also influence weight loss. Consult your healthcare provider or chat with your clinician for personalized advice and adjustments.

Benefits of combining semaglutide with Noom

It’s clear that semaglutide can help control appetite and improve metabolic health. However, medication alone is not enough for long-term weight loss success. Noom offers a complete approach to weight management by combining semaglutide with personalized psychological support through Noom Med or the GLP-1 Companion. This strategy helps you build healthy habits, manage stress, and deal with the emotional challenges that often come with losing weight. Noom and semaglutide work together to maximize your chances for long-term success by helping you change your habits for good. 

If you’re interested in semaglutide but worried about the recent shortages or high costs associated with its branded versions (Ozempic^® and Wegovy^®), compounded semaglutide through Noom GLP-1^Rx could be a great option. Our compounded semaglutide is a cost-effective alternative that starts at $149 per month and is delivered to your door. Get started today.

*Compounded semaglutide available on the Noom platform is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality.

Note: Ozempic^® is not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.