At Better Your RX, we endeavor to empower you with a holistic understanding of your treatment options. Thus, we’re offering a comprehensive analysis of why weight loss may stop while taking medications like Ozempic or Wegovy and the subsequent steps to take.
Understanding Ozempic and Wegovy
Ozempic and Wegovy are forms of semaglutide. Ozempic has secured FDA approval as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Both medications promote weight loss, but you might stop losing weight at some point, even while still taking these medications.
Their Mechanism of Action
The semaglutide in Ozempic and Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. These medications mimic the effects of your body’s GLP-1, a hormone released when you eat.
Weight loss comes into play due to GLP-1’s actions:
- It stimulates the pancreas to release insulin
- It prevents the liver from storing sugar
- It slows down digestion
- It interacts with your brain’s appetite center
- It modulates your hunger hormones
Collectively, these effects keep you feeling full longer and help your body better regulate energy intake, inducing weight loss.
Effectiveness of these Medications
Studies reveal that individuals who used injectable semaglutide (the main ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) lost approximately 5% of their total body weight after three months and about 10% after six months of consistent usage.
Factors Influencing Weight Loss with Ozempic and Wegovy
While Ozempic and Wegovy can drive weight loss, it may sometimes diminish or halt. Experiencing a weight plateau while using these medications is relatively normal. The following elements significantly impact these drugs’ weight loss effects:
Dosage
The dose of your medication can influence your weight loss outcomes. Some studies suggest that higher doses of these semaglutide medications may yield more significant weight loss. However, discuss potential dose adjustments with your healthcare provider.
Remember, higher doses may also increase the chances of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, constipation, heartburn (acid reflux), and headaches.
Dosing Schedule and Timing
The weight loss effect of Ozempic or Wegovy may begin a few weeks into treatment. Most patients commence with a lower dose, gradually increasing to the target dose over three months.
Even on lower initial doses, patients often notice altered appetite, eating habits, and food cravings impacting their weight. Nonetheless, the full effect might not be evident until reaching the target dose.
Adherently adhering to the dosing schedule is essential to ensure optimal medication levels in your body. Missing doses, even temporarily, can influence medication efficacy.
Lifestyle Factors: Diet and Exercise
Although there’s no dietary restriction while taking semaglutide medications, certain foods can inhibit optimal medication effects and potentially trigger side effects:
- Fried foods
- High-fat foods
- Sugary drinks
- Ultra-processed foods
- Alcohol
Semaglutide, a healthy diet, and regular moderate exercise can offer more significant effects.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Ozempic or Wegovy?
The weight loss achieved through Ozempic or Wegovy isn’t permanent; stopping the medication might lead to weight gain eventually. Studies reveal that people regained some of their lost weight within a year of stopping these medications.
However, not all the weight is regained. Most individuals still weighed less than their initial weight. One study showed that half of the participants who took semaglutide maintained some weight loss even two years after stopping the medication.
Final Reflection
Achieving weight loss is a collaborative and multi-faceted journey. The intriguing biological action of these medications at different doses, combined with a disciplined lifestyle, bring about weight changes.
However, patience is fundamental. Weight loss with Ozempic or Wegovy might stall at times, or weight might even creep back after you stop the medication. These are normal responses and are part of the journey.
Remember: Balancing medication with healthy lifestyle habits goes a long way toward maintaining weight loss. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medication routine.
Having expert advice every step of your health journey is critical. At Better Your RX, we endeavor to provide comprehensive resources and reliable expertise when you need them most. To learn more, contact us today.
