What to Expect with Semaglutide Weight Loss in the First Week

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Dr. Hardik Soni

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If you’re interested in trying semaglutide for weight loss, you probably have questions about what to expect, especially in the first week. At Ethos Spa, your trusted provider of advanced aesthetic treatments, we want to give you the inside scoop on what semaglutide can do for you right from the start.

That’s why we want to provide you with helpful information and realistic expectations when it comes to using semaglutide for weight loss goals. With the rise in popularity of semaglutide as a new prescription medication for managing obesity, you may be curious what kind of results you can expect to see on the scale in the first week of treatment. 

What Can You Expect from Semaglutide Weight Loss in the First Week?

When starting semaglutide, most patients do not experience dramatic weight loss in the initial 1-2 weeks. The effects of this medication tend to build gradually over the first few months. In the first week, you can expect:

  • Modest weight loss of 2-5 lbs as the medication begins to take effect
  • Appetite suppression as one of the first noticeable effects
  • Potential GI side effects like nausea as your body adjusts

With semaglutide, the weight does not seem to come off rapidly or easily at first. Patience and persistence are key as it takes some time for this medication to start genuinely impacting weight. 

Rest assured that while the first week results are modest, you can expect the weight loss to build with sustained use of semaglutide over the coming weeks and months. While semaglutide promotes weight loss through several mechanisms, it does not magically melt fat away overnight. For best results, you’ll need to put in some effort by adopting healthy eating habits and staying active. 

What’s the Typical Semaglutide Prescribed Dosage?

semaglutide weight loss first week

Semaglutide is administered as a simple, painless weekly injection. The typical starting dosage is 0.25 mg injected subcutaneously using an easy-to-use prefilled pen device. 

Your dosage will then be gradually increased over the first 5 to 8 weeks until reaching the optimal maintenance dosage of between 0.5 mg to 1.0 mg weekly. This ramp-up schedule allows your body to get used to semaglutide, reducing potential side effects.

It’s crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosage and carefully follow your provider’s instructions when using semaglutide. While increasing the dose too quickly can cause side effects like nausea, taking too little may reduce results. 

At Ethos Spa, our medical experts will collaborate with you to determine the ideal customized dosage and provide ongoing monitoring for safety and efficacy. We’re invested in guiding you through treatment properly to help you succeed.

Can Any Weight Loss Occur in the First Week of Semaglutide?

Yes, you can expect to lose 1-5 lbs of weight in the first 1-2 weeks of semaglutide use. However, this initial decrease comes mainly from fluid loss, appetite/eating changes, and potential GI side effects – not necessarily fat loss.

Significant fat reduction and substantial weight loss takes time to occur with semaglutide. Rapid large drops in weight after just a single week of use are very uncommon. Trust the process of gradual, sustainable weight loss over months of use.

How Soon Can You Expect to Start Losing Weight on Semaglutide?

Here’s a timeline of expected weight loss for someone who is using semaglutide for weight loss (given, of course, that the person is adhering to doctor’s recommendations): 

Time FrameExpected Weight LossNotes
2-4 weeks2-5 lbsInitial modest weight loss as the body adjusts to semaglutide.
3-6 months~10-15% of initial body weightSignificant weight loss as the effects of semaglutide build up.
9-12 monthsMaximum resultsContinued treatment with semaglutide leads to the most substantial outcomes.

As mentioned earlier, the initial loss is primarily fluid. You can expect to begin seeing more fat loss occurring around weeks 2 to 4 as semaglutide’s effects on appetite and metabolism kick in.

What Side Effects Might You Experience?

As with any medication, semaglutide can cause some temporary side effects, especially when first starting treatment while your body gets used to it. 

The most common include mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. Your Ethos Spa provider will work closely with you to minimize side effects, recommend anti-nausea remedies, ensure proper hydration, and adjust your dosage schedule if needed.

Ready to Discover the Confidence You Deserve?

Dr. Hardik Soni and Dr. Monica Soni from Ethos Spa

We hope this inside look at what to realistically expect from semaglutide weight loss in the first week has empowered you with helpful insights. 

At Ethos Spa, your satisfaction means everything to us. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing customized semaglutide treatment plans, tailored nutrition and exercise support, and monitoring designed to help you lose weight comfortably and safely while instilling renewed self-confidence.

Reach out today to schedule a consultation. We can’t wait to start partnering with you on uncovering your best self through precision semaglutide solutions.

Dr. Hardik Soni

MD, Founder/Lead Physician

About Dr. Hardik Soni

Dr. Hardik Soni is the founder and Medical Director of Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness. His primary focus is on minimally invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures including botulinum injection (Botox and Dysport), dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse), laser hair removal, chemical peels, and laser skin rejuvenation. Dr. Soni believes in a more conservative approach and his first goal is education. Clients are able to determine the ideal treatments after discussion with Dr. Soni regarding the expected outcomes, cost, as well as risks.

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