A randomized clinical trial found that patients lost approximately 6% of their body weight at week 12. This is consistent with our findings, in which patients. Between weeks 8 and 16, you can expect more significant weight loss, usually 10 to 15 pounds or more. As hunger continues to be suppressed, weight loss tends to be more consistent. Staying committed to your diet and exercise routine will help ensure continued progress. Research has shown that 2.4 mg of semaglutide can cause a weight loss of around 16% of body weight, or 16 to 17 kg, after 68 weeks.
STEP trials (effect of treatment with semaglutide in people with obesity) have shown promising results. In step 3, participants who received 2.4 mg of semaglutide weekly lost an average of 16% of their initial body weight over 68 weeks. This translates to approximately 1 to 2 pounds per week, depending on individual starting weight and compliance with the treatment regimen. By comparison, the placebo group only lost about 5.7% of their body weight.
Throughout my career, I have seen the transformative impact of semaglutide on patients who want to effectively lose weight, offering them renewed hope and better health. For example, patients who received higher doses experienced an average weight loss of 10.9% at 6 months compared to lower doses. Most of this weight loss occurs in the first 32 weeks (9 months) and stagnates, as the body adjusts to the medication and patients find a sustainable way to eat. For example, in one study, patients who took semaglutide lost an average of 6.7 kg (14.8 pounds) in the first 3 months, resulting in a 5.9% weight loss from their starting weight.
The emphasis remains on combining semaglutide with lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, for optimal results. Oddly enough, this initial weight loss is no different from other weight-loss treatments or the impact of dietary interventions on weight loss. Clinical trials of the STEP program revealed that participants who used semaglutide with diets and exercises reduced in calories lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight after 68 weeks. In the two above-mentioned trials, the average weight loss of 0.5 mg between weeks four and eight was approximately 2%.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, is a medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. As a complement to first-line lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy is available to help patients control their weight. Semaglutide also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. However, it has gained significant recognition for its remarkable effectiveness in promoting weight loss.
Semaglutide also slows stomach emptying, improving feelings of satiety and making people feel full for longer. Over 68 weeks, patients treated with semaglutide lost an average of 15.8% of their body weight, compared to 6.4% they lost with liraglutide (e.g.