Semaglutide reviews for weight loss

About 6% of adults or 15 million Americans are currently using GLP-1 medications, according to the latest statistics from KFF. With the growing popularity of weight loss medications, the usage of weight loss medications has increased exponentially.

If you plan to start semaglutide treatment for weight loss, you may wonder if semaglutide is really effective for weight management, how it impacts your health, and what its side effects are.

This article presents user reviews, and real-world experiences and provides an in-depth review focused on weight loss with semaglutide, incorporating user feedback, research, and expert analysis.

These reviews are based on users’ personal experiences and collected from various social media platforms.

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the action of glucagon-like peptide-1. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that gives you a feeling of fullness or satiety after food intake. Semaglutide has 94% structural similarity to this hormone. The medication occupies GLP-1 receptors to suppress appetite, manage blood sugar levels, and promote weight loss.

Semaglutide, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, has three brand names: Rybelsus, Ozempic, and Wegovy. Ozempic and Rybelsus are indicated for type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight management in obese and overweight patients with at least one weight-related condition, when combined with increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet. Ozempic is also commonly used off-label for weight management in obese and overweight adults.

Semaglutide comes in both oral and injectable forms. Rybelsus is an oral tablet that is taken daily. Ozempic and Wegovy are injectables administered subcutaneously (under the skin).

How does semaglutide work for weight loss?

Semaglutide works in the following ways to promote weight loss:

• The medication mimics the action of GLP-1 hormone in the hunger control centre (lateral hypothalamus) of the brain, which suppresses appetite and makes you feel full earlier and for a longer time.
• Semaglutide decreases glucagon production from alpha cells of the pancreas, which lowers blood sugar levels.
• It delays gastric emptying by relaxing the muscles of your stomach. Food moves more slowly from the stomach to the intestine, making you feel fuller for longer and reducing hunger pangs.
• Semaglutide promotes insulin release from beta cells of the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels.

Additionally, semaglutide promotes fat tissue browning, a phenomenon in which white adipose tissues are converted to brown adipose tissues. White adipose tissues store fats in the body and cause body disfigurement in obesity. Brown adipose tissues have fat-burning capacity and produce body heat. This phenomenon helps reduce weight, improve insulin sensitivity, prevent body disfigurement, and accelerate metabolism.

Semaglutide weight loss review

Is semaglutide really effective for weight loss? Let’s review the clinical studies:

Effectiveness of semaglutide for weight loss

A clinical study shows that semaglutide showed a mean weight loss of 10-15% or 10 to 15 kg with participants taking semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly after 68 weeks. In contrast, the placebo lost 2-3% of body weight. Additionally, 70-80% of semaglutide users lost more than 5% of body weight.

Semaglutide does not only promote weight loss but also improves metabolic health. A research study demonstrates that a once-weekly injection of semaglutide decreased HbA1c by 0.09%, body weight by 3.43 kg, and fasting blood sugar levels by 26 mg/DL after 6 months. Patients showed significant improvement in systolic blood pressure and LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. These results were sustained for 12 weeks after treatment.

Side effects of semaglutide for weight loss

Common side effects of semaglutide include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Gastrointestinal problems

Serious side effects of the medication include:

• Diabetic retinopathy (changes in vision)
• Acute pancreatitis
• Gallbladder problems
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
• Mood changes and suicidal ideation
• Increased risk of aspiration during sedation and anesthesia
• Acute kidney injury
• Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction

Semaglutide is not recommended for patients with a history of thyroid tumors (medullary thyroid cancer) and endocrine tumors such as MEN 2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome). Additionally, the medication is not suitable for pregnant and lactating patients.

Semaglutide’s common side effects usually subside over time as your body adjusts to the medication. If you experience severe side effects, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

To get maximum results with semaglutide, stay hydrated, eat in smaller portions, eat a high-protein and fiber-rich diet, and follow a semaglutide diet plan that complements its effect.

Start with a low dose and gradually increase it as prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you are using insulin or sulfonylureas with semaglutide, you are at an increased risk of hypoglycemia. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor about your current medications.

Cost

Wegovy’s list price is $1,349.02 per package, while Ozempic costs around $997.58 per pen. However, eligible patients can get the medications at cheaper prices with Ozempic and Wegovy saving cards.

Safety

Semaglutide is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort, which are usually mild and subside over time.

Pros

When combined with exercise, increased physical activity, and dietary modifications, semaglutide is effective for weight management and blood sugar control. Additionally, the medication has cardiovascular benefits, it improves systolic blood pressure, levels of HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, and metabolic health.

Cons

Semaglutide has potential gastrointestinal side effects which may be bothersome for some people. Although rare, semaglutide can impact mood and behaviour, leading to suicidal ideation and personality changes. Patients with existing mental health problems are more prone to these side effects.

Semaglutide user reviews

Semaglutide has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 on Drugs.com.

We analyzed real user reviews from social media websites like Reddit and summarized the reviews below:

Positive reviews

Reddit user: After years of struggling with weight loss, I went from 255 lbs to 171 lbs in under eight months with the help of semaglutide. While it’s not a miracle drug, it has been truly life-changing. Anyone who has battled overeating, binge eating, and the emotional toll of being overweight like low self-esteem, social anxiety, and a lack of confidence, knows how discouraging it can be.

I tried everything for years—calorie counting, portion control, and healthier eating—but nothing worked long-term because I couldn’t stay consistent, especially with work and life responsibilities. That’s no longer the case. Semaglutide has quieted the food noise (which causes food cravings), helped me feel less hungry, and allowed me to focus on self-development, gym sessions, and managing stress without turning to junk food. For the first time, I have a normal relationship with eating.

What worked for me:

• Followed a fat loss plan by using linear periodization, and adjusting exercise intensity in sync with my semaglutide cycle.
• Used appetite suppression to reshape my gut microbiome. I cut out sugar completely, followed a mostly carnivore diet, and incorporated homemade fermented foods.
• Customized my dosage schedule with a licensed semaglutide provider.
• Made key lifestyle changes: Switched from working remotely to a social environment (co-working office). Joined an accountability group with in-person weekly meetings. Started cognitive behavioral therapy to address habits and mindset.

Reddit user: I spent years doing everything right, yet I kept getting stuck in a frustrating cycle of losing and regaining weight. My doctor prescribed Ozempic, and without changing my diet or exercise routine, I’ve gone from 265 lbs to 150 lbs, dropping my body fat from 51% to 23%. I’d love to reach 20%, but honestly, I’m happy where I am for now. As a 45-year-old woman who has battled PCOS and weight loss struggles for half my life, I can say without a doubt—Ozempic has been life-changing.

Reddit user: My primary care doctor was the one who suggested semaglutide for weight loss, and since starting it, I’ve lost over 30 pounds, reversed my prediabetes, and am the thinnest I’ve been in 15 years. I no longer feel constantly hungry, I actually feel full after meals, and overall, I feel amazing.

Semaglutide isn’t just an appetite suppressant—it helps the stomach, pancreas, and liver work more efficiently. It slows digestion, so I’m not always hungry, increases insulin production, so I don’t crave sweets, and even reduces the liver’s sugar production. On top of that, it’s even helped with some of my OCD tendencies.

I still count calories, I still lift weights, and I’m working on getting a personal trainer. I have 25 more pounds to go, and at my current pace, I figure I’ll reach my goal in about a year.

Reddit user: It changed my life. After losing 100 pounds with CICO, I was stuck in a plateau for years, hovering between 150-160 pounds. Semaglutide got me down to 128. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

Mixed reviews

Reddit user: I have about 100 pounds to lose. I lost 5 pounds in the first week, but after my second shot, I didn’t feel any side effects and actually gained 2 pounds back. Then, after my third shot, it kicked in again, and I dropped back to a total of 5 pounds lost. My fourth shot is coming up on Tuesday.

I haven’t really been trying to lose weight—I wanted to see what the medication could do on its own without me putting in extra effort. I’m guessing I’ll end my first month with around 8 pounds lost. Since I’m in the part of my cycle where my weight naturally fluctuates, my current 5-pound loss is probably closer to 7 pounds in reality.

It’s not a dramatic drop—if I really pushed myself with extreme dieting and exercise, I could lose 30 pounds in a month. But losing 8 pounds without changing much is pretty impressive and more sustainable.

Side effects have been minimal for me, except for last night when I went to a watch party and overdid it on snacks. I ended up feeling pretty sick and had to leave. Other than that, I usually eat pretty healthy and have generally had minimal side effects.

Reddit user: Many people on semaglutide have already tried every other approach. We’ve spent years battling weight loss, dropping significant weight only to regain it over and over. Of course, we’d all prefer a “clean” method, but after so many failed attempts, the exhaustion sets in.

I’m glad if you’ve been able to reach your goals easily, but not everyone is that lucky. I’ve lost weight with CICO multiple times, but sustaining it long-term was the real struggle. The constant hunger makes it nearly impossible to stay in a calorie deficit for months or years. That’s where semaglutide helps—it doesn’t magically make weight loss effortless, but it takes away the relentless hunger that makes long-term deficits so hard to maintain.

For some of us, this cycle has lasted for years, even decades. We have tried. Semaglutide isn’t a magic fix or a shortcut. Instead, it is just a tool that makes the process more manageable.

Reviews emphasizing lifestyle modifications

Reddit user: Four years ago, I weighed 370 pounds and had gastric sleeve surgery, which brought me down to 185 lbs at my lowest. Over time, life happened, and my weight crept back up to 215 lbs. I tried everything—CICO, running 100km a month—but nothing stopped the regain.

That’s when I found a local metabolic clinic offering compounded semaglutide for $399 a month. After just two weeks on it, I’m down to 200 pounds. It’s working well, and maintaining my progress feels effortless. I haven’t made drastic changes to my diet, other than eating less and prioritizing protein.

I like to call semaglutide “semi-surgery in a bottle.” It’s not the same intense fullness you get after surgery, but it gives a similar, more subtle feeling that helps with portion control. More importantly, it supports real, lasting dietary changes rather than just another diet cycle. But like with surgery, dieting, or any other weight loss method—if you don’t commit to long-term lifestyle changes, the weight will eventually come back.

Reddit user:  I believe using semaglutide for weight loss only makes sense when combined with lifestyle changes. Relying on the medication alone isn’t a good approach, but pairing it with healthier habits can be beneficial. Still, the most effective long-term solution is focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes.

Reddit user: I believe semaglutide only works well for weight loss when combined with real lifestyle changes. Taking the medication alone isn’t a great approach, but using it alongside healthier habits can be beneficial. That said, the best long-term results come from sustainable lifestyle changes—they’re what truly last.

Negative reviews

User who took semaglutide for less than one month:

I started with 0.5 mg twice a week, hoping to lose about 20 pounds. I typically eat once a day and struggle with portion control.

On day one, I felt some nausea, but by day three, it got worse, along with bad diarrhea. After my second injection, I started experiencing heartburn, acid reflux, gas, and even more digestive issues. The worst part has been the bloating and stomach cramps—it feels like food just sits there, not digesting, while my stomach keeps producing more acid.

This is now my second missed day of work because of the pain and nausea, and I’ve had enough. I’m going to focus on exercising, eating less, and managing cravings on my own. Semaglutide is going in the trash—my digestive system has never felt this messed up before. For context, I’m a 37-year-old male, 6’3’’, 200 lbs.

Semaglutide user: After a year on semaglutide, I started experiencing severe abdominal pain. A few months later, I happened to hear an Ozempic commercial mentioning potential risks like gallbladder issues and pancreatitis. That was my wake-up call—I stopped taking it immediately and went to my doctor.

Turns out, I needed my gallbladder removed. On top of that, I regained the 50 pounds I had lost the year before. While the medication was effective for weight loss, the side effects just weren’t worth it.

Wegovy user:

I was on this medication for four months, I gradually increased the dose until I reached 1 mg in month four. That’s when the side effects really hit hard, I had constant nausea, worsening acid reflux, constipation, bloating, burping, and indigestion. I only vomited once, but there were several times I came close.

Then things got even weirder. I started losing hair, developed a few skin tags (which I’ve never had before), and became overly sensitive to smells. I had to switch out my hand soaps five times because certain scents made me nauseous, and even just looking at the Wegovy box before injecting made me dizzy and queasy. Rubbing alcohol? Instant nausea.

Eating healthy on this medication was nearly impossible. I could only tolerate simple carbs and low-fat foods. Exercising was just as difficult because of the constant nausea. In the end, it didn’t really help with weight loss, and my appetite didn’t change much. It just wasn’t worth it for me.

Comparison of semaglutide alternatives for weight loss

Semaglutide alternatives for weight loss including other GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide and liraglutide and non-GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Orlistat and Phentermine.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is marketed by the brand name Zepbound for weight loss and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is known to be more effective and has greater potential for weight loss than semaglutide (Wegovy). Both medications have similar side effects.

Semaglutide (Wegovy) is more expensive than Zepbound. Wegovy costs around $1,349 per month, while Zepbound single-dose vials for 2.5 mg and 5 mg of Zepbound are $399 and $549, respectively. The list price for Zepbound is $1,086 per fill.

A SARMOUNT-5 clinical study shows that Zepbound users lost 20.2% of body weight. In contrast, Wegovy showed a weight loss of 13.7% of body weight over 72 weeks. In addition, 31.6% of Zepbound participants lost 25% of body weight compared to 16.1% of participants who used Wegovy.

Liraglutide

Liraglutide is another GLP-1 agonist. It comes with two brand names, Victoza and Saxenda. Victoza costs $543.51 for 0.6 mg and 1.2 mg doses and $815.27 for 1.8 mg doses. The 3mg dose of Saxenda costs around $1,349 for five pen packages. In comparison, semaglutide costs approximately $1,349 for a monthly supply.

The STEP 8 clinical trial compared the effect of weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs liraglutide (daily) in obese and overweight patients without type 2 diabetes. The study involved 338 individuals. The semaglutide group exhibited a mean weight change of 15.8% compared to 6.4% in the liraglutide group. The study shows that semaglutide has significantly greater efficacy for weight loss than liraglutide when added to a healthy lifestyle and increased physical activity.

Phentermine

Phentermine is an FDA-approved anti-obesity medication and is also approved for short-term weight loss (12 weeks or 3 months). The medication is also available in combination with topiramate, called Qsymia, which is approved for chronic weight management. This combination is effective for long-term weight management. Semaglutide is generally more effective than Qsymia for weight management but is also more expensive.

Orlistat

In a 24-week clinical study, orlistat reduced body weight by 4.65 kg. However, in a 68-week study, semaglutide demonstrated a weight loss of 10-15 kg. The comparison of the results of both studies shows that semaglutide is more effective than orlistat for weight management.

Semaglutide weight loss results: What to expect

A STEP 1 clinical trial involved 1961 obese and overweight patients to test the effectiveness of semaglutide (2.4 mg once weekly) over 68 weeks. The following are the results of the study:

After 1 month (4 weeks)

Initial weight changes were observed after 1 month. Participants using semaglutide lost around 3.8% of body weight after 4 weeks.

After 3 months

Semaglutide users lost approximately 9.6% of their body weight as compared to 2.8% in the placebo group.

After 6 months

Patients on semaglutide showed a weight loss of 13.8% of body weight. In contrast, the placebo group lost 3.7% of body weight.

After 68 weeks

On average, semaglutide users lost 14.9% of the body and the placebo group lost 2.4%. Moreover, 84.1% of prediabetic patients showed improvement in HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) with semaglutide s compared to 47.8% of placebo users.

If you are planning to start semaglutide treatment, you can expect the following results with semaglutide:

Remember, the individual response to the weight loss treatment may be different depending on various factors such as metabolic health, body mass index, lifestyle, and presence of comorbidities.

How to use semaglutide effectively for weight loss

Semaglutide injection dosage starts at a low dose of 0.25 mg once weekly, which is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) of the stomach, thigh or upper arm for the first 4 weeks. If tolerated, your prescriber will titrate the dosage every 4 weeks until you reach the maintenance dosage. The semaglutide injection dosage schedule is as follows:

Starting dose

• Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg once weekly

Titration schedule

• Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg once weekly
• Weeks 9-12: Your doctor will increase the dosage to 1 mg once weekly
• Weeks 13-16: If your body tolerates it, your dosage will be increased to 1.7 mg once weekly
• Weeks 17-onwards: If the dosage needs to be escalated further, your prescriber will increase the dosage to 2.4 mg once weekly
• If you experience side effects, your healthcare provider will delay the dose escalation for another 4 weeks. They will assess your condition and adjust the dosage accordingly.

Maintenance dose

• 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg once weekly

Maximum dose

• 2.4 mg once weekly

Always use semaglutide in combination with exercise, increased physical activity, and dietary modifications. For best results, avoid high-calorie foods, sugary snacks, sodas, fried and processed foods, and carbonated drinks.

Wegovy and Ozempic are injected subcutaneously. Whenever you administer the medication, choose a different site to prevent the risk of infections. Take the medication according to your prescription, do not take a higher or lower than recommended dosage.

Where to buy semaglutide for weight loss

Semaglutide is a prescription-only medication. You need to get its prescription from an authorized healthcare professional. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends getting semaglutide from these sources:

• A licensed healthcare provider
• An outsourcing facility registered with the FDA
• A state-licensed pharmacy

NiceRx offers an online weight loss program with GLP-1 medications (including compounded semaglutide), which includes:

• Online consultation and prescription, if medically appropriate
• Ongoing clinical care and support
• Sterile injection kit
• Free shipping of medications dispensed by licensed U.S. pharmacies
• No insurance required

You can start your weight loss treatment from the comfort of your own home without needing to visit a medical clinic. Get started with a short online quiz and a licensed provider will assess your medical history, and prescribe the medication if medically appropriate. If prescribed, a licensed pharmacy will ship the medication to your home. Additionally, ongoing care and support will also be provided at no additional costs. You can book an online consultation with your healthcare professional anytime.

The FDA has warned semaglutide consumers not to use counterfeit semaglutide which may be found in the drug supply chain. The agency claims the products labeled with lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057 are counterfeit and should not be purchased.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How much weight can I lose with semaglutide?

The STEP 1 clinical trial shows that semaglutide users lost 14.9% of their body weight with 2.4 once weekly semaglutide after 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle modifications and a reduced calorie diet. You can aim for the same results, provided that you comply with lifestyle changes.

How long does it take to see results with semaglutide?

You can experience appetite suppression, reduced food noise, and fewer cravings for favourite foods within 1-4 weeks. However, you can expect weight changes after 4 weeks. The weight changes become more significant over time as you escalate the semaglutide dose.

Can I use semaglutide if I don’t have diabetes?

Yes, semaglutide can be used for weight management without diabetes. If you are obese (body mass index 30 kg/m² or greater) or overweight (BMI 27 kg/m² or greater) with at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or high cholesterol levels, you are eligible to use semaglutide. Remember that semaglutide is a prescription medication. You can not get the medication with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, even if you’re eligible. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss medication.

What happens if I stop taking semaglutide?

If you stop taking semaglutide, you can regain the weight you have lost with the treatment. In the STEP 4 clinical trial, semaglutide users who stopped using the medication regained 6.9% of their body weight after 48 weeks.

Is semaglutide covered by insurance for weight loss?

Whether insurance will cover semaglutide depends on your insurance provider and the insurance plan you have chosen. Most insurance companies do not cover weight loss medication but cover semaglutide when used for the management of type 2 diabetes. It is better to check with your insurance company for coverage details and verify if your plan covers semaglutide for weight loss.

Bottom line

We have analyzed a large number of patient reviews collected from various online platforms. Semaglutide has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 on Drugs.com. Most semaglutide users have shared positive experiences and are satisfied with weight loss results. They have observed significant appetite suppression within a few weeks and weight changes within 1-2 months of semaglutide treatment. Some users experienced side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach problems, and gastrointestinal problems. One patient mentioned gall bladder problems after semaglutide treatment. Additionally, many users suggest pairing the treatment with exercise and lifestyle modifications. They have mentioned that if you do not change your eating habits, you may regain your lost weight.

If you plan to start semaglutide treatment, consult a healthcare provider before starting semaglutide. You can also enroll in the NiceRx weight loss program to start your weight loss journey from the comfort of your own home.

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KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation)

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U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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JAMA Network

• Established in 2018, JAMA Network Open is a monthly open-access medical journal published by the American Medical Association covering all aspects of the biomedical sciences.

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U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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New England Journal of Medicine

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U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• Federal regulatory agency for food and health-related products

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New England Journal of Medicine

• A prestigious weekly medical journal published by the Massachusetts Medical Society

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