The Truth About Semaglutide For Weight Loss

Semaglutide has become the most popular weight loss medication, and many are eager to try it, while others are still quite skeptical of this supposed “miracle” weight loss solution. While many celebrities are shy to admit to taking the drug and sharing their experience, Good Morning America interviewed a registered nurse named Meredith Schorr, who openly shared her experience and the truth about semaglutide for weight loss. After gaining around 50 pounds while working in the medical field during the coronavirus pandemic, a nurse practitioner recommended she try semaglutide. 

"My nurse practitioner made it clear to me that this drug shouldn't just be a crutch that you rely on to lose weight," Schorr said. "You should still improve your health and lifestyle habits, such as improving exercise and your nutrition at the same time as using this drug." 

This is an important distinction when it comes to taking semaglutide for weight loss. There are a few other things to know when considering using semaglutide as a weight loss solution. 

You May Lose Weight Quickly

Schorr says she was able to lose a few pounds within about two weeks' time, and people were already noticing. However, a study of semaglutide’s effects in overweight or obese adults showed that after 68 weeks, half of the participants using semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight, and nearly a third lost 20%. Over the course of 11 months, Schorr claims to have lost 50 pounds. 

Lifestyle Changes Are Important, Too

Taking semaglutide for weight loss is not meant to be a long-term solution on its own. Semaglutide should be a part of a broader weight management plan that includes other lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Schorr stopped taking semaglutide in preparation for trying to become pregnant and said that after about five or six weeks, she found herself feeling more hungry and gained back around 10 pounds. This reminded her that she needed to be maintaining the healthy habit changes. She was then able to refocus and maintain her health, even when off semaglutide. 

Semaglutide is an Injection, Not a Pill

For decades, the most common method of taking a weight loss drug has been with a pill. However, semaglutide is taken in the form of an injection. It typically comes in a pre-filled dosing pen that is injected under the skin, most commonly on the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. It may also come in a vial that you use with a separate syringe. It is only injected one time per week, so it is easy to keep up with rather than needing to take one or more pills every day. 

Side Effects Can Be Easily Managed

As with any drug, it's common to have questions and concerns about the potential side effects. The most common ones people experience with semaglutide are nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or mild stomach pain. Schorr said she did experience nausea and constipation but was able to manage these side effects and that semaglutide was life-changing for her and absolutely worth it. 

Some Semaglutide Is Specifically for Weight Loss 

Semaglutide is not just for diabetes. While semaglutide has been used for more than 15 years to treat Type 2 diabetes, there are brands of semaglutide that are FDA approved for weight loss as well. Wegovy is a brand name semaglutide injection that was created specifically for weight loss and was given FDA approval in 2021. However, other brand names like Ozempic can be, and are often, prescribed “off-label” by doctors for weight loss. According to Schorr, she gained access to semaglutide through a pharmacy that created its own version of the drug. The main thing that separates semaglutide for Type 2 diabetes versus weight loss is the dosage, the drug remains the same. 

Try Semaglutide To Reach Your Weight Loss Goals

If you can relate to Meredith Schorr and can’t seem to reach your weight loss goals despite exercising and making changes to your diet, you could benefit from semaglutide. Joi is a women’s wellness company that offers a variety of weight loss solutions, including semaglutide injections. With Joi, you get to consult with a board-certified clinician to determine if semaglutide is the right option for you, and you will get support throughout your journey. Visit the website to learn more or to schedule a consultation.