Semaglutide is one of the most effective weight loss drugs available right now. Weight loss is hard, but finding the right treatment to help your weight loss success is possible!
However, the big question is, “Can you take Semaglutide forever?” Sometimes, patients wonder if they have to take semaglutide forever or if it’s safe to be on long-term.
Let’s talk about what to expect when taking semaglutide, how long you need to take it, and how to manage missed doses.
How Long Can You Be on Semaglutide?
Since Semaglutide is prescribed to patients with type-2 diabetes, it is used long-term to manage blood sugar in these patients. When semaglutide is used for weight loss, it may be used short or long-term.
It is important to note that every weight management journey is unique and differs from patient to patient, depending on their body, lifestyle, and any chronic ailments. Think of Semaglutide as your long-term partner in your weight loss journey.
For patients who need to lose a smaller amount of weight, they may use semaglutide for a short period of time. Typically, we want to see weight loss of 1-2 lbs per week (not more). For patients who are losing larger amounts of weight, we recommend continuing on a maintenance dose for at least 6-12 months once you are at your goal weight. Some patients feel a lot better while taking semaglutide and prefer to continue taking it long-term.
The Impact of Long-Term Semaglutide Use
When used over the long term, Semaglutide can create a real transformation in how you feel, manage weight, and maintain energy levels. Some of the long-term effects of Semaglutide are:
Weight Maintenance
Once you are at your goal weight, staying on semaglutide can help you maintain your weight long-term.
Better Health Markers
Many patients notice health benefits aside from weight loss from semaglutide. These include lower blood sugar levels, better cholesterol, and even improvements in kidney and heart health.
Craving Control
Semaglutide is a drug that mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which gets released in the gut after consuming food. Similarly, when the drug imitates a GLP-1 hormone, the brain receptors activate, making you feel fuller.
Over time, when these reactions occur, the appetite decreases, which in turn helps control food portions and cravings and adopt healthy eating habits.
Supports Lifestyle Changes
It’s well known that Semaglutide works better if you incorporate healthy lifestyle habits into your routine. We like to think of semaglutide as a tool that allows you to make successful lifestyle changes without feeling deprived.
With time, your body gets familiar with the new changes, turning them into a part of your routine, such as healthy eating habits and exercising daily.
Managing a Missing Dose
Semaglutide is typically administered as a once-a-week injection. Every once in a while, you may realize that you forgot your dose on the day it’s due. Here’s what you should do when this occurs:
- Choose a New Day for Your Injection
If you normally do your injection on Monday and it’s now Tuesday, make Tuesday your new injection day.
- Avoid Doubling Up
Never take two doses at a time to make up for the lost time. It can be dangerous for your body and can have adverse side effects.
Medication Interactions with Semaglutide
When starting Semaglutide, it’s essential to be aware of how it may interact with other medications you’re taking. If you’re already taking insulin or any other diabetes medication, then taking Semaglutide can lower the sugar levels more than intended.
As for oral pills, especially the ones taken on an empty stomach, the effectiveness can decrease. It happens because Semaglutide causes delayed gastric emptying that can lead to delayed absorption of oral pills.
Medication interactions are always discussed during consultations.
Start Your Semaglutide Wellness with Curated Medical
Semaglutide is one of the safest treatments for long-term wellness and weight management. Whether you’re starting your weight loss journey or have doubts about the prolonged usage of Semaglutide, reach out to us.
At Curated Medical, we are dedicated to safe and transformative results. We’re passionate about helping you make informed, sustainable choices that fit your unique needs.
Your next step to lasting health and confidence starts here — contact us today!
