How fast can you lose weight with injections? Realistic timeline
Almost every patient who comes in for a weight loss consultation first inquires about how long it will take to see noticeable weight loss results, says Dr. Venugpal Pareek, Hyderabad’s best weight loss expert with more than 20 years of experience. Their concern might be true because most people who come to weight loss consultations have gone through different weight loss solutions, such as low-carb diets, fasting, gym memberships, tracking apps, or supplements. Some of them might have lost some weight first and then regained it. Furthermore, there are people who haven’t lost weight even though they have been trying regularly.
Those who are looking for weight loss injection treatments such as semaglutide or tirzepatide usually ask for scientific evidence and proven results. These medications are safe and effective, as they blend with the body to control appetite, digestion, and blood sugar. The thing is, you should have patience because the results take time initially. You won’t get a sudden weight loss overnight, but you can expect and see slow changes over weeks and months.
Dr. Pareek helps patients to set realistic expectations, as he guides you right from choosing the best weight loss procedure to dieting and lifestyle support, which help you make progress that is steady, safe, and sustainable.
How do weight loss injections work in the body?
Initially, GLP-1 drugs were made for treating type 2 diabetes. Research led to the discovery that in addition to controlling the blood glucose, these drugs helped patients lose a significant amount of weight, which eventually led to clinical trials and FDA approvals for the use of these drugs in chronic weight management. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that imitates a chemical messenger of satiety and insulin release through which the hormone works. Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist that has greater control over appetite and metabolism.
Appetite suppression—Communicates with the brain centers that are responsible for hunger suppression (satiety) so that you get the feeling of fullness faster and the feeling lasts longer.
Slows down gastric emptying—Food is retained in the stomach for a longer time, thus allowing the feeling of fullness to last longer, and post-meal glucose levels will be more balanced.
Improved insulin sensitivity stabilizes glucose levels, which provide energy and also decrease the stress on the metabolism—preventing food cravings.
Since these drugs blend with hormone systems, results do not happen in a flash but rather step-by-step. Many top weight loss research centers mentioned that semaglutide can suppress appetite from as early as the first week, but the major changes in weight visibly occur after a few months. Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection for long-term weight management that helps in controlling appetite rather than immediate fat loss.
Typical timeline for weight loss results
Weight loss medicines do not have the same impact on every person’s body. Still, most of the patients’ weight loss journeys fit a recognizable pattern. Usually doctors ask patients to track progress, big or small, such as how their energy has increased, the fitting of their clothes, and their level of comfort with new lifestyles.
Weeks 1 to 4: Changes in your appetite begin.
Right after the start of treatment, quite a number of patients reported that their cravings had reduced and it was more convenient to stick to smaller portions. It gets to be more and more usual to feel full after a standard small meal. Changes in weight during the initial stages are usually relatively small and often range between 2 and 4 kgs, but the mental transformation is considerable. Patients commonly report that, after years, they feel as though they finally have control over their hunger. When the blood sugar level stabilizes, energy may be enhanced.
Months 1 to 2: Visible weight loss results.
Weight loss changes become more evident from the second month for most of the patients. Those who have been consistent in their dosage and efforts might lose around 5 kg depending on their weight before the treatment. Habitual consumption of snacks mostly disappears. Experts say that the effectiveness of the semaglutide weight loss injection is most apparent after the initial few weeks since the appetite suppression becomes stronger.
Months 3 to 6: significant weight loss.
In this stage, patients reach a 10% to 15% weight loss in body weight with the right dosing and follow-up, which is consistent. In other words, a patient starting out at 90 kg can lose 10 to 15 kg. Top weight loss research centers state that clinical studies suggest significant weight reductions can be achieved when medications are coupled with lifestyle changes. Besides that, patients share that they have more restful sleep, less joint pain, and higher endurance.
After 6 Months: Maintenance and stability.
Beyond six months, some patients still experience a gradual weight loss, whereas others have already achieved a stabilized healthy weight. Now, the concentration should be on maintaining achieved healthy weight. This is crucial and is achieved through continued nutrition planning, hormone balance, and regular check-ups that aid in not only protecting progress but also in preventing weight gain. Those who are determined to stick to the doctor’s recommendations in the long run can maintain their new weight consistently.
Factors that influence the speed of weight loss results.
Initially the dosage of medicine is kept low and then gradually increased so the your body can adapt. Which is why significant weight loss is generally seen after the dosage has been increased to an optimal range.
Certain bodily functions like thyroid activity, insulin resistance, cortisol secretion, and sex hormone levels may also affect the progress. However, doctors perform necessary tests to identify these problems and provide treatment.
Even though medication reduces your hunger, you should maintain a balanced diet and activity levels to accelerate your progress.
Consistency is also very important, which is why you should get your doses every week, or as recommended, because skipping can slow down your progress. Routine follow-ups are mandatory to keep your weight loss progress strong.
Genetics and body composition also play a key role in the pace of weight loss because some people have a quick response while others take time even though they are committed.
If you are looking for an expert weight loss doctor in Hyderabad, call +91 91777 77715 and book your consultation.
