Everyone Is Talking About Losing Weight with Semaglutide Injections: Can They Help Me?

Have you noticed friends and celebrities dropping impressive amounts of weight using semaglutide injections? You might wonder if these medications could work for your weight loss needs, too.

At El Cajon Weight Clinic in El Cajon, California, James Joachim, MD, and our team help patients determine if semaglutide is right for their health profile and weight management needs. Here’s everything you need to know about how semaglutide works so that you can make the best decision for your weight loss goals.

Semaglutide changes how your brain processes hunger cues

Many weight-loss products target metabolism or block fat absorption. Semaglutide takes an entirely different approach by working with your brain’s appetite control system, accelerating weight loss in two ways:

1. Mimicking a hormone crucial to satiety and appetite control

This medication mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that your intestines naturally release after eating. GLP-1 sends signals to your brain that regulate hunger and fullness. By imitating this hormone, semaglutide helps you feel satisfied with smaller portions and experience fewer food cravings throughout the day.

2. Keeping you fuller for longer

Semaglutide also slows stomach emptying, helping you feel full longer after meals. This combination of effects creates a powerful tool for managing hunger without the constant battle of willpower.

Semaglutide breaks through weight loss plateaus when diets can’t

Clinical studies show that semaglutide helps patients lose up to 15% of their body weight when used in combination with lifestyle modifications. 

Losing this amount of weight can improve several health markers for those who have struggled to shed pounds with diet and exercise alone, including:

• Better blood pressure readings
• Improved blood sugar control
• Reduced joint pain
• Enhanced mobility
• Decreased inflammation 

These health benefits often appear before patients reach their ultimate weight goals, providing early motivation to continue treatment.

What to expect week-by-week on semaglutide

Here’s what you can expect after starting semaglutide:

Weeks 1-2

Most patients notice the first signs that semaglutide is working — a decrease in hunger and fewer cravings. You may feel full more quickly during meals.

Weeks 3-4

Some patients begin seeing modest weight loss of 2-5 pounds. Your body is still adjusting to the medication during this period. Side effects, such as nausea, are most common during these early weeks.

Weeks 5-8

Weight loss typically accelerates to 1-2 pounds per week as your body fully responds to the medication. Dr. Joachim may adjust your dosage during this period based on your results and side effects.

Months 3-4

Most patients experience their most substantial weight loss during this period. Your metabolism adjusts, and the combination of reduced appetite and lifestyle changes produces noticeable results.

Months 5-6

Weight loss continues but may begin to stabilize. By this point, many patients have lost 8-12% of their starting weight. Your dosage is typically at the optimal level for your body.

Beyond 6 months

Long-term users continue to see gradual improvements while maintaining their earlier results. Dr. Joachim regularly evaluates your progress to ensure the treatment remains effective.

Not everyone qualifies for semaglutide treatment

Semaglutide works best for specific patient populations. You might be a good candidate if you:

• Have a BMI of 30 or higher without other conditions
• Have a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health issues
• Have tried lifestyle modifications without adequate results
• Do not have a personal history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
• Have no history of pancreatitis

Pregnant women, people with severe gastrointestinal disease, and those with certain endocrine disorders generally cannot use semaglutide safely.

Semaglutide works best as part of a whole-body plan

While semaglutide provides powerful appetite control, it works most effectively as part of a complete weight management program. Our clinic offers nutritional guidance, physical activity recommendations, and behavioral support alongside medication therapy.

This integrated approach addresses the complex factors contributing to weight challenges. The medication makes lifestyle changes more manageable by reducing hunger and cravings that often derail progress.

At El Cajon Weight Clinic, we believe in providing education and support throughout your weight loss. Call our El Cajon office at 619-440-8171 or schedule online today to learn if semaglutide might be right for you.