{"id":57779,"date":"2023-03-31T09:23:43","date_gmt":"2023-03-31T13:23:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=57779"},"modified":"2025-10-21T15:07:54","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T19:07:54","slug":"rybelsus-weight-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/rybelsus-weight-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Who can take Rybelsus for weight loss?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Weight loss medications have increased interest lately, especially with new options on the market. Rybelsus<\/a> is a relatively new medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It contains semaglutide, a <\/span>glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist<\/span><\/a>, taken as an oral tablet once daily. Semaglutide is the same active ingredient in <\/span>Ozempic<\/span><\/a>, an injectable once-weekly medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rybelsus is FDA approved for managing blood sugar levels in people with <\/span>Type 2 diabetes mellitus<\/span><\/a>. It is an effective treatment option with benefits other than managing high blood sugar levels. For instance, it has a low risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and may help promote weight loss. Due to its weight-reducing effects, people with obesity or who are overweight may be interested in oral semaglutide as a weight-loss drug.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Continue reading to learn more about Rybelsus effects on weight loss, how it works, and who can take it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Rybelsus cause weight loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Although Rybelsus is not yet approved solely for weight loss in the United States, it could be an attractive option for people who are obese or overweight with Type 2 diabetes. Initial clinical studies showed that Rybelsus caused a decrease in appetite as a side effect, which may lead to weight loss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clinical trials of Rybelsus for weight loss<\/span><\/h3>\n

In a <\/span>6-month study<\/span><\/a>, the starting weight of participants who took a placebo, 7 mg of Rybelsus, or 14 mg of Rybelsus was around 194 to 196 pounds. The participants who took the lower dose of Rybelsus lost an average of around five pounds, and those who took the higher dose lost an average of nine pounds. In contrast, study results showed that the placebo group lost around 2 pounds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity (STEP) trials were conducted to assess how the active ingredient in Rybelsus affects obesity. People with a body mass index of at least 27 kg\/m2 were included in the trials. In the first four trials (STEP 1-4), adults who were overweight or obese were treated with a once-weekly 2.4 mg dose of semaglutide. The results of the 68-week trials showed that participants experienced an average weight loss of <\/span>15% to 17%<\/span><\/a>, with those who also had Type 2 diabetes losing around 10% of their body weight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not a miracle cure for obesity<\/span><\/h3>\n

The results of taking Rybelsus for weight loss will vary depending on the individual. Although Rybelsus has been shown to be effective for weight loss, the drug is recommended to be taken with a healthy diet and exercise plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Based on the current evidence, it could take around six months to start seeing results in weight loss. The STEP trials suggest that it could take up to over a year to see the maximum benefits of semaglutide for weight loss. One thing to note is that the STEP trials studied the use of a dose of injectable semaglutide that is different from Rybelsus. More research may be needed to assess the effects of oral semaglutide on obesity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is important to take Rybelsus as prescribed by your healthcare provider, especially if they prescribe it <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> for weight management.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How does Rybelsus cause weight loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The active ingredient in Rybelsus, semaglutide, works in a number of ways to improve blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. As part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors to stimulate insulin secretion. Insulin helps the body\u2019s cells use <\/span>glucose for energy<\/span><\/a>. In addition, it reduces the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood glucose levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The way that Rybelsus is effective for diabetes also makes it helpful for weight loss. Rybelsus has been shown to suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness, which may lead to decreased food intake. It also slows down the emptying of the stomach, which can help people eat less and feel full for longer periods of time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although it does not directly increase metabolism, it may help people lose weight by making them feel less hungry and reducing the amount of food they consume. These effects may help reduce weight gain.<\/span><\/p>\n

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