Semaglutide and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• Bac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Wegovy 6 weeks ago at 0.25 mg for 4 weeks, and for the last 2 weeks at 1 mg. I started at 211 lbs and am now 197 lbs, so have lost 14 lbs and counting in 6 weeks. Not bad! Symptoms I've experienced include being slightly more tired than usual on the day of the injection, and some constipation at first but I use Miralax if there's an issue and it works fine for me. I haven't had any extreme nausea, but the injection definitely makes me less hungry and there are certain foods that I feel slightly queasy even considering eating-like high-fat foods-so I don't eat them. I eat a lot more fruits and vegetables and get full very quickly. I work out 4-5 days a week, my energy has been good and I feel like I'm getting back to my old self. I'd like to be about 135 lbs eventually. Wegovy has been a lifesaver. I'm 55 years old and had considerable cravings, especially at night. I'm happy to be free of them. I hope to make my new habits permanent."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic in late December at 0.25 injection. I also take 500mg metformin per day. Soon after I started Ozempic, I had decreased appetite and my sugars improved, but I had reflux, gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. After 4 weeks, I started 0.50. 2 weeks in, I have bouts of painful constipation then diarrhea, nausea, bloating, gas, reflux, and cramping. I've almost vomited a few times. When I eat, it feels like the food just sits and sits, barely moving through my gut. My doctor wants me to stick with it, saying that these side effects usually improve, but it's been pretty miserable. I'm thinking I'm going to stop taking it. While Ozempic has been effective in regulating my sugars and losing weight, I don't think it's worth the suffering that I've been enduring on this medication. I understand that studies showed it causing thyroid cancer in mice, but no one knows if it causes thyroid cancer in humans. I don't want to be the guinea pig the drug makers use to find out it does."

• eli...
• April 3, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started on 0.25 mg. Had some side effects but not enough to stop taking it. Nausea, but not terrible, heartburn which was bad at times, Pepto-Bismol sorted it out (have some on hand). Curbed appetite, but noticed it starting to not be so effective when it was time to up the dose. I am now on 0.5 mg. The third week, and I am on a new dose, and there's a big change. I have heartburn most of the time, especially if I try to eat starchy carbs (1 slice of bread). Nausea here and there, but since I took the third dose of 0.5 mg, I have absolutely zero appetite. I know I should eat, but 1 or 2 mouthfuls of food is enough for me. I lost 12 lbs in the first month and will weigh myself at the end of the second month. Conclusion: if you really can't stop eating, and your health is suffering, speak to your doctor about Wegovy. It's not a magic wand, but will definitely help you. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day."

• Gum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been on Rybelsus since 1 December at a dose of 3 mg. January 1, I started 7mg. I don’t like taking medication and was scared of this medication due to other reviews I have read. I am very pleased with the outcome. I lost 5 lbs with very little exercise. My side effects were nausea and loss of appetite. Nausea only occurred when I ate junk food and sweets. A1c down from 7 to 6.2. Plus, I do not take any other meds for diabetes. Hope my review will help others. February 28."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I suffered from - Loss of appetite - Exhaustion - Nausea - Vomiting (once a week, usually 2 days after my injection) - Low blood sugar events (probably caused because I just had no appetite). When I spoke to my pharmacist, she encouraged me to try to hang in there, telling me it would get better, and it finally has. I was not expecting it to take over 3 months though. My readings are all good, and I've lost 28 lbs, so there were benefits to sticking it out, but it was hard. I had decided that I would continue to take the medication until my next appointment, and if things were still bad, I would tell the doctor that I no longer wanted to use it. Things are better, and my appointment is next week."

• Sai...
• October 17, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Dr. ordered 3mg 30 days ago to be added to Metformin 2000mg. Blood sugars have decreased from a range of 200-350 to 120-150. Weight reduced by 14 pounds. I experienced nausea and fullness for the first two weeks. That has tapered off but appetite suppression has continued. After a month, the doctor is pleased with the results, as am I. He has ordered me to continue on the 3mg and my insurance has agreed to cover it with a copay I can afford. I am so grateful for this new med!"

• CAD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’m prediabetic, HbA1c 5.7. And I’ve been struggling to lose weight for 20 years. I have an excellent diet, but I eat too much. I’m hungry all the time. I started Rybelsus (paying out of pocket - Ouch) to see if it’s worth hassling my insurance company. On 3 mg, I felt nothing - no nausea, but experienced loose stools. When I went to 7 mg, I felt nausea for 1 hour after taking the pill and decreased appetite the rest of the day. I am easily staying on my 1400-1500 calorie diet, which has never been easy for me in the past. At 1 month of 7 mg, I’ve lost 8 pounds (255 to 247) and feel very encouraged. The science behind this medicine is inspiring."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been prescribed Ozempic for weight loss secondary to type 2. I got nauseated with some loss of appetite at 0.25 mg dosage and adapted to it over a month. Lost 9 lbs in that month. I increased to 0.5 mg last Friday (it is Tuesday), and I am miserable. Non-stop nausea, burping, some pain in the stomach, constipated. I feel miserable. I am worried about the stomach pain being pancreatitis starting, so I am increasing my water. I haven't eaten in two days. I will not continue with this drug as I think this just cannot be a good thing to do to one's body."

• Me ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, sulfur burps, fatigue, loss of appetite, super sensitive to smells, I have to make myself eat enough. It's like morning sickness, only it's 24/7. Zofran helps for about 6 hours. Cannot tolerate much besides chicken broth and Brussels sprouts. No fried, fatty, oily, spicy foods. Need to stay hydrated with water. Ginger ale helps. I'm up to a 1 mg dose and 14th week. This nausea is constant and impacts my daily routine significantly. However, it is the only effective weight loss option that's worked in 26 years of diets and exercise and eating healthy. I will not give up. The weight is killing me, and I needed this medication. I started at 221 lbs. and now I'm at 194.3 lbs. BMI is close to pre-obesity, and I know I'll cry the day I hit it. Full disclosure, I'm disabled in part due to my weight. There is no way I could have worked and taken Wegovy with the severity of my nausea and fatigue. But the mobility and breathing issues are improving."

• Abe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started out with .25 mg. I did that for four weeks and only felt slight nausea after the injection. Today, I bumped up to the .50 mg dose, and within five hours I was nauseous. I finally vomited, and I feel better, but have no appetite now. Nothing sounds good. I’m also sleepy. So far, the weight loss is only about five pounds. If I stay nauseated, it’ll probably increase drastically, but what a dumb way to live! I hope it’s temporary. I could be sick once a week and survive if I get decent weight loss. I am also fairly active, and I exercise 4-5 times a week. I don’t have a thyroid because of cancer nine years ago."

• Dad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 13, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "This Ozempic was prescribed as a last-ditch effort to get my A1C down prior to starting insulin. The first 0.25 dose caused significant nausea, but I battled through it for a couple of weeks before starting the 0.50 dose. The nausea increased with the higher dose, and I considered stopping but had lost ten pounds, had zero appetite, and my sugar was down, so I chose to continue. It's been about 6 months now, I'm taking the full 1.0 dose, and although the nausea is still an issue, it has lessened in severity and comes in 'waves,' so I know it will pass and just tough it through. I've dropped about 30 lbs and counting, my A1C is now in the prediabetic range, and I've been able to lower doses of other medications that were causing significant side effects. I now feel better, look better, have more energy, and no longer have the constant food cravings or desire to overeat. If you can ride out the nausea, the benefits of Ozempic are huge, for me anyway."

• MDG...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "First, I started on Rybelsus, the 3mg dose, my blood sugar went up over 200. I stopped on the third day, went back to my old meds, and my levels returned to normal. No nausea, no diarrhea, no side effects of any kind. (I did follow the directions to take it first thing on an empty stomach and not eat for thirty minutes.) Dr. switched me to the 7mg dose, so far my blood sugar is running higher than my old meds. I am on day four, so I want to give it plenty of time. I do notice a lack of appetite. At this point, I am not impressed, but I am willing to give it more time before throwing in the towel."

• JDM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on the low dose .25, had nausea, loss of appetite, little loose stool, tired, and just didn't feel good. Lasted for 3-4 days. Next dose, the symptoms increased, especially the loose stool, lasted most of the day for 4 days. The next dose, the doctor had me go to .5, and I say OMG, it was the worst I have ever felt. Couldn't eat, watery diarrhea, burping horribly, tired, and just felt so sick. I told my doctor I can't do this. Symptoms still going after being off for a week and a half. I just hope it stops soon. I do not recommend it to anyone."

• mew...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’m 63 F with T2 diabetes, and I started on Oz mid-May 2024. Symptoms: nausea, fatigue, GERD, sulfur burps, stomach cramping from severe constipation, constipation, feeling like I need to vomit, ringing in my ears has increased significantly, loss of appetite, reduction of inflammation, occasional migraines, feeling “off” most days, bouts of dizziness, and feeling faint, but blood sugar and blood pressure are normal, improved blood sugar readings, weight loss of 13 lbs. There are some perks: rheumatoid and osteoarthritis inflammation has lessened, though I still feel pain daily, it’s more tolerable. I take no painkillers but will take CBD as needed. Loss of appetite has led to a loss of 13 lbs so far, blood sugar improved so I’m confident that my A1C has improved also. I struggle with what to do: stay on for the inflammatory reductions, weight loss, and blood sugar improvement benefits, or quit because I feel sick most days, so I have no real pleasure in life anymore. No, I’m not depressed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Loved the weight loss, everything else sucked! Nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, sulfur burps, no appetite. I ended up with a nasty gallbladder that was poisoning my body. I turned septic and ended up hospitalized. The doctors, nurses, and hospital were wonderful, but my ordeal was not over. Ten days later, I had seizures and two small strokes. Had no calcium or magnesium left in my body. The most horrible experience ever! Yes, this medicine may be great. Please be vigilant about getting your blood work done on a monthly basis, especially if you are losing fluids through digestive upset. Like I said, the drug worked as far as weight loss (47 lbs) and A1C (6.6). But I came close to losing my life and am still recovering and working with my doctors to get back to a healthy life."

• AJa...
• July 4, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking 3 mg Rybelsus since June 4th. I am not experiencing nausea nor diarrhea, however, I am experiencing constipation and loss of appetite. Since I have been taking this medication, I notice I get tired very quickly. Overall, I notice that it has helped my diabetes tremendously, and I have lost 8 lbs with very little exercise. I also take metformin 750 ER. Before starting Rybelsus, my A1C was 8.1, I do expect it to be much lower on my next visit in September."

• CRK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor gave me a sample box of 3 mg Rybelsus for T2D. I could only tolerate it for 10 days. The first thing I noticed was my appetite was gone. As days went on, I felt like I was in my first trimester of pregnancy, although I didn’t ever feel like vomiting. Continuous nausea, lack of appetite, lethargy, and horrible constipation were my friends during the time I took the drug and for about a week afterward. I ended up in the ER with terrible IBS with very painful cramps. I thought I had a blockage from no BMs for 12 days. After being off the drug for about a week, one day I woke up and the symptoms were gone (about a week after I stopped taking it). I felt like myself again. During that short time period, the pounds just started melting off me, and I only weighed 138 going into this. I dropped down to 130. I really wanted this drug to work for me. My doctor tried to prescribe Trulicity after this. No way. It’s too similar. My A1C is 8. Not sure where to go from here."

• ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Rybelsus for a little over a month for PCOS and have had an overall positive experience - just started the 7 mg dose. My doctor recommended it since I am at risk for type 2 diabetes (>30 BMI, borderline high fasting glucose with a normal A1C, and signs of insulin resistance from PCOS). I get some pretty extreme nausea whenever I eat junk food (fatty and/or sugary), but otherwise feel good. I'm hoping that the nausea I do get helps instill better long-term eating habits. I've also experienced appetite suppression, which has helped me prioritize proteins and vegetables. I did get alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea when starting this medicine and am expecting that I'll experience the same with the dose increase. I have felt far more energy, and my cravings for junk food have drastically reduced. So far, I've lost slightly more than 10 lbs and am shooting for another 50 to help get my PCOS under control."

• Dck...
• January 13, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been on Ozempic for 8 weeks, .25 starter dose for the first 4 weeks; it suppressed my appetite, a couple of mild headaches, and intermittent nausea. Moved to .5 at week 5 and have no desire to eat at all. It’s almost a problem as I feel so weak and have all-day nausea. Hard to tell if the nausea is from not eating, Ozempic, or both. At week 6, I also started taking Humira for spondyloarthritis; the combined side effects are brutal. Sick nearly 24 hours a day, constant nausea, vomiting with any exertion. Backed off the Ozempic to .25; the side effects are better, but still troubling. As a positive, I’ve lost 30 lbs in 8 weeks, all from not eating as I feel too sick and weak to walk or work out. The docs prescribed Zofran 8 mg po every 8 hours as needed. It helps, and I do manage to eat a couple of small meals. Weigh the benefits and downsides, but it does work. A1C dropped from 8.7 to 7.4 in the first 8 weeks and should continue downward with prolonged use and accompanied weight loss."

• Top...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on the low dose of 0.25 in July - had no nausea, no loss of appetite, a little loose stool once a week. It's now December, I've stayed on the 0.25 dose and have lost 35 pounds! I feel great, better than I've felt in 10 years. I've even started riding my bicycle. I make sure to drink plenty of water daily and eat regular meals."

• Eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 4, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've taken Ozempic for 2 weeks and experiencing severe nausea and decreased appetite upon smelling the aroma of food. I am eating smaller portions since the nausea is severe. As for weight loss - I have to purchase a new scale, but noticed that my shoes seem bigger on my feet, which means I'm retaining less water and bloat. My pants are also looser. I am taking this medication with Metformin, which makes me use the bathroom and assist in my weight loss. I'll update again after week 4/5."

• DLy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Have been taking the low dosage for 2 weeks now. I have no appetite and have dropped about 7 lbs during that time. The problem is constant GI pain. No nausea, just never-ending constipation and gut pain. I am taking myself off this until I can find an alternative. The weight loss is nice, but the pain just isn’t worth it."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’m on Ozempic for weight loss. I started at a small dose for 4 weeks, 0.25, then 2 weeks, 0.5. Now I’m on maintenance, taking 1 mg. In the beginning, straight after the injection, I would suffer from nausea, migraines, and loss of appetite. My side effects have shifted. I don’t suffer from nausea for more than a day, however, I have sulfur gas. It’s horrible. I’m bloated and very gassy. I haven’t lost a ton of weight yet, however, I do think diet is key as I am taking this for weight loss, and so far, yes, my appetite is suppressed. A day or two before it’s time to take the injection, I gain more of an appetite. This stuff is killer expensive, and my insurance doesn’t cover it. I’ll give it a couple more months and see how it goes."

• Wor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "First, I am disabled with Lyme disease and severe fibromyalgia. I gained 20 pounds because I couldn't move for 2 years. I went on Wegovy. I was okay with the side effects (no appetite, a little bit of nausea) until I got to the 1.7 dose. I tried for 6 weeks on that dose. I was the sickest after the dose day for the majority of the week. I could barely eat. I did lose weight: 18 pounds in 4 months. I did no exercise whatsoever. In fact, I'm mostly bedridden. But feeling that ill on top of my constant pain was too much for me. I went down to the 1 mg, and we will see if I can do that. I also take pain meds and a fibro drug (also causes nausea). I have a nausea med called Zofran. You might want to ask for this. The nausea is awful, but really not bad for me UNTIL I started the 1.7 dose. Just couldn't stay on that. Definitely takes off weight. At one point, I ate 800 calories in 4 combined days, it was that bad. You might want to titrate slowly."

• blh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "First dose 0.25mg, had slight stomach pain/discomfort. Later that same night, my appetite disappeared. Just seeing a fast-food commercial on TV made me feel nauseous. I thought if that's the worst of the side effects that affect me, then I'll be very happy with that. By the next day, stomach pain and nausea increased. By 4:00 am, BAM! Diarrhea, severe stomach pain, projectile vomiting, headache, chest pain, severe itching mainly on the palms of my hands and arms. I truly thought 'this must be what it feels like to be poisoned!' I was scared. It is now the next day and I feel fine. A little tired from lack of sleep from feeling so sick. I think I will do my second dose next week...but I'm quite nervous of a repeat of feeling like I was dying from the stomach pains and vomiting. Will I continue with this drug?...jury is still out! On the positive side, I've already lost 5 pounds; but of course, I can't & don't want to eat, too much nausea and vomiting."