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Do Semaglutide shots maintain weight long term?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been struggling with my weight my whole life. I am 42 years old, five feet five inches, and currently around 215 pounds. I have tried diets, gyms, and fasting; nothing sticks. My blood sugar is creeping up, and my knees hurt constantly. I am thinking about those new weight‑loss shots everyone talks about, Ozempic or Wegovy.

Kindly answer my questions:

  1. Do they really work long-term?

  2. Any serious side effects?

I am afraid of gaining it all back once I stop. I just want to feel lighter and less tired all the time.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Kanishka Sharma

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Kanishka Sharma is a dedicated general practitioner committed to healing both hearts and minds. She believes the best doctors offer their compassion before their prescriptions, and she strives to provide care that is gentle, thorough, and truly patient-centered. Her approach blends medical knowledge with empathy, ensuring every patient feels heard and supported.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

It is completely understandable to feel frustrated after a long struggle with weight, and it is wise to research your options. Here is a clear breakdown of those weight‑loss shots (GLP‑1 agonists, that is, Semaglutide like Wegovy or Ozempic to help you decide if they might be right for you.

Do they work long-term?

  1. Yes, they are highly effective. These medications work by reducing your appetite, making you feel full faster and for longer, and slowing down stomach emptying. Clinical trials show an average weight loss of 15 to 20 percent over a year or more when combined with diet and exercise.

  2. They are designed for long‑term use. Obesity is a chronic condition, much like high blood pressure. These medications manage the underlying biology, so they must be taken continuously to maintain the effect.

What happens if you stop?

Your fear is valid. Most people will regain a significant amount of weight if they stop the medication. This is because the biological effects (appetite suppression, etc.) reverse once the drug is out of your system. It is not a “short‑term fix” but a long‑term management tool.

Serious side effects are as follows:

  1. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation (these often fade over time).

  2. More serious (but rarer) risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and a specific type of thyroid tumor (medullary carcinoma), which is a contraindication if you have a family history.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At December 25, 2025
Reviewed At December 30, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Kanishka Sharma is a dedicated general practitioner committed to healing both hearts and minds. She believes the best doctors offer their compassion before their prescriptions, and she strives to provide care that is gentle, thorough, and truly patient-centered. Her approach blends medical knowledge with empathy, ensuring every patient feels heard and supported.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Kanishka Sharma is a dedicated general practitioner committed to healing both hearts and minds. She believes the best doctors offer their compassion before their prescriptions, and she strives to provide care that is gentle, thorough, and truly patient-centered. Her approach blends medical knowledge with empathy, ensuring every patient feels heard and supported.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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