"What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Semaglutide for Weight Loss"

What I Wish I Knew During My First 30 Days on Semaglutide

Starting Semaglutide was a big decision—one that came after months of frustration, stalled progress, and not liking what I saw in the mirror. Like many others on a weight loss journey, I had tried adjusting my diet, hitting the gym regularly, lifting weights, doing cardio—you name it. But the results just weren’t matching the effort. So, after consulting with my doctor, we decided that Semaglutide might give me the extra help I needed.

Before I started, I thought I knew what to expect. I had read about some side effects, dosage schedules, and success stories. But looking back, there are a few key things I wish I had known during those first 30 days—things that would’ve helped me set more realistic expectations, make better decisions, and stay mentally prepared.

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1. Semaglutide Affects Everyone Differently—Be Patient

One of the biggest surprises for me was how long it took to notice changes. I expected results right away, but in reality, it took nearly a month before I saw or felt anything significant. This delay made me doubt whether the medication was even working.

If I had known that this delay was normal, I would’ve been more patient and less discouraged. Everyone's body reacts differently to Semaglutide—some people lose weight quickly, while others take time to adjust. What matters most is consistency and trust in the process.

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2. Research Doesn’t Stop After You Start

Another thing I wish I had done differently: more research—especially around support strategies like nutrition, supplements, and training. It wasn’t until I heard a great episode of the Mind Pump podcast (which I highly recommend!) that I started to realize Semaglutide isn’t a magic bullet. It’s a tool, and like any tool, it works best when used alongside other smart strategies.

After hearing that podcast and speaking with my doctor again, I began incorporating supplements to help support my metabolism and recovery. It’s not one-size-fits-all, and there’s still a lot of trial and error, but I’m slowly finding what works for me.

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3. You Have to Keep Lifting Weights

I can’t stress this enough—don’t stop lifting weights just because you’re losing weight. One mistake many people make (myself included at first) is focusing too much on cardio or dieting and neglecting strength training.

Muscle doesn’t just help you look better—it helps you burn more fat and stay strong. Maintaining or even building muscle during weight loss is crucial. I’ve made sure to keep weightlifting a core part of my routine, and I’ve already noticed some positive changes in my strength and how I feel in my body.

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4. Your Relationship With Food Will Change—And That’s a Good Thing

One unexpected part of this journey was how Semaglutide made me more aware of my relationship with food. I didn’t just eat because I was hungry—I often ate out of habit, stress, or boredom. During these first 30 days, my appetite dropped, and it forced me to confront those patterns.

This medication helped me start to rethink why I eat, not just what I eat. I’m still learning, but I now realize that healing my relationship with food is just as important as losing weight.

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Final Thoughts: Be Kind to Yourself, and Keep Going

If you’re just starting your journey with Semaglutide, know this: it’s okay not to have it all figured out right away. The first 30 days will challenge you physically and mentally, but they’ll also teach you a lot—about your body, your habits, and your mindset.

Weight loss isn’t just about shrinking the number on the scale. It’s about growth in every area of your life—discipline, self-awareness, resilience, and even how you view yourself in the mirror.

You’re not just losing weight—you’re rebuilding. And that takes time.