How Effective is Rybelsus for Weight Loss?

Rybelsus is a prescription medication that is used, along with diet and exercise, to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. While it is not a weight loss medication, taking Rybelsus can help you lose weight. Please continue reading to learn more about Rybelsus as a weight loss aid.

Is Rybelsus a weight loss drug?

No, Rybelsus is not a weight loss medication. This prescription drug is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in obese or overweight individuals. However, taking Rybelsus to control blood glucose levels may help you lose weight. This medication comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth once daily in the morning on an empty stomach.

Why do you lose weight on Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and works by mimicking a hormone naturally produced by the body. It increases insulin secretion from the pancreas, which helps control blood glucose levels by lowering blood glucose levels.

You may lose weight on Rybelsus because it also delays gastric emptying after meals. By causing food to stay longer in the stomach, Rybelsus increases satiety and decreases appetite and caloric intake, thereby leading to a reduction in body weight. 

How much weight can you lose on Rybelsus?

Studies have shown that people who weighed 194 pounds and took Rybelsus 14 mg once daily for 6 months lost around 8 pounds. People who weighed 196 pounds and took Rybelsus 7 mg once daily for 6 months lost around 5 pounds of body weight.

How long does Rybelsus take to work for weight loss?

It takes around 6 months for Rybelsus to work for weight loss. However, the effects may vary among individuals depending on other factors, such as lifestyle modifications. 

What works better than Rybelsus for weight reduction?

Wegovy works better than Rybelsus for weight reduction. Rybelsus is used for blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, works better for weight reduction when used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise program. Find out the best diabetes drug for weight loss.

You may qualify for Wegovy if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher or a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher and at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood glucose levels.

Learn about Wegovy uses and side effects.

Do people lose more weight on Rybelsus or Ozempic?

People may lose slightly more weight on Ozempic than Rybelsus. A 2021 study found that in people with type 2 diabetes controlled with diet and exercise, the maximum dose of subcutaneous semaglutide (Ozempic 1 mg) led to an average weight loss of 9.9 pounds in 30 weeks whereas a maximum dose of oral semaglutide (Rybelsus 14 mg) led to an average weight loss of 8.2 pounds in 26 weeks.

Read: “Ozempic for Weight Loss: Does It Really Work?”

Which form of semaglutide is best for weight loss?

Wegovy is better for weight loss compared to the other two forms of semaglutide, Ozempic and Rybelsus, which are diabetes medications. Find out: How Does Wegovy Work for Weight Loss?

The three forms of semaglutide currently on the market are:

Rybelsus vs Ozempic: What’s the Difference?

Is metformin or Rybelsus better for weight loss? 

Neither metformin nor Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) is approved for weight loss. However, doctors may prescribe these diabetes medications off-label for weight reduction. Learn more: “Rybelsus vs Metformin: What’s the Difference?”

There are other medications available that mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). They are FDA-approved prescription drugs for weight loss. Talk to your healthcare provider about starting treatment with one of these medications if you have been unable to lose weight with lifestyle changes alone.

What should I eat when taking Rybelsus for weight loss?

Rybelsus works best for blood sugar control and weight loss when used along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats to get the maximum benefits from Rybelsus in terms of weight loss.

What are the risks of taking Rybelsus?

Adverse effects

Common side effects of Rybelsus include abdominal pain, heartburn, burping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and decreased appetite. These side effects usually get better once your body adjusts to the medicine. If they are severe or persistent, talk to your doctor about adjusting your Rybelsus dosage.

Warnings

Taking Rybelsus is associated with an increased risk of:

• Medullary thyroid cancer

• Pancreatitis

• Diabetic retinopathy complications

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with other diabetes medications

• Effects on kidney function

• Gallbladder problems

• Hypersensitivity (seek emergency medical attention if you develop signs of an allergic reaction such as a skin rash, hives, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing) 

• Drug interactions with other medications

Who should not take Rybelsus?

Doctors do not prescribe Rybelsus to:

• People with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2)

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• Children under the age of 18 years

• People with type 1 diabetes

• Hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any component alike

Read more: “Semaglutide Tablets vs Injection: Which Is Best?”