What to Know in Your First Week of Semaglutide Treatment

Preparing for Your First Semaglutide Dose

Before beginning semaglutide, a licensed healthcare provider will assess your medical history and may recommend lab testing to help determine whether the medication is appropriate for your needs. Semaglutide is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection, which may start with a low dose and gradually increase under clinical supervision.

Steps to prepare:

• Learn correct injection technique 
• Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) to minimize local irritation
  
• Follow a provider-guided titration schedule, which often begins at 0.25 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks.
  
• Stay hydrated and consider smaller, more frequent meals to help reduce potential gastrointestinal discomfort
  
• Track baseline metrics such as weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI)
  
  

Licensed healthcare providers you may connect to via the Eden platform may offer clinical guidance, education, and tools such as injection aids to support your treatment experience.

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Day-by-Day Experience on Semaglutide

Individual responses to semaglutide may vary. During the first week, some individuals may notice changes in appetite or digestion as their body adjusts. Below is a general overview of what some people report during the first week of use under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider.

Days 1–2: Starting Treatment

• Administer the first dose, typically 0.25 mg
• You may feel little to no immediate effect
• Some individuals begin to notice a subtle reduction in appetite

Days 3–5: Adjusting

• Appetite suppression may become more noticeable
• Some individuals report a small decrease in water weight during this period
• Mild side effects may begin, such as nausea, gas, or fatigue
  
  

Days 6–7: End of Week One

• Appetite changes may become more consistent
• Many individuals tolerate this initial dose well with proper hydration and dietary adjustments

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Managing Side Effects

Some individuals may experience digestive or energy-related symptoms as their body adjusts to semaglutide. These effects have been observed in clinical trials of FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists and often improve with time and proper support.

Commonly reported symptoms may include:

• Nausea (20–30%)
• Diarrhea (up to 30%)
• Constipation (less common)
• Abdominal bloating or cramping
• Fatigue

These reactions are generally mild to moderate and may decrease with continued use. However, everyone’s response is different.

Supportive strategies may include:

• Eating bland, low-fat meals
• Using natural remedies such as ginger or peppermint to ease nausea
• Staying hydrated and gradually increasing fiber intake
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption
• Following your licensed healthcare provider’s recommended dosing plan

If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a licensed healthcare provider promptly. Ongoing care and symptom monitoring are available through licensed providers you may connect to via the Eden platform.

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Diet Tips for Week One

During your first week using semaglutide, certain dietary choices may help support comfort and overall well-being. While this medication may influence appetite, nutrition still plays a key role in maintaining energy levels and easing digestive symptoms.

Consider eating more of the following nutrient-dense options:

• Lean proteins (e.g., chicken, turkey, eggs, Greek yogurt)
• Whole grains (e.g., quinoa, oats, brown rice)
• Non-starchy vegetables (e.g., leafy greens, broccoli, bell peppers)
• Hydrating foods and plenty of water throughout the day

Try to limit:

• Fried or greasy foods
• High-sugar snacks and sweetened beverages
• High-fat dairy products or red meats
• Processed or fast foods

Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help reduce stomach discomfort and promote steadier energy levels. These adjustments may be particularly helpful when your body is adapting to semaglutide.

A licensed healthcare provider can help you personalize a nutrition plan based on your medical history and individual health goals.

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Physical Activity in Week One

Light physical activity may help support digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being during the first week of semaglutide treatment. As your body adjusts, gentle movement may also ease common symptoms such as fatigue or mild bloating.

Activities to consider:

• Daily walks (20–30 minutes)
• Gentle stretching or yoga
• Low-impact options such as cycling or swimming

As your comfort level increases, you may work toward the general physical activity guidelines recommended by the CDC:

• 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
• Two sessions of muscle-strengthening activities per week

Be sure to listen to your body and adjust your routine gradually. A licensed healthcare provider can help determine what type and level of activity is appropriate for your current health status.

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Monitoring Progress

Tracking your experience with semaglutide may help you stay informed and engaged during treatment. While responses to this medication can vary from person to person, observing changes in key areas may support meaningful conversations with your licensed healthcare provider.

You may consider monitoring:

• Weight (at the same time weekly, using the same scale)
• Appetite levels and patterns
• Portion sizes and food-related thoughts or cravings
• Any side effects or changes in digestion
• Energy levels and physical activity

Many people find it helpful to use a journal or tracking app to organize this information. Sharing your notes with a licensed healthcare provider may help guide dosage adjustments, nutrition, and overall care decisions.

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When to Call Your Provider

Although many individuals tolerate semaglutide well, certain symptoms should be addressed promptly with a licensed healthcare provider. Monitoring for potential side effects is an important part of staying safe while using GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Contact a licensed healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Persistent or severe nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
• Symptoms that may indicate pancreatitis, such as sharp upper abdominal pain
• Allergic reactions, including rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• Vision changes
• Unusual fatigue or swelling in the legs, feet, or hands
• Possible signs of thyroid issues, such as a lump in the neck, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing

Licensed healthcare providers on the Eden platform are available to review your symptoms, provide medical guidance, and recommend any next steps based on your individual situation.

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Final Thoughts

The first week of semaglutide treatment marks the beginning of a longer-term approach to metabolic health. While changes may be subtle early on, some individuals report reduced appetite or fewer food-related thoughts during this period. When paired with supportive habits like balanced eating, regular hydration, and light movement, these shifts may contribute to improved well-being over time.

Licensed healthcare providers on the Eden platform may offer personalized care plans designed to guide you safely through each stage of your treatment when eligible. With consistency, support, and monitoring, you may build a strong foundation for long-term lifestyle improvements.

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Disclaimer:

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting or adjusting any medication or treatment plan. Semaglutide is FDA-approved under the brand names Ozempic® (for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy® (for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with related conditions). Use in compounded form or for other health goals should be supervised by a licensed provider and may not be FDA-approved.