5 Tips to Avoid Semaglutide Side Effects

Hey, Ariana here! As Belle Medical’s Brand Manager and a real Semaglutide patient, I understand the journey of using weight loss injections (similar to Ozempic and Wegovy) for healthy weight loss. I started taking Semaglutide in April 2023 because I was tired of feeling unhappy with my appearance, having gained a significant amount of weight in the years prior. In this blog post, I want to share my journey and some tips that helped me avoid side effects and achieve great results.

My Semaglutide Journey

Throughout college, I was around 140 pounds. I was never one to do extreme or fad diets, but I did try to live a balanced lifestyle. However, after graduating and getting married in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic, job changes, and other stressors, I gained about 50 lbs over 4 years. 

I was tired of feeling unhappy with the way I looked. I hated seeing myself in pictures and hated to see the number on the scale. By April 2023, I decided to make a change. I started taking Semaglutide and focused on making small changes to my diet. I didn’t have a goal weight; I just wanted to feel healthy and confident again.

In five months, I lost 35 pounds. I felt much better in my skin and was excited to go shopping, wear cute outfits, and put effort into my appearance. (If you want to hear more about my experience, you can watch this podcast episode.) My Semaglutide journey was pretty smooth, and I want to help you make yours easy too! Here are five things I did to help avoid side effects and improve my results.

Schedule Your Injections

One of the most common side effects of Semaglutide is nausea, which can be managed by planning your injection schedule. I took my injection on Saturday nights because I knew I didn’t have much going on Sundays. This way, if I felt nauseous, I could take it easy and rest. Planning your injection around your least busy days can help you manage any potential side effects without disrupting your routine.

Do the Shot in the Evening

Taking the injection in the evening allowed me to sleep through most of the side effects. By the time I woke up, the nausea had usually subsided. This simple adjustment made a significant difference in how I felt and made it easier to stick to the treatment.

Plan for Smaller Portions

Semaglutide can suppress your appetite, so it’s essential to adjust your portion sizes. I had to train myself not to order too much at restaurants or put too much on my plate at home. My husband and I would often share entrees, which helped me avoid overeating and feeling guilty about wasting food. Learning to listen to your body and recognize when you’re full is crucial for long-term success.

Listen to Your Body

Semaglutide helps reduce food noise, meaning you don’t feel as snacky throughout the day. It’s essential to pay attention to your body’s signals. Don’t overeat, and remember to eat smaller portions. If you feel full, stop eating. This practice goes hand-in-hand with planning smaller portions. Additionally, be mindful of your habits. You might be used to having a bowl of cereal before bed, but with Semaglutide, listen to your body and make choices based on its signals rather than old habits. Overeating can lead to discomfort and counteract the benefits of Semaglutide. By listening to your body, you can ensure you’re eating the right amount for your needs.

Focus on Nutrients

Since you can only eat so much before feeling full, it’s important to focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods. I prioritized getting enough water and protein, which helped me feel satiated and nourished. Avoiding too much sugar, fat, and carbs is a good recommendation, but I found it more helpful to focus on getting enough of the good stuff. This approach made it easier to maintain a balanced diet without feeling deprived.