Weight Loss Timeline: Week-by-Week Expectations
Based on 5,000+ Lagos clients on Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, here's exactly what to expect at each stage.
Month 1: The Initiation Phase
You might feel weird. That's injection effect + appetite change. Normal. Most users weight stays same (water retention from adaptation).
Eating less feels strange. You might feel weird from reduced calories. Energy slightly lower. This is temporary.
This is hardest week mentally. Weight loss is happening but slowly. Expect to manage side effects.
Relief. Side effects fading. Weight starting to noticeably drop. Clothes fitting looser. Mental shift: "This is working"
Month 1 Summary: Expect 3-5 kg loss. Not dramatic. But this is establishing baseline. If you see 5+ kg, you're ahead of curve.
Month 2: The Acceleration Phase
This is what everyone imagines. Fast, consistent weight loss. 1-2 clothes sizes already changing. Energy normalizing. Result feels real.
People commenting. Clothes noticeably loose. Energy high. Side effects basically gone. This is why clients stay on protocol.
Month 2 Summary: Total 9-14 kg loss expected. This is where the magic happens. Expect fastest weight loss month overall.
Month 3: The Plateau Phase
Normal. Your body adapts to weight loss. Doesn't mean stopping - just slower. This is expected physiology.
This is where people think "It stopped working." It hasn't. Body is adjusting. Continue protocol. Weight loss resumes in 2-4 weeks.
Month 3 Summary: Total 15-20 kg loss expected. Plateau is normal and expected. Don't panic. Continue protocol.
Month 4-6: Steady Loss & Maintenance
After week 12, weight loss continues but slower. Average 0.5-1.0 kg/week if protocol maintained. By week 24 (6 months), most reach target weight or near it.
Typical 6-month totals:
- Starting 85kg, target 70kg: Expect to reach 70-72kg by month 6
- Starting 100kg, target 80kg: Expect to reach 80-85kg by month 6
- Starting 120kg, target 90kg: Expect to reach 95-100kg by month 6
If you want final 5-10 kg loss, continuing month 7+ is option. Or switching to Tirzepatide if on Semaglutide gets it done faster.
The Plateau Myth
What people think: "I lost 15 kg in 12 weeks. I should keep losing 15kg every 12 weeks."
What actually happens: Weight loss follows physiology, not linear trajectory. Week 13-24 is slower. This is normal and expected in 10,000+ studies.
The Truth: A plateau at week 12-16 is often when people quit. Then resume month 5-6 and shock themselves with new losses. Physiology doesn't respect impatience. Stay the course.
Factors Affecting Your Timeline
Faster Weight Loss If:
- Higher starting weight (more to lose, faster drops)
- Young age (metabolism faster)
- Male (higher muscle mass = higher metabolism)
- Exercise consistently (adds 300-500 kcal burn daily)
- Strict nutrition (high protein, low junk)
- Tirzepatide instead of Semaglutide
Slower Weight Loss If:
- Lower starting weight (less to lose, naturally slower)
- Older age (metabolism slower)
- Female (hormonal cycles cause water weight fluctuations)
- No exercise (relies on appetite suppression alone)
- Inconsistent nutrition (binge eating breaks momentum)
- Underlying metabolic issues (thyroid, insulin resistance)
- Semaglutide (slower than Tirzepatide)
What Success Looks Like
| Timeframe | Expected Loss | Physical Change |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | 3-5 kg | Subtle. Jeans slightly loose. |
| 8 weeks | 9-14 kg | Obvious. People comment. 1-2 sizes down. |
| 12 weeks | 12-18 kg | Major change. Friends barely recognize you. |
| 24 weeks | 18-28 kg | Transformation. New wardrobe needed. Target usually reached. |
When Results Plateau (Really)
If you hit 24 weeks with no weight loss for 4+ weeks straight, and appetite still suppressed, something needs adjustment:
- You've reached your genetic set point (body resists further loss)
- Your dose is at maximum tolerance
- Hidden calorie intake (snacking, drinks, hidden fats)
- Medical issues (thyroid, hormonal)
- Need to switch to Tirzepatide if on Semaglutide
At this point, medical team reviews and decides: continue current dose, escalate, switch medications, or transition to maintenance.
The Maintenance Question
After reaching target weight, do you stop the medication?
Data: 70% of people regain 50%+ of weight after stopping GLP-1.
Better approach: Transition to lower maintenance dose (usually half your weight-loss dose). Continue indefinitely. Prevents regain.
Weight loss is temporary. Maintenance is permanent choice.
Lagos medical team explains realistic expectations for your weight • Express delivery
References
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo
MBBS, FMCP - Endocrinology
Content reviewed by qualified healthcare professionals for accuracy.