Rybelsus for Weight Loss: Everything You Need to Know

Rybelsus is a commonly prescribed medication that helps manage blood glucose levels and A1c levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. 

Although it is not FDA-approved solely for weight loss, many users report losing weight while on the medication. 

This article will explore everything you need to know about using Rybelsus for weight loss.

What is Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is an oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medication with semaglutide as its active ingredient, similar to medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. 

Taken as a tablet daily, it is most effective when combined with diet and exercise. Clinical trials have shown that people with an average A1c of 8.1 percent can lower their levels by an average of 1.3 percent, making it an effective oral diabetes medication.

Read more in: Everything You Need to Know About Rybelsus.

Can Rybelsus help you lose weight?

Although Rybelsus is not approved specifically for weight loss, many people report significant weight reduction while using it. 

In the OASIS 1 trial, participants taking Rybelsus lost an average of more than 17 percent of their body weight over 68 weeks. Furthermore, 40 percent of the participants lost 20 percent or more of their body weight, outperforming the placebo (inactive treatment) group. 

Additional research has indicated that, on average, most people lose about 4.4 kg, or 10 pounds, after one year of Rybelsus use, even alongside established metformin treatment. 

How does Rybelsus help with weight loss?

Rybelsus helps with weight loss by regulating blood sugar and reducing appetite. 

The active ingredient, semaglutide, stimulates insulin release from the pancreas, helping move glucose from the blood into cells for energy, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and reducing cravings for high-calorie foods. 

It also inhibits glucagon production, preventing the liver from releasing stored glucose into the blood, which helps maintain steady blood sugar levels and reduces hunger triggered by low blood sugar.

Additionally, Rybelsus curbs appetite by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus, which reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness with smaller meals. It also slows stomach emptying, prolonging the sensation of fullness and decreasing the urge to eat.

How much weight can you lose on Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is not specifically FDA-approved for weight loss, resulting in limited data on potential weight reduction. 

Clinical trials show that people taking the maximum standard dose of 14 mg of Rybelsus lost an average of 4.4 kilograms (kg), or 9.7 pounds over 52 weeks, compared to just 0.5 kg, or 1 pound, in the placebo group. 

Higher doses of 25 mg and 50 mg are currently under investigation in OASIS 1 for their effectiveness in weight loss for adults.

Although losing nearly 10 pounds is noteworthy, this weight loss occurs over a year and requires the highest recommended dose, making Rybelsus a less effective option for weight loss compared to FDA-approved weight-loss medications, including Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound.

How quickly can you lose weight on Rybelsus?

Using Rybelsus for rapid weight loss is not recommended, as sustainable weight reduction typically occurs over time. 

The medication works by suppressing appetite and enhancing insulin sensitivity, leading to gradual weight loss that unfolds over several months. 

For the best results, Rybelsus should be paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise. If you’re interested in exploring healthy and sustainable weight-loss strategies, speak with your doctor.

What dose of Rybelsus should I take for weight loss? 

Rybelsus is not officially approved for weight loss, so there is no recommended dose specifically for this purpose. 

The medication is dose-responsive, meaning its effectiveness on blood sugar, A1c levels, and weight loss increases with higher doses. However, higher doses also raise the risk of negative side effects.

Initially, users start with 3 mg daily, which is not effective for weight loss or blood sugar control. After 30 days, the dose can be increased to 7 mg daily, and if further blood sugar management is needed, it may be increased to 14 mg daily after another 30 days. 

Time Period	Dose	Purpose
Initial	3 mg daily	Not effective for weight loss or blood sugar management
After 30 days	7 mg daily	Increases dose for potential blood sugar management and possible weight loss
After 60 days	14 mg daily	Further increase for improved blood sugar management and possible weight loss

Always consult your doctor before adjusting your dosage.

Learn more in: Rybelsus Dosage Guide: How Much Should You Take?

Can I take Rybelsus for weight loss if I don’t have diabetes?

Rybelsus is not approved as a weight-loss drug for people without diabetes. 

There are alternatives, such as Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound, which are GLP-1 receptor agonist medications FDA-approved for weight loss in those who don’t have diabetes.

However, your doctor might prescribe Rybelsus “off-label” — in a manner not officially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — for weight management if it’s medically appropriate. 

This could be the case, for instance, if your body-mass index (BMI), a measure of weight relative to height, is 30 or higher and you have at least one weight-related health issue, such as hypertension.

It’s important to never take medications not prescribed to you, nor to use someone else’s prescription. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, Rybelsus can be effective for weight loss.

What are the side effects of Rybelsus?

Rybelsus may cause:

• Common side effects, including gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Severe reactions including thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, and serious allergic reactions.

Immediate medical attention is necessary if severe symptoms or allergic reactions occur. 

See more in: Rybelsus Side Effects: What You Need to Know.

Who should not take Rybelsus?

Rybelsus should only be taken if prescribed by your doctor, and it is not FDA-approved for people without diabetes. 

Nevertheless, it may be prescribed for those experiencing insulin resistance and weight gain. 

Rybelsus is not suitable for pregnant women; if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you must discontinue its use. 

Additionally, avoid Rybelsus if you or any family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). 

It is also important to avoid this medication if you are allergic to semaglutide or any other ingredients in Rybelsus. 

Always inform your doctor about all medications you are currently using before starting treatment.

Can Rybelsus replace insulin?

No, Rybelsus cannot replace insulin. 

If you have been prescribed Rybelsus, continue taking your other diabetes medications unless your doctor advises otherwise. 

While Rybelsus helps lower blood sugars over time, it does not cause acute low blood sugars (hypoglycemia) in the way that insulin does. 

If you experience frequent low blood sugars while on Rybelsus, it may indicate increased insulin sensitivity, requiring a reduction in your insulin dose. 

Always speak with your doctor about adjusting your medication or insulin doses to manage and prevent frequent hypoglycemic events effectively.

Are Rybelsus and Ozempic the same? 

While Rybelsus and Ozempic are similar, they are not identical. 

Both medications contain the active ingredient semaglutide and are FDA-approved to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, they are often prescribed off-label for weight loss and weight management. 

The primary difference lies in their administration: Rybelsus is an oral medication taken daily, whereas Ozempic is administered through a weekly injection. 

This makes Rybelsus a suitable option for those who prefer pills to injections, and Ozempic a viable choice for people who have difficulty swallowing pills.

Are Rybelsus and Wegovy the same?

While Rybelsus and Wegovy are similar, they serve different purposes and have different forms of administration.

Rybelsus is an oral medication used to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. 

Wegovy, on the other hand, is designed specifically for weight management in people who are overweight or obese, regardless of whether they have diabetes. It is administered as a weekly injection and works by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness.

Learn more in Everything You Need to Know About Rybelsus. Did you find this article helpful? Click Yes or No below to let us know!