Rybelsus for Weight Loss: What Is It, Dosage, Side Effects

For many, Rybelsus has been a breakthrough option, offering an alternative to injections while giving people with type 2 diabetes another option for blood sugar control.

As of now, Rybelsus is the only oral form of semaglutide. Because it's taken as a daily tablet, it can make for a more comfortable alternative for people who prefer to avoid injections. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Rybelsus as a blood sugar medication in 2019, but it’s not formally approved as a weight loss drug, even though it has some weight loss benefits.¹ 

Here's everything you need to know about Rybelsus for weight loss and whether it's best to consider other medications.

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What Is Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is an FDA-approved prescription medication for improving blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes (it's not effective for type 1 diabetes). The main active ingredient is semaglutide, the same medication in Ozempic and Wegovy. But unlike Ozempic and Wegovy, which are injections, Rybelsus is an oral tablet you take by mouth once daily. 

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are meant to mimic a hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar levels, particularly after meals. Essentially, this oral semaglutide helps slow down how quickly food moves through your digestive system, reducing blood sugar spikes and allowing your body to use insulin more effectively. By doing this, Rybelsus not only helps to lower blood sugar levels (in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise) but may also aid in weight loss for some people—a common goal for those managing type 2 diabetes.

Rybelsus is generally taken once a day, usually on an empty stomach, to help it work most effectively. Like any medication, it can come with side effects, so it’s important to discuss your full health picture with your healthcare provider before starting.²

Rybelsus and Weight Loss: What Is the Link?

While Rybelsus is primarily prescribed to help manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, many have noticed an unexpected bonus: weight loss. Though it’s not approved specifically as a weight loss drug, Rybelsus’s unique way of working with your body’s natural hormones can lead to some slimming effects. So, how exactly does Rybelsus contribute to weight loss, and what should you know if you’re considering it?

Rybelsus works by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1, which plays a big role in regulating blood sugar and appetite. By activating GLP-1 receptors, Rybelsus helps slow down the emptying of food from your stomach (also called gastric emptying), which can leave you feeling full longer and reduce those post-meal blood sugar spikes. This effect on digestion often leads to reduced appetite and smaller portion sizes, which, over time, may result in weight loss for some people.

It’s important to remember that while weight loss is a common side effect of Rybelsus, it’s not guaranteed, and the results can vary widely. For those with type 2 diabetes, weight loss can be an added benefit since maintaining a healthy weight often supports better blood sugar control. However, Rybelsus isn’t typically prescribed for weight loss alone. If weight management is your primary goal, your doctor may prescribe other FDA-approved medications for weight loss, such as Wegovy (which also contains the active ingredient semaglutide).

Is Rybelsus Approved for Weight Loss?

While Rybelsus is FDA-approved for blood sugar management, it's also shown potential for weight loss. This medication is currently available in three dosages to treat type 2 diabetes: 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg tablets. However, researchers are now studying how higher dosages of Rybelsus can spur weight loss. 

The 2023 clinical trial, called OASIS 1, shows that a 50 mg dose of Rybelsus led to overweight people losing 17% of their body weight after 68 weeks on the drug. Given these promising results comparable to Wegovy's, Rybelsus may be FDA-approved for weight loss in the future.

People taking smaller doses of Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes have noticed some weight loss, but on a more modest scale—an average of about 8 pounds.^{3, 4}

How Long Does It Take for Rybelsus to Work for Weight Loss?

If you’re taking Rybelsus and hoping to see some weight loss and better blood sugar control, you might wonder how soon the effects will show. While Rybelsus isn’t a quick-fix weight loss solution, many people notice changes over time as their body adjusts to the medication. 

It usually takes around six months for Rybelsus to start making a difference on the scale.  In a medical study conducted over six months, participants who weighed an average of 202 pounds lost around 8.4 pounds on average when taking 14 mg of Rybelsus.⁵

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href=what-happens-if-you-take-rybelsus-with-food>Rybelsus and Food: What to Eat and Avoid</a></a>.</div>

Rybelsus Dosage for Weight Loss

Although Rybelsus is FDA-approved to manage blood sugar, its dosage can affect its effectiveness for weight loss, too. That's why it's being studied as a weight loss drug. The OASIS clinical trial is testing a 50 mg Rybelsus dosage for weight loss. 

Until the FDA approves Rybelsus for weight loss, assuming it does, the medication is started at a low dose to control blood glucose levels. For context, patients usually begin at a starting daily dose of 3 mg, which helps the body adjust; after about 30 days, the dose is then increased to 7 mg, with a further increase to 14 mg if needed, depending on how well their blood sugar is responding. 

For those who experience weight loss as a side effect, it’s often at the higher 14 mg dose, as this amount may have a stronger effect on appetite and digestion. People on the highest approved 14 mg dose noticed an average 8.4-pound weight loss over the course of six months. 

Rybelsus for Weight Loss: Possible Side Effects

While Rybelsus can offer benefits like blood sugar control and potential weight loss, it's important to weigh whether the drug's benefits outweigh its risks. Like any drug, Rybelsus affects people differently, and some people may experience side effects more commonly than others. 

The most common side effects of Rybelsus include:

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Possible drug interactions

While Rybelsus isn't linked to cardiovascular issues, the drug comes with a list of serious side effects you should be aware of: ^{6, 7}

• Risk of Thyroid Cancer: Rybelsus has a boxed warning, which is the most serious warning given by the FDA for the risk of thyroid cancer. Animal studies have suggested a potential risk of thyroid cancer associated with semaglutide, the active ingredient in Rybelsus. While this risk in humans is still being studied, it's important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider—and this is especially important if you have a family history of thyroid tumors or cancer.
• Hypoglycemia: Also known as low blood sugar levels, hypoglycemia can occur if you take Rybelsus alongside other diabetes medications that lower blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include dizziness, vision problems, sweating, confusion, and irritability.
• Gallbladder Issues: Rybelsus may increase the risk of gallbladder problems, such as gallstones or inflammation. Symptoms might include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which should be reported to a healthcare provider.
• Pancreatitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, which can be a serious condition that can lead to severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If these occur, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
• Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to Rybelsus, which can present as rashes, itching, or swelling, particularly of the face or throat. Severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, require urgent medical care.
• Increased Heart Rate: Rybelsus may lead to a fast heart rate in some users. While this may not be problematic for everyone, monitoring your heart health is important, especially if you have existing heart conditions.
• Kidney Problems: In people with kidney issues, symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can lead to dehydration, potentially worsening kidney function. Staying well-hydrated is crucial to minimize the risk of dehydration and support overall kidney health.

Learn More About the Signos CGM Program

Signos incorporates cutting-edge research and the proven power of continuous glucose monitoring. The data gleaned from the Signos app can help guide your health journey. Not sure if Signos is right for you? Take this quiz to find out! Interested in learning more about nutrition and healthy eating habits? Check out more articles on our blog.

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn More: </strong><a href=ozempic-vs-rybelsus>Ozempic vs Rybelsus: Which Is Better for You?</a>.</div>