Semaglutide (GLP-1)

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural hormone your intestines produce after eating. GLP-1 regulates appetite and blood sugar by slowing gastric emptying so food stays in your stomach longer, signaling your brain to reduce hunger, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing glucagon, which raises blood sugar. The result is significantly reduced appetite, improved blood sugar control, and sustainable weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. You feel full faster, stay full longer, and stop constantly thinking about food.

Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15 to 20% of body weight over 12 to 18 months, with some people losing more. Real-world results vary based on starting weight, adherence, diet quality, physical activity, and individual metabolism. Most people lose 1 to 2 lbs per week on average, with faster initial loss that gradually slows. Unlike crash diets, semaglutide supports sustainable loss by reducing hunger rather than requiring extreme calorie restriction. Best results come from combining medication with protein-focused nutrition and resistance training to preserve muscle mass.

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea (especially during dose increases), occasional vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. These are typically mild to moderate and improve as your body adjusts, usually resolving within 2 to 4 weeks at each dose level. Slow dose escalation significantly reduces severity. Our formulation includes B12, which helps reduce the severity of nausea during dose increases. Two layers of protection: gradual escalation plus a formulation designed to minimize the side effect most people worry about. Serious but rare side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, or severe allergic reactions. Most people tolerate semaglutide well once they reach their maintenance dose.

Appetite reduction typically begins within 1 to 2 weeks of starting treatment. Most people notice significantly reduced hunger and food noise by week 2 to 3. Initial weight loss often appears within the first 2 to 4 weeks. Full effects develop over 3 to 6 months as you reach your therapeutic dose through gradual escalation. The maximum weight-loss results are typically seen after 6 to 12 months of consistent treatment.

Semaglutide is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a small insulin-type syringe, typically with a 29- to 31-gauge needle. Most people inject into abdominal tissue, though thighs or upper arms also work. Choose the same day each week for consistency. Dosing starts low at 0.25mg weekly and gradually increases every 4 weeks until reaching the therapeutic dose, typically 1 to 2.4mg weekly. Injections take seconds and become routine quickly. We provide detailed instructions to ensure proper technique.

Semaglutide significantly reduces appetite, making it easier to maintain a caloric deficit without extreme restriction. However, the best results occur when combined with high-protein nutrition (aim for 1g per pound of goal body weight) to preserve muscle mass, resistance training 2 to 4 times per week to maintain strength and metabolism, and adequate sleep and stress management. Semaglutide reduces constant hunger that derails most diets, but you still need a balanced diet and regular physical activity for optimal body composition and health outcomes.

Rapid weight loss from any method can include muscle loss alongside fat loss. Without optimization, semaglutide-induced weight loss averages 25-30% muscle and 70-75% fat. However, high protein intake and resistance training can shift the composition toward 10 to 15% muscle and 85 to 90% fat. Our semaglutide formulation includes glycine, an amino acid that supports muscle protein synthesis and preservation. Combined with proper nutrition and training, you’re protecting muscle from three angles: formulation, diet, and exercise. Preserving muscle is critical for maintaining metabolic rate, strength, and long-term results. Our protocols emphasize protein intake and resistance training to optimize body composition, not just scale weight.

When you discontinue semaglutide, appetite gradually returns to baseline over 4 to 6 weeks as the medication clears your system. Weight regain is common if eating habits revert to pre-treatment patterns. However, many people maintain results by continuing the habits they developed during treatment. We use structured weaning protocols to help you transition off while preserving results. The goal is to use medication to establish sustainable habits, not stay on it forever.

Yes. Semaglutide is FDA-approved for the management of type 2 diabetes and can be very effective at improving blood sugar control while supporting weight loss. However, it can interact with other diabetes medications, potentially causing hypoglycemia if not properly managed. Insulin and sulfonylureas often need adjustment when starting semaglutide. Our providers coordinate diabetes management and monitor blood sugar closely when prescribing.

Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Ozempic and Wegovy but is prepared by FDA-registered compounding pharmacies rather than pharmaceutical manufacturers. When properly compounded in accordance with USP standards, the semaglutide is equivalent. The difference is what else is in the formulation. Ours includes B12 to reduce nausea and glycine to support muscle preservation. You’re getting the same active ingredient plus targeted additions that address the two most common concerns with GLP-1 therapy. And it costs a fraction of the price of branded versions. We partner with reputable, FDA-registered 503A/503B pharmacies that adhere to strict quality controls to ensure consistent, reliable formulations.

Brand-name Wegovy costs $1,000+ per month without insurance, and many insurance plans don’t cover it or require extensive prior authorizations and step therapy. Even with coverage, copays can be $300 to $500 monthly. Compounded semaglutide from FDA-registered pharmacies provides the same active ingredient at a fraction of the cost. No prior authorizations. No insurance denials. No pharmacy games. Just the medication you need at a price that makes sense.