sem-ah-GLOO-tide
A medication that reduces appetite and helps your body lose weight by mimicking a natural gut hormone.
Also known as: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
FDA approved for: Chronic weight management (Wegovy) · Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic)
Last reviewed: April 2026
Semaglutide copies a hormone your gut naturally makes after you eat called GLP-1. The natural version disappears in minutes, but semaglutide lasts about a week. It tells your brain you're full, slows down how fast food leaves your stomach, and helps your body handle blood sugar better. The net effect is that you eat less without feeling deprived — your appetite simply quiets down.
Small needle into belly fat — like an insulin shot
Frequency
Once weekly
Pain Level
●○○ Minimal
Self-Administered
Yes — at home
Typical Range
0.25mg – 2.4mg
Tablet taken on empty stomach with a small sip of water, 30 minutes before food
Frequency
Daily
Pain Level
○○○ None
Self-Administered
Yes — at home
Typical Range
3mg – 14mg
Week 1–2
Appetite may decrease. Some nausea is normal as your body adjusts.
Month 1
Most people notice reduced hunger and lose 3–5 lbs. Dose is still being titrated up.
Month 3
Significant appetite reduction. Weight loss typically 5–10% of starting weight.
Month 6+
Sustained weight loss of 10–15%+. Full metabolic benefits become apparent.
Overall: Mild
Nausea
Upset stomach, especially in the first 2–4 weeks. Usually improves as your body adjusts.
Decreased appetite
This is the intended effect — you'll feel less hungry between meals.
Diarrhea
Loose stools, usually temporary.
Constipation
Slower digestion can cause constipation. Staying hydrated helps.
Severe abdominal pain
Persistent severe stomach pain could indicate pancreatitis.
Call your doctor if you experience this.
• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• History of pancreatitis
• Severe gastrointestinal disease
• Insulin — may need dose reduction to avoid low blood sugar
• Oral medications — absorption may be delayed due to slower gastric emptying
• Other GLP-1 agonists — do not combine
Pregnancy: Do not use during pregnancy. Stop semaglutide at least 2 months before planning to conceive.
Semaglutide targets GLP-1 only, while tirzepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP. Tirzepatide shows slightly greater weight loss in trials, but semaglutide has a longer track record.
Tirzepatide
A dual-action weight loss medication that mimics two gut hormones at once for enhanced metabolic results.
Liraglutide
An earlier GLP-1 weight loss injection — taken daily instead of weekly, with a strong safety track record.
This peptide is available through our protocols.
FDA-approved for at least one indication. Your provider will determine if this is appropriate for you.