Semaglutide Injection

Semaglutide is a weekly medication that helps lower appetite and food intake. It is used alongside nutrition, activity and behavior changes for long-term weight management, not as a stand-alone or short-term fix.

Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a hormone your gut releases after eating. It acts on GLP-1 receptors in the brain areas that control hunger and fullness, so you tend to feel full sooner and think about food less.

It also slows how quickly the stomach empties and helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high. Because it lasts about a week in the body, it is given once weekly.

1. First daysSome people notice less appetite within the first week or two, often with mild nausea.
2. Weeks 4 to 16The dose is usually raised every 4 weeks. Weight loss tends to build gradually during this period.
3. Around 3 to 6 monthsProviders commonly reassess progress once a maintenance dose has been reached.
4. After stoppingStudies show much of the lost weight often returns after stopping, so benefits depend on continued treatment and habits.

Results vary from person to person. Your provider decides whether and how long to continue.

For brand-name Wegovy, the label starts at 0.25 mg once weekly and increases every 4 weeks (0.5, 1, 1.7, then 2.4 mg) to reduce stomach side effects. Compounded products may be measured differently, so always follow the dose and units on your pharmacy label.

• Injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm once a week, on the same day each week, with or without food.
• Rotate injection sites each week.
• Your provider decides your dose, how fast to increase it and whether to stay at a lower dose.
• Eating smaller meals, stopping when full, and limiting greasy foods can reduce nausea.

Your prescription label and provider instructions always take priority over this general information. Do not change your dose or stop without talking to your provider.

• An initial review of your weight history, medical conditions, current medications and family history of thyroid cancer.
• Baseline labs may be ordered, for example blood sugar (A1c), kidney function or lipids, depending on your history.
• Regular check-ins during dose increases to review side effects, weight trend, hydration and appetite.
• People with diabetes may need closer blood sugar monitoring, and a review of retinopathy history.
• The dose may be held, lowered or stopped if side effects are hard to tolerate or results are not meaningful after a fair trial.

Lab tests and follow-up visits are not included in the medication price unless your plan says so. Your provider will tell you what is needed.

• Tirzepatide

  A weekly injection that acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. In a head-to-head trial of brand-name products, tirzepatide produced more weight loss on average; side effects are similar.

• Semaglutide Oral Tablet

  The same medication taken by mouth daily, for people who prefer to avoid injections. Strict timing rules apply around food and water.

• Other approved options

  Medications such as phentermine-topiramate or naltrexone-bupropion, and for some people metabolic surgery, are other options to discuss.

• Lifestyle-only approach

  Structured nutrition, activity and behavior programs remain the foundation, and may be enough for some people.