What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, released in the gut in response to eating.

One role of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood sugar (glucose). For that reason, health care providers have used semaglutide for more than 15 years to treat Type 2 diabetes.

But GLP-1 in higher amounts also interacts with the parts of the brain that suppress your appetite and signal you to feel full. When used in conjunction with diet and exercise, it can cause significant weight loss — and a reduced risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease — in people who are obese or overweight.

Standard Semaglutide Step-Up Dosing Schedule:

Weeks 1-4: inject 0.25mg once a week

Weeks 5-8: inject 0.5mg once a week

Weeks 9-12: inject 1mg once a week

Weeks 13-16: inject 1.7mg once a week

Weeks 17-20 and after: inject 2.4mg once a week – Maintenance