Explainer
What to expect when taking semaglutide
By the TreatmentMD editorial team
Key takeaways
- Semaglutide is a once-a-week shot. You start on 0.25 mg and step up every four weeks, reaching your long-term dose from week 17.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
- Weight loss builds over months. In the main study, people lost about 6% by three months, and about 15% by a year, where it leveled off.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources2The New England Journal of MedicineRandomized trial · 2021STEP 1Mean body weight fell 14.9 percent on semaglutide against 2.4 percent on placebo over 68 weeks.1,961 people · 68 weeks. Adults with BMI 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related comorbidity, without diabetes.Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. Wilding JPH, et al., 2021.Read the study All sources
- An upset stomach is the most common side effect, mostly while the dose is rising. A typical bout lasts about a week, and a few simple habits help.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources3Diabetes, Obesity and MetabolismRandomized trial · 2022STEP 1 to 3Stomach side effects were mostly mild to moderate and short-lived (a typical bout of nausea lasted about 8 days), and weight loss was similar with or without them.68 weeks. People in the STEP 1, 2 and 3 trials. Funded by Novo Nordisk.Gastrointestinal tolerability of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg in adults with overweight or obesity, and the relationship between gastrointestinal adverse events and weight loss. Wharton S, et al., 2022.Read the study All sources
By the TreatmentMD editorial team
Starting a new medicine is easier when you know what's coming.
Here's a friendly walk-through of semaglutide, the medicine in Wegovy® and Ozempic®, from your first shot to the months that follow.
01The basics
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide copies a hormone your gut releases after you eat, so you feel full sooner and less hungry between meals.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
It's sold as Wegovy®, approved for weight loss, and as Ozempic®, approved for type 2 diabetes. They're the same medicine at different doses, so you'd only ever take one.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Wegovy® also comes as a daily pill. This guide follows the weekly shot, and here's how the pill compares.
Whichever you take, a licensed clinician reviews your health first and sets your dose.
02Your weekly shot
How do you take semaglutide?
You take it once a week, on the same day, at any time of day, with or without food.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Each week's dose comes in its own Wegovy® pen, with the dose already set and the needle hidden inside. You press it to your skin, hear two clicks, and hold it until the yellow bar stops.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Ask your program or pharmacist to show you how it works before your first dose.
You inject it just under the skin of your stomach, thigh or upper arm. Pick a slightly different spot each week; the medicine works the same wherever you inject it.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Keep your pens in the fridge, in the box. Before you take the cap off, a pen can stay out for up to 28 days if you travel, as long as it stays below 86°F.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
03The dose ramp
How does the semaglutide dose go up?
Slowly, on purpose. Stepping up every four weeks gives your body time to adjust, which keeps side effects gentler.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Weeks 1 to 4: 0.25 mg
A starting dose, not one you stay on. It gets your body used to the medicine.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Weeks 5 to 12: 0.5 mg, then 1 mg
Four weeks on each, as long as you're feeling OK.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Weeks 13 to 16: 1.7 mg
Your last step before your long-term dose.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
From week 17: 2.4 mg, or 1.7 mg
Both are long-term doses. Most people move to 2.4 mg, and your clinician helps you choose based on how you're doing.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
There's no prize for climbing fast. If a step feels rough, your clinician can give you four more weeks before the next one.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Later on, some people move up to Wegovy® HD, a 7.2 mg dose, if they need more help after at least four weeks on 2.4 mg.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
04Week by week
What happens in the first weeks and months?
Everyone's different, but here's the usual rhythm, with the average weight loss from the main study.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources4U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA. Clinical review of Wegovy® (semaglutide), NDA 215256. June 2021.Open the source All sources
| Typical dose | What's common | |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 4 | 0.25 mg | Getting used to the medicine. About 2% weight loss by week 4 |
| Weeks 5 to 12 | 0.5 mg, then 1 mg | Stomach side effects, mostly after a step up. About 6% by week 12 |
| Weeks 13 to 20 | 1.7 mg, then 2.4 mg | The busiest stretch for nausea, which then eases. About 9% to 10% by week 20 |
| Months 6 and 7 | Your long-term dose | About 12% by week 28 |
| Around a year | Your long-term dose | Weight loss slows, then levels off. About 15% by week 52 |
| About 16 months | Your long-term dose | About 15% on average, the main study's result |
Many people notice less hunger and fewer cravings. In one study, people on semaglutide ate about a third less at an all-you-can-eat lunch than people on a placebo.5Diabetes, Obesity and MetabolismRandomized trial · 2021At week 20, people on semaglutide ate 35% less at an all-you-can-eat lunch than on placebo, and reported less hunger and fewer cravings.72 people · 20 weeks. Adults with obesity. Funded by Novo Nordisk.The effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly on energy intake, appetite, control of eating, and gastric emptying in adults with obesity. Friedrichsen M, et al., 2021.Read the study All sources
Each shot peaks one to three days after you take it. After each step up, your level takes a few weeks to settle.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
If the scale is slow at first, you're not alone. In one real-world study, about half of people had lost 5% by three months, and nearly 9 in 10 by six months.6JAMACohort study · 2022About half of patients had lost 5% or more by 3 months, and 87% by 6 months.408 people · 6 months. Patients at a Mayo Clinic weight program who stayed on semaglutide at least 3 months. Funded by the NIH.Weight loss outcomes associated with semaglutide treatment for patients with overweight or obesity. Ghusn W, et al., 2022.Read the study All sources
05Side effects
What side effects are common, and what helps?
The most common side effects are stomach-related, like nausea, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting. They're usually mild to moderate, show up mostly while the dose is rising, and ease over time.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources3Diabetes, Obesity and MetabolismRandomized trial · 2022STEP 1 to 3Stomach side effects were mostly mild to moderate and short-lived (a typical bout of nausea lasted about 8 days), and weight loss was similar with or without them.68 weeks. People in the STEP 1, 2 and 3 trials. Funded by Novo Nordisk.Gastrointestinal tolerability of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg in adults with overweight or obesity, and the relationship between gastrointestinal adverse events and weight loss. Wharton S, et al., 2022.Read the study All sources
In the main studies, a typical bout of nausea lasted about a week, and more than 9 in 10 people kept going with treatment.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources3Diabetes, Obesity and MetabolismRandomized trial · 2022STEP 1 to 3Stomach side effects were mostly mild to moderate and short-lived (a typical bout of nausea lasted about 8 days), and weight loss was similar with or without them.68 weeks. People in the STEP 1, 2 and 3 trials. Funded by Novo Nordisk.Gastrointestinal tolerability of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg in adults with overweight or obesity, and the relationship between gastrointestinal adverse events and weight loss. Wharton S, et al., 2022.Read the study All sources
Feeling queasy isn't a sign it's working, either. People lost about the same amount of weight with or without stomach side effects.3Diabetes, Obesity and MetabolismRandomized trial · 2022STEP 1 to 3Stomach side effects were mostly mild to moderate and short-lived (a typical bout of nausea lasted about 8 days), and weight loss was similar with or without them.68 weeks. People in the STEP 1, 2 and 3 trials. Funded by Novo Nordisk.Gastrointestinal tolerability of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg in adults with overweight or obesity, and the relationship between gastrointestinal adverse events and weight loss. Wharton S, et al., 2022.Read the study All sources
A few habits help:
Eat smaller meals
Smaller, more frequent meals are easier on your stomach.7Novo NordiskSourceNovo Nordisk. Wegovy®: side effects, and tips for managing nausea. Checked October 6, 2026.Open the source All sources
Eat slowly, and stop when you're full
Fullness can arrive sooner than you're used to, so pause and check in.7Novo NordiskSourceNovo Nordisk. Wegovy®: side effects, and tips for managing nausea. Checked October 6, 2026.Open the source All sources
Go easy on greasy food
Greasy, fried or spicy foods can be harder to handle, especially early on.7Novo NordiskSourceNovo Nordisk. Wegovy®: side effects, and tips for managing nausea. Checked October 6, 2026.Open the source All sources8Obesity PillarsSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Obesity Pillars. 2025;15:100181.Open the source All sources
Keep bland foods handy
On a queasy day, crackers, toast, rice or soup are easy on your stomach. Ginger or peppermint tea can help too.7Novo NordiskSourceNovo Nordisk. Wegovy®: side effects, and tips for managing nausea. Checked October 6, 2026.Open the source All sources8Obesity PillarsSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Obesity Pillars. 2025;15:100181.Open the source All sources
Stay upright after meals
Give your food time to settle before you lie down, and get some fresh air if you feel queasy.7Novo NordiskSourceNovo Nordisk. Wegovy®: side effects, and tips for managing nausea. Checked October 6, 2026.Open the source All sources
Sip fluids through the day
Staying hydrated matters, especially if you've had an upset stomach.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Keep your care team in the loop
Tell your clinician how you're feeling, and let any doctor or dentist know you take semaglutide, especially before a procedure.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
06Results
How much weight will you lose?
In the main study, people lost about 15% of their body weight on average over 68 weeks, about 16 months. On a placebo, they lost about 2%.2The New England Journal of MedicineRandomized trial · 2021STEP 1Mean body weight fell 14.9 percent on semaglutide against 2.4 percent on placebo over 68 weeks.1,961 people · 68 weeks. Adults with BMI 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related comorbidity, without diabetes.Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. Wilding JPH, et al., 2021.Read the study All sources
About 8 in 10 people lost at least 5% of their weight, and about 3 in 10 lost a fifth or more.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
On Wegovy® HD, people lost about 19% on average over about 17 months.9The Lancet Diabetes and EndocrinologyRandomized trial · 2025STEP UPPeople lost 18.7% of their weight on semaglutide 7.2 mg, against 15.6% on 2.4 mg and 3.9% on placebo.1,407 people · 72 weeks. Adults with a BMI of 30 or more, without diabetes. Funded by Novo Nordisk.Once-weekly semaglutide 7.2 mg in adults with obesity (STEP UP): a randomised, controlled, phase 3b trial. Wharton S, et al., 2025.Read the study All sources
Everyone in these studies also had diet and activity coaching, and results varied from person to person.
Most of the weight people lose is fat. Protein at every meal and strength training a few times a week help you keep your muscle.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources8Obesity PillarsSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Obesity Pillars. 2025;15:100181.Open the source All sources
Semaglutide is usually a long-term treatment, and the results last while you take it. In a two-year study, people who stayed on it were still about 15% lighter on average.10Nature MedicineRandomized trial · 2022STEP 5After two years, people on semaglutide were 15.2% lighter on average, against 2.6% on placebo.104 weeks. Adults with obesity, or overweight and a weight-related condition, without diabetes. Funded by Novo Nordisk.Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Garvey WT, et al., 2022.Read the study All sources
If you stop, some weight often comes back, so it's worth planning the long run with your clinician.11JAMARandomized trial · 2021STEP 4Participants who switched to placebo regained weight, while those continuing semaglutide lost a further 7.9 percent.803 people · 48 weeks after randomisation. Adults with overweight or obesity who completed a 20-week semaglutide run-in.Effect of continued weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo on weight loss maintenance. Rubino D, et al., 2021.Read the study All sources
07Getting started
How do you get started with semaglutide?
You'll need a prescription. Many people start with an online program: you answer some health questions, and a licensed clinician decides whether semaglutide fits.
Paying cash, the Wegovy® pen is $199 a month for your first two fills, then $349. Wegovy® HD is $399, and the Wegovy® pill runs from $149 to $299 a month.12Novo NordiskSourceNovoCare. Wegovy® (semaglutide) self-pay prices. Checked October 6, 2026.Open the source All sources
Compounded semaglutide at the programs we rank started at $49 to $179 a month, depending on the program and plan. We checked in late September and early October 2026.
If you have Medicare, the GLP-1 Bridge covers Wegovy® for $50 a month through 2027, for people who qualify.13Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ServicesSourceCMS. Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: information for providers. Checked October 6, 2026.Open the source All sources
We look at clinicians, pharmacies and pricing when we rank programs, so you can start with a shortlist.
Frequently asked questions.
Can I stay on 0.25 mg?
It's a starting dose, not one meant for the long term.
After four weeks, the plan is to move up to 0.5 mg.
If you're struggling, your clinician can give you more time before a step.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Does the shot hurt?
It's a small needle just under the skin, and the pen keeps it out of sight.
In studies, very few people had a reaction where they injected.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Why does my hunger come back before my next shot?
Some people notice it toward the end of the week, especially on the early doses, while their level is still settling.
Stick to your weekly schedule rather than taking a dose early, and mention it to your clinician, who can adjust your plan.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
What if I miss a dose?
If your next dose is more than two days away, take it as soon as you remember.
If it's sooner, skip it and carry on as usual.
If you've missed two weeks or more, check in with your clinician, who may restart you on a lower dose.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
What if I'm planning a pregnancy?
Talk to your clinician first.
Semaglutide stays in your body for weeks, so the Wegovy® label advises stopping at least two months before you try to get pregnant.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
How is compounded semaglutide taken?
Usually as a weekly shot, often from a vial, with your dose written in units on a syringe.
Units are a measure of volume, not milligrams, so ask your clinician or pharmacist to show you exactly how much to draw.
Some come with B12 added, too.14U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA. FDA alerts health care providers, compounders and patients of dosing errors associated with compounded injectable semaglutide products. July 26, 2024.Open the source All sources
A good program tells you which licensed pharmacy makes yours, so you can look it up.
Here's how compounded GLP-1s work.
The bottom line
Semaglutide starts gently and builds over time, with the full results coming after about a year.
A clinician who knows your health guides each step, from your first shot to your long-term dose.
When you're ready, compare programs on our ranking.
By the TreatmentMD editorial team
Medical disclaimerThis content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any weight-loss program or medication. Individual results may vary.
Sources
- 1FDA prescribing information for Wegovy® and Ozempic®, with the Wegovy® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.
- 2Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi.org
- 3Wharton S, Calanna S, Davies M, et al. Gastrointestinal tolerability of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg in adults with overweight or obesity, and the relationship between gastrointestinal adverse events and weight loss. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022;24(1):94-105. doi.org
- 4FDA. Clinical review of Wegovy® (semaglutide), NDA 215256. June 2021. fda.gov
- 5Friedrichsen M, Breitschaft A, Tadayon S, et al. The effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly on energy intake, appetite, control of eating, and gastric emptying in adults with obesity. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2021;23(3):754-762. doi.org
- 6Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, et al. Weight loss outcomes associated with semaglutide treatment for patients with overweight or obesity. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(9):e2231982. doi.org
- 7Novo Nordisk. Wegovy®: side effects, and tips for managing nausea. Checked October 6, 2026. wegovy.com
- 8Mozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Obesity Pillars. 2025;15:100181. nih.gov
- 9Wharton S, Freitas P, Hjelmesaeth J, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide 7.2 mg in adults with obesity (STEP UP): a randomised, controlled, phase 3b trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025. doi.org
- 10Garvey WT, Batterham RL, Bhatta M, et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med. 2022;28(10):2083-2091. doi.org
- 11Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, et al. Effect of continued weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo on weight loss maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 4 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021;325(14):1414-1425. doi.org
- 12NovoCare. Wegovy® (semaglutide) self-pay prices. Checked October 6, 2026. novocare.com
- 13CMS. Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: information for providers. Checked October 6, 2026. cms.gov
- 14FDA. FDA alerts health care providers, compounders and patients of dosing errors associated with compounded injectable semaglutide products. July 26, 2024. fda.gov
Product information
- Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only injectable medication FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or adults with overweight who have at least one weight-related medical condition. It is also approved for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, and should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Ozempic® (semaglutide) is a prescription-only injectable medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss; however, weight reduction has been observed in some individuals with type 2 diabetes using the medication.
- Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only injectable medication FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss; however, weight reduction has been observed in some individuals using the medication.
- Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a prescription-only injectable medication FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or adults with at least one weight-related medical condition, when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- All medications require a medical evaluation and prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Individual results may vary.
Important safety information
- Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are prepared by state-licensed pharmacies and are not FDA approved. The FDA does not review their safety, effectiveness or quality, and clinical trial results for brand-name drugs do not carry over to them.
- Semaglutide and tirzepatide carry a boxed warning for a risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, based on animal studies, and are not for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2, or who is pregnant. Other warnings include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and a higher risk of low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea. The most common side effects are digestive, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
- This is a high-level summary, not a complete list. A licensed clinician will review your health history to decide whether a GLP-1 medication is right for you.
