The complete guide to semaglutide for weight loss

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally developed for type 2 diabetes. It mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone your body produces after eating, which regulates appetite and blood sugar.

The FDA approved semaglutide for chronic weight management in 2021 under the brand name Wegovy. Clinical trials showed patients losing an average of 15-17% of body weight over 68 weeks.

Semaglutide works through three mechanisms:

• **Appetite reduction:** Signals your brain's satiety center that you're full, naturally reducing food intake by 20-40%
• **Slowed gastric emptying:** Food stays in your stomach longer, keeping you satisfied between meals
• **Blood sugar regulation:** Stabilizes insulin response, reducing cravings and energy crashes

Most patients notice reduced appetite within the first 1-2 weeks of treatment.

Semaglutide follows a gradual dose escalation to minimize side effects:

• **Weeks 1-4:** 0.25mg weekly (starting dose)
• **Weeks 5-8:** 0.5mg weekly
• **Weeks 9-12:** 1.0mg weekly
• **Weeks 13-16:** 1.7mg weekly
• **Week 17+:** 2.4mg weekly (maintenance)

Your TrimDoctor physician will adjust this schedule based on your response and tolerance.

Based on clinical data and TrimDoctor patient outcomes:

• **Month 1:** 3-5 lbs lost. Appetite noticeably reduced.
• **Month 3:** 10-15 lbs lost. Energy improvements.
• **Month 6:** 20-35 lbs lost. Clothing sizes changing.
• **Month 12:** 30-50+ lbs lost for most patients.

Results vary by individual. Patients who combine medication with proper nutrition and exercise see the best outcomes.

Most side effects are mild and temporary:

• **Nausea** (most common, usually resolves in 2-4 weeks)
• **Constipation or diarrhea**
• **Headache**
• **Fatigue**
• **Injection site reactions**

Serious side effects are rare. Your TrimDoctor physician monitors you throughout treatment.

TrimDoctor prescribes compounded semaglutide, which contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy and Ozempic but is prepared by a licensed 503B compounding pharmacy.

• **Brand (Wegovy/Ozempic):** $1,000-1,350/month without insurance
• **TrimDoctor compounded:** Starting at **$179/month**

Compounded medications are legal, FDA-regulated at the pharmacy level, and clinically equivalent.

Semaglutide may be right for you if:

• BMI of 27+ with a weight-related condition, or BMI of 30+
• Previous attempts at diet and exercise haven't produced lasting results
• No history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 syndrome
• Not currently pregnant or planning pregnancy

TrimDoctor's free assessment determines your eligibility in under 5 minutes.