Peptide ScheduleSemaglutide
Benefits
About Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist — the same active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and blood sugar. By slowing gastric emptying and acting on brain satiety centers, it dramatically reduces hunger and caloric intake. FDA-approved for both type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Who Should Consider Semaglutide
- Adults with BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with weight-related comorbidity)
- Type 2 diabetics needing glycemic control
- Individuals at elevated cardiovascular risk
- Adults seeking long-term appetite suppression
- Patients with obesity-related comorbidities (hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea)
How Semaglutide Works
Semaglutide mimics the incretin hormone GLP-1, binding to GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas (enhancing insulin secretion), the gut (slowing gastric emptying), and the brain (activating satiety centers in the hypothalamus). This multi-site action reduces appetite, decreases caloric intake, and improves glycemic control. Its albumin-binding fatty acid side chain extends its half-life to ~7 days.
What to Expect
Titration phase. Mild appetite reduction begins. GI side effects (nausea) most common early. Body adjusts to GLP-1 activation.
Appetite suppression becomes noticeable. Early weight loss of 2-4%. Nausea typically subsides as dose stabilizes.
Significant hunger reduction and steady weight loss. Blood sugar and insulin sensitivity improve. Most patients lose 5-10% body weight.
Full therapeutic dose. Clinical trials show 15-17% average weight loss by week 68. Cardiovascular markers improve. Weight loss rate slows as new equilibrium is reached.
Long-term maintenance. Weight stability at reduced level while on therapy. Continued cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. Weight regain common if discontinued.
Dosing Protocol
| Level | Dose / Injection | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 250mcg | Weekly |
| Moderate | 500mcg | Weekly |
| Aggressive | 1mg | Weekly |
Note: Titrate slowly over 4-week intervals to manage GI side effects. Start at 250mcg/week and increase by 250mcg every 4 weeks. Do not exceed 2400mcg/week.
How to Inject Semaglutide
Inject subcutaneously once weekly, same day each week. Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites. Can be taken with or without food, but some find fasted injection reduces nausea.
Cycling Protocol
Semaglutide is typically used long-term. Weight regain commonly occurs after discontinuation. Discuss with your provider before stopping.
Pharmacokinetics
Source: FDA Prescribing Information (Ozempic/Wegovy), Section 12.3
Pharmacokinetics — Active Dose Over Time
t½ = ~7 daysDisclaimer: This curve is a simplified first-order exponential decay model. Actual pharmacokinetics vary based on injection site, individual metabolism, body composition, and other factors. Half-life values are approximate and based on available preclinical and clinical literature. Many research peptides lack formal human pharmacokinetic studies. This is for educational purposes only — not medical advice.
Side Effects
BLACK BOX WARNING: Semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. It's unknown whether it causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans. Contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or MEN2. Common side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation (usually subside with slow titration). Rare: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, acute kidney injury from dehydration.
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
- History of pancreatitis
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any excipients
- Severe gastrointestinal disease (e.g., gastroparesis)
Drug Interactions
- Insulin and sulfonylureas — increased hypoglycemia risk, dose reduction often needed
- Oral medications may have delayed absorption due to slowed gastric emptying
- Levothyroxine — monitor thyroid levels, exposure may be altered
- Warfarin — monitor INR more frequently during initiation
- Oral contraceptives — consider delayed absorption; no clinically significant interaction observed in studies but caution advised
Storage & Stability
Molecular Profile
Related Peptides
References
- STEP 1: Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (NEJM)PubMed 33567185
- STEP 3: Semaglutide + Intensive Behavioral Therapy (JAMA)PubMed 33625476
- SUSTAIN 6: Cardiovascular Outcomes with Semaglutide in Type 2 Diabetes (NEJM)PubMed 27633186
- Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4mg) FDA Prescribing InformationFDA Label
- Ozempic (Semaglutide) FDA Prescribing InformationFDA Label
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Semaglutide: A Systematic ReviewPubMed