Whether you’ve just started taking semaglutide for weight loss or are considering other GLP-1 medications, you likely have many questions. These include the optimal dose, when to slow down or increase the dose, and any associated side effects.
The quick answer is that dosing for semaglutide varies by whether you take Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, or a compounded formulation. The long answer along with a dosage chart you can find below. We did all the research for you, finding out how semaglutide dosing works and the best semaglutide dose for weight loss.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 receptor agonist). It is a peptide or, in other words, a very short protein. This is the active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, and compounded medications aimed at replacing them during shortages.
Semaglutide comprises 31 amino acids, with few differences from natural GLP-1 [1]. These center around keeping it shelf-stable for longer. It originally started as a diabetes medication but has taken the world by storm as people noticed its weight loss benefits. Although semaglutide is not the first GLP-1 therapy, it is the most well-known.
Semaglutide Injections for Weight Loss: How They Work
Semaglutide weight loss shots work mainly by slowing digestion and turning down appetite signals in the brain. This is why thousands of users on Reddit and other review sites say they experience relief from “food noise,” an unwanted, uncontrollable set of cravings that sabotage a healthy diet.
There are several other ways that semaglutide can help. It stimulates insulin production and supports GLUT4 receptors, which means more glucose can enter your muscle cells for energy production. More energy makes exercise and building muscle mass much more manageable.
Semaglutide may even accelerate fat-burning and reduce genes involved in fat accumulation. Additionally, it could increase the conversion of white fat to brown fat. Brown fat burns energy, so a greater proportion of it can help you maintain a healthy body composition [1].
What Is the Recommended Semaglutide Dose for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide is always given as a weekly weight-loss shot. Even at higher doses, you never split it into multiple shots each week, so you do not have to worry about accidentally taking too much or too little each week. Doses and their portions can be controlled with injection pens; you will receive instructions on injecting compounded preparations.
Dosage Chart
Dosing for semaglutide varies by whether you take Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, or other Ozempic alternatives. While Ozempic is actually intended for people with type II diabetes, the lower-dose Wegovy is the version approved for obesity.
When it comes to estimating the ideal semaglutide dose for weight loss, a typical Ozempic dosing chart is as follows [2]:
If you have a compounded semaglutide preparation, your dosage schedule may differ. Some people only remain at the lower doses, such as 0.5 or 1mg. For example, a study in Australia used the 1mg dose, starting from week nine, as the maximum [3].
Wegovy weight loss prescriptions follow a different schedule. This is why semaglutide for weight loss in non-diabetics is often prescribed differently [4]:
Compounded semaglutide pharmacies may start with doses as low as 0.1-0.15mg. Other dosage schedules can start as high as 1.9mg for people who have already started semaglutide and no longer experience side effects.
You may be given a dosage schedule that starts with 0.2mg in the first month and progresses to 0.75mg during month three and 1.25mg in month six. Another option we found progresses each month from 0.2mg to 0.4mg, 0.8mg, 1.2mg, 1.8mg, and finally to 2.2mg at six months.
Rybelsus or a compounded oral medication is best if you do not like injections. It’s a daily medication that you take with your first meal of the day. As an oral medication, the semaglutide starting dose for weight loss is higher, but it still rises each month like injectable preparations:
Compounded semaglutide pharmacies can give you a different dosage schedule if these standard amounts cause side effects or aren’t as effective for you. Some people do not reach the maximum dose and can even stay at the 3mg starting level.
What Do I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you cannot take your dose on time, simply take it as soon as possible. Don’t stress about missing your injection time. There is a relatively long washout period, so GLP-1 meds are very different from hormonal medications like cortisol or the contraceptive pill, which require the right timing.
If your next dose is less than 48 hours away, it’s better to wait for your typical date and time [2]. As for daily oral medications, simply skip your late dose and wait until the next day. Rybelsus and compounded daily pills have doses taken too close together to make up for it if you forget.
How to Properly Inject the Shot?
The most well-known semaglutide preparations are delivered as a subcutaneous injection. This means you use a thin needle that penetrates just under the skin, which is fast and less painful than a muscular injection. Common injection sites are the thigh, abdomen, and upper arm. It’s best to rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage and bruising.
Storage
You must store semaglutide injectables in the refrigerator until you first use them. Afterward, you can keep them at room temperature or refrigerate them, but they cannot be over 30 degrees Celsius (86F).
As for oral medications, it is best to keep them at a 68-77F (20-25C) temperature. Keep them inside the original bottle and away from moisture to prevent damage or contamination [2].
How Fast Can You Increase the Semaglutide Dose?
In general, the dose of both injected and oral semaglutide is increased every month or four weeks. Custom dosage schedules can require you to wait longer to prevent side effects if your clinician decides it’s safer.
Increasing the dose too quickly or without your doctor’s permission can increase your risk of severe side effects. If your ideal dose is lower than the maximum, this can save you money if you’re on a compounded prescription plan. For this reason, we do not recommend trying a higher dose than you are advised.
How Effective Is Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Non-Diabetics?
Many non-diabetics have successfully used semaglutide for weight loss. A study in Australia comparing pure semaglutide with a compounded form specifically excluded anyone with a diabetes diagnosis. The average weight loss by four months was just over 9% in both groups [3]. Although two-year data showed a 15% weight loss with semaglutide in the STEP 5 trial, its extended study period meant more significant effects [5].
Half of the people taking “pure” commercial semaglutide had at least 10% loss of their body weight, and 21% lost at least 15%. In the compounded semaglutide group, 44.64% lost at least 10% of their weight, and 12.48% lost at least 15% [3].
These results may not reflect those you can expect from American compounded semaglutide providers, as the medication came from a company that only sells to Australian customers. It was also only meant to be a short-term measure until brand-name preparations were accessible again.
As for American research, a review of four studies with 2,882 people found an average weight loss of 11.62 kilograms. People who did not have type II diabetes saw better weight loss results, especially after 12 months [6].
Who Should Take Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide is intended for obese people, meaning those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or over. You can also qualify for a prescription if you have a BMI of at least 27 but without a condition related to excess body fat. Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases are the most common [7].
Other indications that you may need semaglutide include an inability to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. If you have to use every scrap of willpower and it’s still not enough, semaglutide may be for you. You could even benefit if your metabolism seems to be working against you, as GLP-1 meds can stimulate fat burning.
Obesity is a major global public health issue. With 2.5 billion overweight adults and 880 million of these being obese, it is not a simple matter of self-control. Instead, metabolic dysregulation from a combination of environmental and genetic risk factors appears to be responsible for the debilitating “food noise” that plagues obese people [3].
Who Should Avoid Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
Avoid semaglutide or use caution if:
You have a personal or family history of thyroid C-cell tumors or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type II. There is no proven link to thyroid cancer in humans, but animal studies have shown a possible risk.
You have had pancreatitis, especially if it developed on semaglutide.
You have or are at a high risk of gallbladder disease.
You have previously experienced an allergic reaction or other severe adverse reaction to semaglutide.
You have a history of gastroparesis, where the digestive system is paralyzed.
You do not meet the criteria for severity but want to lose a few pounds. Diet and exercise alone may be better for milder cases of excess body fat.
We recommend exercising caution if you previously had a restrictive eating disorder. If you are now overweight or obese, consult a doctor in person for support.
Semaglutide Side Effects
Semaglutide's side effects are mainly caused by its ability to slow digestion. The STEP 5 trial demonstrated that 96.1% of people had at least one side effect. However, only 7.9% had adverse effects, and 5.9% stopped taking semaglutide because of adverse reactions [5].
It’s also important to remember that some adverse events, such as COVID-19, had nothing to do with taking semaglutide. The most common were nausea, vomiting, and constipation, which developed in 53.3%, 34.9%, and 30.9% of people, respectively. Three people developed gallstones. Between 11% and 15% of patients reported abdominal pain, flatulence, indigestion, and poor appetite [5]. Severely low blood sugar is a potential risk if you take insulin or sulfonylurea drugs.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience severe, persistent constipation that doesn’t seem to resolve by usual methods in a week, see a doctor to rule out or treat bowel obstruction. Additionally, if you develop severe pain and vomiting that suggests gallbladder or pancreas issues, you may need emergency care.
Where to Buy Semaglutide
After an in-person doctor's appointment, you can buy semaglutide on prescription as a brand-name drug from physical pharmacies. These include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.
Many people prefer telehealth services that provide compounded semaglutide. These formulations are usually cheaper, and you can get on-demand messaging or consultations. The doses can be customized for your needs.
Jack&Jill, ReflexMD, Strut, Henry Meds, and Maximus Tribe are some of the best telehealth service providers that sell compounded weight loss shots and pill formulations. Jack&Jill also stocks the brand name Ozempic. This costs $1,300 per month compared to the starting price of $299 for semaglutide.
It’s important to remember that your health insurance will likely only cover brand-name meds. However, some Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) programs will help you pay for compounded medications.
Alternatives to Semaglutide Injection
If you don’t want semaglutide injections, there are oral formulations, different GLP-1 meds, and natural supplements that may help.
Semaglutide Pills
Semaglutide pills such as Rybelsus are a great option if you are afraid of needles but could benefit from GLP-1 meds. Some telehealth services like Strut Health provide compounded pills as an option for this reason.
However, it is essential not to take them during meals. One paper showed that they had little to no effect on people taking them with meals, but they reached clinically useful levels if they waited 30 minutes to two hours. Waiting two hours before taking them gave the best results [8].
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound, is another GLP-1 agonist and a GIP agonist, too. Its two main effects make it more potent than semaglutide.
Research shows more significant benefits among people choosing tirzepatide. Out of over 41,000 people, those on tirzepatide had an 80% chance of losing 5% of their body weight.
They also had a 60% chance of losing at least 10% of their starting weight and over a 40% chance of losing 15%. These chances for the semaglutide group were around 65%, 40%, and 20%, respectively [6].
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is an older GLP-1 medication that patients inject once a day. It’s less popular but is now one of the only GLP-1 meds you can get as a generic and, therefore, cheaper drug. A study involving overweight or obese people with diabetes showed that liraglutide resulted in an average weight loss of 5.8% over one year. This is less than half the effect of semaglutide [9].
However, as generic versions of liraglutide are rolled out, your access to cheaper GLP-1 peptide meds remains assured. Compounded formulations of generic medications are only allowed during shortages until the originals go off-patent.
Natural Fat Burners
Natural fat burners and weight loss supplements usually contain several ingredients with various weight loss benefits. They may increase energy production, specifically target fat burning, and reduce or slow down nutrient absorption. Popular natural fat burners include caffeine, green tea, and green coffee bean extract.
Caffeine helps increase the burning of fat for heat energy and reduces appetite. Green tea extract boosts calorie burning by raising norepinephrine, which has led to significant weight loss, as shown in clinical studies. Green coffee bean extract has also shown some benefits and may increase the amount and proportion of fat used for energy [10].
Other popular ingredients include glucomannan, a fiber that expands in water. This slows nutrient absorption and makes you feel fuller earlier. Chromium is another common inclusion because it improves blood sugar metabolism and helps you maintain muscle. One of the more obscure fat burners is cocoa, which could turn white fat into energy-consuming brown fat [10].
Just note that there are also foods that you need to avoid if you’re using semaglutide, particularly from Ozempic.
Supplements for Cutting
Supplements aimed at cutting boost fat burning while protecting your muscle mass. Some may even help you grow muscle as you lose fat.
One of the best ingredients for supplements aimed at improving body composition is creatine monohydrate. Creatine increases the available energy inside your muscle cells and supports energy use. Many studies have shown that it boosts muscle growth, strength, and overall athletic performance.
There is enough evidence of its efficacy that the International Society for Sports Nutrition describes creatine as the best supplement for enhancing strength and muscle growth. With muscle loss being one risk of low-calorie diets on semaglutide, you may benefit from adding creatine [11].
Essential amino acids from whole foods and protein supplements can also help shift your body composition to a lean mass. One study found that prioritizing higher levels of amino acids can increase muscle protein production by up to 34% [12].
FAQs About Semaglutide Dose for Weight Loss
Here are common questions you may have about the correct semaglutide dose for weight loss.
What Is the Highest Dose of Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
The maximum dose of semaglutide injections can reach up to 2.4mg weekly. Some stop at 2mg, but your top dose may be lower depending on your needs. The highest dose of Rybelsus is 14mg every day.
What Is the Starting Dose of Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
Most people start at 0.25mg, just over one-tenth of the highest possible dose. Compounded semaglutide may start at 0.15mg or 0.2mg if needed. The semaglutide dose for weight loss in oral medications must be higher, so if you choose pills, you will likely begin at 3mg per day.
How Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide primarily works by slowing digestion and turning down hunger signals in the brain, which reduces appetite and “food noise.” Less or no food noise means you can better focus on the lifestyle you do want. It also improves insulin sensitivity and, therefore, can increase the amount of glucose your muscles receive.
Which Semaglutide Is Best for Weight Loss?
There is no one “best” semaglutide, as injections and oral formulations benefit different groups of people. Compounded versions are more customizable, too, and can be the ideal choice if your risk of side effects is higher. If you’re afraid of needles, the pills are best.
How Can I Get Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
You can get the brand-name Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus from a doctor or through telehealth services like Jack&Jill. Compounded semaglutide is available from telehealth services, but some doctors offer you access.
Final Thoughts
The right semaglutide dose for weight loss depends on your starting or current weight and your risk of side effects. The brand you choose, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or a compounded oral medication, also affects your dosage schedule. Compounded formulations are more customizable, while brand-name drugs usually have a standard schedule.
Additionally, the type of semaglutide preparation affects your dose, with oral medications requiring much larger amounts to compensate for absorption and metabolism. These are a lesser-known option, but we highly recommend them to people with a fear of needles.
References
Tamayo-Trujillo, Rafael et al. “Molecular mechanisms of semaglutide and liraglutide as a therapeutic option for obesity.” Frontiers in nutrition vol. 11 1398059. 29 Apr. 2024, doi:10.3389/fnut.2024.1398059
Ozempic PI, Novo Nordisk , www.novo-pi.com/ozempic.pdf. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.
Talay, Louis, and Matt Vickers. “Effectiveness and Side Effect Incidence in a Real-World Digital Weight-Loss Service Using Compounded Semaglutide: A Retrospective Comparative Study.” Obesities, vol. 4, no. 4, 3 Oct. 2024, pp. 399–411, https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities4040032.
Wegovy PI, Novo Nordisk, https://www.novo-pi.com/wegovy.pdf. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.
Garvey, W. Timothy, et al. “Two-Year Effects of Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 5 Trial.” Nature Medicine, vol. 28, no. 10, 1 Oct. 2022, pp. 2083–2091, www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02026-4, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02026-4.
Rodriguez, Patricia J et al. “Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide for Weight Loss in Adults With Overweight or Obesity.” JAMA internal medicine vol. 184,9 (2024): 1056-1064. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.2525
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight and Obesity | NIDDK.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Mar. 2019, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/prescription-medications-treat-overweight-obesity.
Bækdal, Tine A et al. “Effect of Various Dosing Conditions on the Pharmacokinetics of Oral Semaglutide, a Human Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Analogue in a Tablet Formulation.” Diabetes therapy : research, treatment and education of diabetes and related disorders vol. 12,7 (2021): 1915-1927. doi:10.1007/s13300-021-01078-y
Garvey, W Timothy et al. “Efficacy and Safety of Liraglutide 3.0 mg in Individuals With Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Basal Insulin: The SCALE Insulin Randomized Controlled Trial.” Diabetes care vol. 43,5 (2020): 1085-1093. doi:10.2337/dc19-1745
Bonetti, Gabriele et al. “Dietary supplements for obesity.” Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene vol. 63,2 Suppl 3 E160-E168. 17 Oct. 2022, doi:10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2757
Kreider, Richard B et al. “International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 14 18. 13 Jun. 2017, doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z
Church, David D et al. “Essential Amino Acids and Protein Synthesis: Insights into Maximizing the Muscle and Whole-Body Response to Feeding.” Nutrients vol. 12,12 3717. 2 Dec. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12123717
