GLP-1 Weight Loss
Semaglutide
Physician-supervised GLP-1 weight loss — a once-weekly peptide that suppresses appetite, slows gastric emptying, and improves insulin sensitivity. Compounded by a California-licensed pharmacy and shipped statewide, at a fraction of brand-name cost.
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Physician-reviewed peptide therapy, prescribed only when appropriate.
Protocol at a glance
- Dose
- 0.25–2.4 mg
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Frequency
- Once weekly
- Course
- 4–16 week titration
- Typical cost
- $200–500/mo
Physician-reviewed. Prescribed only if appropriate after a telehealth consult — full refund if a licensed clinician determines it isn't right for you.
Why patients choose it
Why patients choose semaglutide
Clinically proven results
The STEP trials showed 12–17% average weight loss over 68 weeks with once-weekly semaglutide 2.4mg.
Appetite control early
Most patients notice appetite suppression within the first 1–2 weeks, with meaningful weight loss following in the first 4–8 weeks.
A fraction of brand cost
Compounded semaglutide runs $200–500/month — versus $1,300–1,600 for Wegovy or $800–1,200 for Ozempic out of pocket.
Overview
What semaglutide is
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist — a class of medication that mimics a natural gut hormone released after eating. It works by suppressing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and improving insulin sensitivity.
Originally developed for type 2 diabetes (as Ozempic), it was subsequently approved at a higher dose for chronic weight management (as Wegovy) after clinical trials demonstrated average weight loss of 12–17% of body weight. Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient, prepared by a California-licensed compounding pharmacy.
Candidacy
Who it's for
Semaglutide is appropriate for adults who meet at least one of the following criteria:
- BMI ≥ 30 (obesity) with no weight-related comorbidities
- BMI ≥ 27 (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea)
- Prior failed attempts at weight loss through diet and exercise alone
A physician consultation will confirm candidacy. Semaglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), and in those with a history of pancreatitis.
Evidence
Clinical evidence
The STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity) trial program, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2021), established semaglutide 2.4mg once weekly as the most effective pharmacotherapy for obesity at the time of its approval.
- STEP 1: 14.9% average weight loss at 68 weeks vs. 2.4% placebo
- STEP 3: 16% average weight loss when combined with intensive behavioral counseling
- STEP 4: Patients who continued semaglutide maintained weight loss; those switched to placebo regained weight
Source: Wilding JPH et al., N Engl J Med 2021;384:989-1002. Claims based on clinical trial data for FDA-approved semaglutide dosing. Individual results vary.
What to expect
How it unfolds, week by week
01
Weeks 1–4
Titration begins at 0.25mg/week. Appetite suppression is usually noticeable within the first 1–2 weeks. Starting low minimizes GI side effects.
02
Weeks 4–8
Dose escalates toward 0.5mg/week. Meaningful weight loss — typically 3–5% of body weight — occurs in this window. Nausea is most prominent during dose increases and usually resolves within a few weeks.
03
Weeks 9–16+
Dose continues up toward 1.0mg and, per physician protocol, up to 2.4mg/week. Your physician personalizes titration based on tolerability and response.
Compounded semaglutide vs. brand-name
| Compounded semaglutide | Wegovy / Ozempic (brand) | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide — the same active ingredient as the brand-name products. | Semaglutide, FDA-approved and manufactured by Novo Nordisk. |
| How it's made | Prepared by a California state-licensed compounding pharmacy. | Manufactured pharmaceutically; not compounded. |
| Monthly cost | $200–500/month via CA telehealth. | Wegovy $1,300–1,600/month; Ozempic $800–1,200/month without insurance. |
| Regulatory status | Not FDA-approved in compounded form, but regulated at the pharmacy level. | FDA-approved brand-name products. |
Safety
Side effects & contraindications
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation — especially during dose escalation. These typically improve after the first 4–8 weeks. Eating smaller portions and avoiding high-fat meals during the early titration phase significantly reduces GI side effects.
Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis and, in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2, a theoretical thyroid cancer risk (identified in rodent studies). A thorough physician consultation will screen for contraindications.
Pricing
Cost in California
Compounded semaglutide through a California-licensed pharmacy runs $200–500/month, depending on dose. By comparison, Wegovy runs $1,300–1,600/month and Ozempic $800–1,200/month brand-name without insurance. Prices are estimates and consultation fees vary. See our full cost guide.
FAQ
Semaglutide questions
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Learn more →Get semaglutide in California
Physician consultation, prescription, and pharmacy delivery. No clinic visit required.
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Physician-reviewed