Weekly injection GLP-1 for chronic weight management, prescribed after a board-certified internal medicine physician personally reviews your health screening in a free async consult — with a phone or video visit when clinically needed. We prescribe FDA-approved semaglutide only, filled through manufacturer-direct pharmacy programs. We do not prescribe compounded semaglutide.
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Semaglutide is a once-weekly injectable medication in the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) class. It is the active ingredient in the brand-name drugs Ozempic® (type 2 diabetes), Wegovy® (chronic weight management), Rybelsus® (oral tablet for type 2 diabetes), and the Wegovy® pill (oral semaglutide for weight management). Semaglutide works by mimicking the body's own GLP-1 hormone, which is released by the intestine after meals.
In plain terms: semaglutide slows down how quickly your stomach empties, reduces hunger signals in the brain, and improves your body's response to blood sugar. Most patients describe feeling satisfied with much smaller portions, having fewer cravings (especially for high-sugar, high-fat foods), and thinking about food less often throughout the day. Patients often call this effect "food noise reduction."
Semaglutide is one of the most extensively studied weight-loss medications in history. The landmark STEP 1 trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, followed 1,961 adults with obesity over 68 weeks. Patients taking semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly plus lifestyle counseling lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight, compared to 2.4% in the placebo group. Roughly one in three patients lost more than 20% of their starting weight.
Subsequent trials (STEP 2, STEP 3, STEP 4, STEP 8) replicated these findings in patients with type 2 diabetes, those receiving more intensive behavioral therapy, and direct comparisons with other GLP-1 agents. The SELECT trial extended these findings further by showing that semaglutide reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death) by 20% in adults with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity; mean weight loss in SELECT was about 9.4% at 104 weeks.
Semaglutide is titrated gradually to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. The standard titration schedule is:
At YourMD, we sometimes deviate from this "textbook" schedule within the FDA-approved dose ladder. Some patients tolerate accelerated titration, while others benefit from staying at a lower dose for longer or holding steady at 1.0 or 1.7 mg rather than pushing to 2.4 mg. Your physician manages your titration at each follow-up.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Most side effects are mild to moderate, peak in the first 2–4 weeks after each dose increase, and improve as your body adapts. Less than 5% of patients in clinical trials discontinued semaglutide because of side effects.
Our physicians manage side effects through three levers: (1) slower titration or holding at a lower dose, (2) dietary adjustments (small frequent meals, avoiding high-fat and ultra-processed foods during titration weeks), and (3) adjunctive medications for nausea when needed. Ondansetron (Zofran) can be prescribed when appropriate for patients who need short-term anti-nausea support.
Serious but rare adverse events include acute pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and severe GI reactions. Semaglutide carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors (seen in rodent studies; human relevance has not been determined). Semaglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 syndrome, and is not recommended during pregnancy.
FDA-approved indications for chronic weight management are:
Your YourMD physician will review your medical history, current medications, and goals in your free async consult to confirm whether semaglutide is appropriate for you, or whether tirzepatide, a different GLP-1, or a non-GLP-1 approach would be a better fit.
In the STEP 1 clinical trial, adults on semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly lost an average of 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks, compared to 2.4% with placebo. Real-world results vary based on adherence, diet, activity level, and individual response.
Most patients notice reduced appetite within the first 1–2 weeks. Measurable weight loss typically begins by week 4, with more substantial results by week 12. Full clinical effect is seen at 6–12 months with continued dose titration and lifestyle support.
Appetite typically returns within a few weeks of stopping, and some weight regain is common without sustained lifestyle changes. Your YourMD physician will work with you on a long-term maintenance plan that may include gradual dose reduction, transition to maintenance dosing, or lifestyle-only follow-up.
Wegovy® is FDA-approved for chronic weight management, and that is what YourMD prescribes for weight loss. Ozempic® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss; both are brand semaglutide manufactured by Novo Nordisk. We do not prescribe compounded semaglutide — compounded copies are not FDA-approved finished drugs, and we explain this policy in every treatment acknowledgment.
You pay YourMD for physician care with a GLP-1 Essential ($79/month) or GLP-1 Concierge ($149/month) membership, and the medication is billed separately by NovoCare® or your insurance — YourMD doesn’t set or collect medication prices. See the pricing page for current physician-visit and membership pricing.
Baseline labs are not always required, but your YourMD physician may order a metabolic panel, HbA1c, lipid panel, or thyroid studies based on your medical history. If needed, labs can be ordered through our partner network, including at-home collection kits; lab fees are separate.
Semaglutide has been studied in clinical trials for over a decade, and real-world use in type 2 diabetes extends back to 2017. The SELECT trial followed patients for an average of 3.3 years and confirmed safety and cardiovascular benefit. Long-term use is considered safe under physician supervision.
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Medical disclaimer: This page is educational and is not medical advice. Semaglutide is a prescription medication and must be prescribed after a physician evaluation. Individual results vary. Side effects and contraindications are described above. Always consult with a licensed physician before starting any medication. Page medically reviewed by Teja V. Surapaneni, MD, MS — Board-Certified Internal Medicine, licensed in Nevada, Washington, and Oregon.
Last reviewed: July 25, 2026