Semaglutide was originally used for blood sugar control in diabetics. Now, it is commonly prescribed for adults who are obese (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related medical problems (ie: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes) to help them lose weight & maintain weight loss long-term.

It works as an appetite suppressant by mimicking the hormone "glucagon-like peptide-1" (GLP-1), which targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite & food intake. It increases fullness, delays gastric emptying, and regulates blood sugar levels.

In adults with obesity, many recent studies showed an average body weight reduction of 10%-15%. Please note: Individual results may vary and there are no guarantees for effectiveness or success of any medication. For published clinical studies showing efficacy and safety of Semaglutide, please click the following: Friedrichsen M, Breitschaft A, Tadayon S, Wizert A, Skovgaard D. The effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly on energy intake, appetite, control of eating, and gastric emptying in adults with obesity (2022, Oct). Diabetes Obes Metab. 2021 Mar;23(3):754-762. doi: 10.1111/dom.14280 Garvey, W.T., Batterham, R.L., Bhatta, M. et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med 28, 2083–2091 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02026-4 Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Rosenstock J, Tran MTD, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Zeuthen N, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (2021, Feb). N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

No. We prescribe the generic form, Semaglutide, combined with a small dose of Vitamin B12. The brand names (Wegovy® and Ozempic®) are generally more expensive (over $1000/month) and have a history of short supply due to high demand. We use an FDA-regulated compounding pharmacy that adheres to strict cGMP guidelines and conducts third-party lab testing to ensure our medications are sterile, stable, potent, and safe for use.

It is a once-weekly subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, typically in the stomach. Pain is usually minimal as the injection is quick and shallow. Our dosing is similar to the Wegovy® dosing schedule. Weekly doses are titrated based on effectiveness and patient tolerance (per office protocol). Unlike other appetite suppressants, it can be used long-term depending on the patient's weight progress, goal weight, and tolerance to side effects.

It should absolutely not be used in patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or have a rare condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2*. *FOR A FULL LIST OF CONTRAINDICATIONS, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR SHAPE & SKIN PROVIDER.

The most common side effects are nausea and constipation*. Both can easily be managed through anti-nausea medications (such as Ondansetron) and improving bowel regulation through lifestyle changes (such as increased fiber and water intake). *FOR A FULL LIST OF SIDE EFFECTS, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR SHAPE & SKIN PROVIDER.

The first step is to Book a Consultation to meet with one of our expert healthcare providers. What to expect: At this appointment, our provider will discuss your weight loss concerns, needs and goals. Treatment options, plan of care, and costs will be covered. Prospective patients will be prequalified based on their personal & family medical history to see if they are a good fit for Semaglutide or any of our various medical weight loss programs. Labwork may be ordered if necessary. Please note: NEW PATIENTS are required to undergo a Good Faith Health Exam before receiving any of our treatments. Semaglutide/B12 is a patient-specific prescription, so there may be a short waiting time to receive your medication from the pharmacy before initiating treatment.