Introduction to Semaglutide

While originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has garnered significant attention for its remarkable ability to aid in weight loss and improve cardiovascular health, even in non-diabetic individuals (1-3). This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about using semaglutide for weight loss, specifically tailored for non-diabetics. From the science behind its efficacy to practical tips on dosage and administration, we've got you covered.

The Science Behind Semaglutide and Weight Loss

Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) that targets areas of the brain involved in regulating appetite and food intake. (4) When administered, semaglutide slows gastric emptying, making you feel fuller for longer. (5) It also regulates glucagon and insulin secretion in response to meals, which helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels. (4)

Clinical trials have shown that semaglutide significantly reduces body weight in non-diabetic individuals. (1,7). Participants who received semaglutide in the clinical trial “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity” were able to lose 5% - 15% or more of their baseline body weight at week 68 compared to those who received a placebo. Semaglutide is one of the most effective weight loss medications available.

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Semaglutide Dosage

Getting the dosage right is crucial for achieving optimal results with semaglutide. For weight loss in non-diabetics, the dosage typically begins with a low dose to minimize side effects and gradually increases over time.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in several brand-name medications (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®), which come in different forms and dose strengths. For the sake of this article, we’ll use Wegovy®, which is an injectable once-weekly medication approved specifically for weight loss, as an example. Wegovy® is slowly increased over months at 4-week intervals (from 0.25 to 0.5, 1, 1.7, then 2.4 mg) until the recommended maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly is reached. If an increased dose is not tolerated, you and your provider may consider delaying dose escalation by 4 weeks. 

• Initial Phase: Start with 0.25 mg injection once a week for the first four weeks. This period allows your body to adjust to the medication.

• Titration Phase: Your healthcare provider will help tailor your personalized plan to your individual needs. However, it’s typical to increase the dose over four-week intervals (i.e.,0.5 mg,, 1mg, 1.7mg, then 2.4 mg once a week). This helps your body adapt and prepares it for the maintenance dose.

• Maintenance Phase: The recommended maintenance dose is 2.4 mg mg once weekly. Some individuals may require a lower dose of 1.7 mg weekly based on their response and tolerance to the medication.

Always consult your healthcare provider before adjusting your dosage to ensure it is appropriate for your specific needs and health status.

Example Dosing Schedule:

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Adjusting Dosage to Manage Side Effects

Like any medication, semaglutide can cause side effects, particularly gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. (1,2). Here are some strategies to manage and mitigate these side effects:

• Start Slow: Gradually increasing the dosage allows your body to adjust, reducing the likelihood of severe side effects.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help prevent dehydration, especially if you’re experiencing diarrhea and/or vomiting.

• Eat Small, Frequent Meals: This can help minimize the impact of GI side effects. Avoid large meals and fatty, spicy foods that can exacerbate symptoms.

• Consult Your Provider: If side effects persist, your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage or suggest supportive medications to alleviate symptoms.

Semaglutide Administration

Semaglutide is available in various forms, including vials, injection pens, and oral tablets. Be sure to follow the specific administration instructions provided with your medication. Always consult your doctor to confirm you are using the correct dosage as prescribed.

Administering a semaglutide injection is straightforward, but following the correct steps ensures safety and effectiveness:

1. Prepare the Injection:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

• Remove the pen cap and check the medication for clarity and absence of particles.

2. Select the Injection Site:

• Common sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites to avoid irritation.

3. Administer the Injection:

• Pinch the skin at the injection site.

• Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.

• Allow the medication to fully dispense (follow your medication’s specific instructions, as there are several forms of semaglutide with different types of pens) 

4. Dispose of the Needle:

• Safely dispose of the needle in a sharps container.

Follow the instructions provided by your specific medication to ensure you administer semaglutide safely and effectively.

Conclusion and Next Steps

In summary, semaglutide offers a promising solution for weight loss in non-diabetic individuals. Its mechanism of action targets appetite regulation and metabolism, leading to significant weight reduction. By following the recommended dosage guidelines and managing potential side effects, you can maximize the benefits of this medication.

If you're considering semaglutide as a weight loss option, consult your healthcare provider to discuss its suitability. For personalized guidance and access to semaglutide prescriptions delivered to your doorstep, consider signing up with Mochi Health. Our team of experts is here to support you every step of the way.

Ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey? Learn more and get started with Mochi Health today.

This post was written by our team of health writers for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your health. Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®®, and Zepbound® and their delivery device are registered trademarks. Mochi Health is a telehealth clinic that offers prescriptions for these products by medical necessity only as determined by a licensed health provider.

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Sources

1. Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B. M., Rosenstock, J., Tran, M. T. D., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., Yokote, K., Zeuthen, N., Kushner, R. F., & STEP 1 Study Group (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England journal of medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Food and Drug Administration. Ozempic (semaglutide) injection prescribing information, revised 2020. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/209637s003lbl.pdf

3. Lincoff, A. M., Brown-Frandsen, K., Colhoun, H. M., Deanfield, J., Emerson, S. S., Esbjerg, S., Hardt-Lindberg, S., Hovingh, G. K., Kahn, S. E., Kushner, R. F., Lingvay, I., Oral, T. K., Michelsen, M. M., Plutzky, J., Tornøe, C. W., Ryan, D. H., & SELECT Trial Investigators (2023). Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. The New England journal of medicine, 389(24), 2221–2232. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2307563

4. Blundell, J., Finlayson, G., Axelsen, M., Flint, A., Gibbons, C., Kvist, T., & Hjerpsted, J. B. (2017). Effects of once-weekly semaglutide on appetite, energy intake, control of eating, food preference and body weight in subjects with obesity. Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 19(9), 1242–1251. https://dom-pubs.pericles-prod.literatumonline.com/doi/10.1111/dom.12932

5. Chaudhry, A., Gabriel, B., Noor, J., Jawad, S., & Challa, S. R. (2024). Tendency of Semaglutide to Induce Gastroparesis: A Case Report. Cureus, 16(1), e52564. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10874596/#:~:text=The%20exact%20mechanism%20by%20which,by%20delaying%20the%20stomach's%20emptying.

6. Marathe, C. S., Rayner, C. K., Jones, K. L., & Horowitz, M. (2013). Relationships between gastric emptying, postprandial glycemia, and incretin hormones. Diabetes care, 36(5), 1396–1405. https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/36/5/1396/29534/Relationships-Between-Gastric-Emptying

7. Ryan, D.H., Lingvay, I., Deanfield, J. et al. Long-term weight loss effects of semaglutide in obesity without diabetes in the SELECT trial. Nat Med (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-02996-7

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