Semaglutide

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

Semaglutide is the peptide that went mainstream. It mimics GLP-1, a gut hormone that tells your brain you're full and slows your stomach down. The result is dramatically reduced appetite without the white-knuckle willpower of traditional dieting. People describe it as 'food noise' just stopping. The trade-off is real GI side effects, especially when you increase the dose too fast. Slow and steady wins here — rushing the titration is the number one mistake people make.

Protocol

Dose: 0.25mg-2.4mg per week (titrated up) | Frequency: Once weekly | Cycle: Ongoing (not cycled like other peptides) | Route: SubQ

Reconstitution: 2mL bacteriostatic water per 5mg vial for compounded versions. Use our free reconstitution calculator for exact syringe units.

Effects

• Appetite suppression (89%) — Profound reduction in food noise — most users describe it as suddenly not thinking about food
• Weight loss (85%) — Average 15% body weight loss at maintenance dose over 68 weeks in clinical trials
• Improved blood sugar (70%) — Significant A1C reduction even in non-diabetics, which is why it was approved for diabetes first
• Reduced alcohol cravings (30%) — Unexpected but widely reported — many users lose interest in alcohol

Side Effects

• Nausea (44%) — The main one. Worst when you bump the dose up. Your body adjusts — it gets better after a couple weeks at each level.
• Constipation (24%) — Your stomach is literally moving slower now. Fiber and water become non-negotiable. Stock up.
• Diarrhea (30%) — Some people get the opposite problem. Bodies are unpredictable. More common at higher doses.
• Vomiting (24%) — Usually because you ate too much or too fast. Your stomach is smaller now — respect the portion size.
• Fatigue (11%) — You're eating less, so you have less energy at first. Stabilizes after a few weeks once your body adjusts.

Evidence

Strong evidence — The most studied weight-loss peptide on the planet. Multiple Phase 3 trials, FDA-approved as both Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (obesity). Average weight loss of ~15% body weight in the STEP trials. The science is settled — this works.

Approval status: FDA-approved (branded)

References

1. Marso SP, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med, 2016. PMID: 27633186
2. Wilding JPH, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med, 2021. PMID: 33567185
3. Wadden TA, et al. Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo as an Adjunct to Intensive Behavioral Therapy on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 3 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 2021. PMID: 33625476
4. Garvey WT, et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med, 2022. PMID: 36216945
5. Wilding JPH, et al. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obes Metab, 2022. PMID: 35441470
6. Lincoff AM, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. N Engl J Med, 2023. PMID: 37952131

Storage

• Lyophilized: Refrigerate at 2-8C. Compounded lyophilized vials are stable for 6+ months sealed.
• Reconstituted: Refrigerate immediately. Use within 28 days. Never freeze.
• Water: Bacteriostatic water, 2mL per 5mg vial for compounded versions.
• Needle: 30-31 gauge, 0.5 inch for subcutaneous injection

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any protocol.

vialprep research · Sources: PubMed, FDA, peer-reviewed trials · How we verify