Semaglutide Weight Loss Dosage Chart

Semaglutide belongs to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). Primarily used for type 2 diabetes management, this medicine received approval in 2021 and since then it is being used as an anti-obesity medication for individuals aged 12 and older as well. It has been observed that Semaglutide, when combined with balanced diet and exercise, promotes weight loss.

Brand Names and Administration

Semaglutide is available under the brand names Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy. It can be administered in two forms:

• Oral tablets (Rybelsus): Has been shown to improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Subcutaneous injection (Ozempic, Wegovy): Ozempic is known to reduce cardiovascular events, whereas, Wegovy injections have shown efficacy in controlling obese and overweight individuals.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide is chemically similar to human GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1), an incretin hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. It helps in:

• Stimulating insulin release
• Suppressing glucagon secretion
• Slowing gastric emptying
• Enhancing satiety (feeling of fullness)

Did you know?

Monitoring your blood glucose 24/7 without fingerpricking is possible with the help of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs). Some of the latest CGMs include Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor and Dexcom G7 sensor.

Important Safety Warning

Thyroid Cancer Risk

Semaglutide may increase the risk of thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Although this effect has been observed in animal studies, it is unclear whether this occurs in humans.

Who Should Avoid Semaglutide?

You should NOT take semaglutide if:

• You or a family member has had MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• Seek Medical Attention If You Experience:
• Lump or swelling in the neck
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath

Monitoring Requirements

• Regular doctor visits and laboratory tests to track your response.
• Read the Medication Guide provided with your prescription.
• Visit the FDA website for more information.
• Always discuss risks with your healthcare provider before use.

How to take Semaglutide?

Semaglutide comes in two forms:

• Pills (Rybelsus): You take these by mouth.
• Injections (Ozempic and Wegovy): You inject these under your skin, usually in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.

Dosage for Type 2 Diabetes (Ozempic & Rybelsus)

Ozempic (Injections):

• You start with a very low dose (0.25 mg) once a week for the first month. This is just to get your body used to the medication.
• Then, your doctor will likely increase it to 0.5 mg once a week.
• If your blood sugar still needs more control, they might increase it to 1 mg once a week, which is the maximum dose.

Rybelsus (Pills):

• You start with 3 mg once a day for a month.
• Then, it’s usually increased to 7 mg once a day.
• If needed, your doctor might increase it to 14 mg once a day, which is the highest dose.

Switching Between Pills and Injections:

• It’s important to know that the pill and injection doses aren’t directly equal. Basically, 7mg or 14mg of the oral medication is roughly equivalent to 0.5mg of the injected medication. 1mg of the injected medication has no oral equivalent.

Dosage for Weight Loss (Wegovy)

Wegovy (Injections):

• This is a gradual process. You start with 0.25 mg once a week for a month.
• Then, the dose is increased every month or so, going up to 0.5 mg, then 1 mg, then 1.7 mg.
• The goal is to reach a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once a week.
• If you cannot tolerate 2.4mg, your doctor may reduce the dose to 1.7mg. If you still have trouble with side effects, speak with your doctor.

Semaglutide Weight Loss Dosage Chart

While Semaglutide under the brand name Wegovy has been approved by the FDA for weight loss, strict monitoring is recommended by your doctor. Following is the table for Wegovy (semaglutide) dosing:

Key Considerations

✔ Gradual Dose Increase: Helps reduce side effects like nausea and digestive discomfort.
✔ Microdosing Approach: Suitable for individuals with high sensitivity to medications.
✔ Monitoring Required: Regular checkups to assess tolerance and efficacy.
✔ Lifestyle Adjustments: Best results achieved when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Important Things to Remember

• Starting Doses: The initial low doses (0.25 mg injection or 3 mg pill) are just to get your body used to the medication. They won’t give you the full benefits.
• Regular Checkups: Your doctor will want to monitor your blood sugar, kidney function, heart rate, and watch for any signs of pancreatitis or thyroid problems.
• Low Blood Sugar: If you take semaglutide with other diabetes medications like insulin, you have a higher risk of low blood sugar.
• Who Shouldn’t Take It: People with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or those who are allergic to semaglutide, shouldn’t take it.
• Storage: Keep your semaglutide in the refrigerator before you use it for the first time.
• Don’t Share: Never share your pens or needles with anyone else.
• Not for Type 1 Diabetes: Semaglutide is only for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, not type 1 diabetes.

In Simple Terms:

Think of semaglutide like training for a marathon. You don’t start by running 26 miles; you start with shorter distances and gradually increase them. The same goes for semaglutide. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and slowly increase it until you reach the right amount for you.

Conclusion

Semaglutide has been approved by the FDA in tablet, and injection form. Rybelsus for oral consumption in tablets form, whereas Ozempic and Wegovy in injection form. Wegovy has been indicated by the FDA to treat obesity, however, close monitoring is required. Ozempic has been shown to reduce cardiovascular incidents in people living with or without type 2 diabetes. Above we have provided a Semaglutide Weight Loss Dosage Chart, but that is for Wegovy specifically, and a doctor’s recommendation is critically important before starting, continuing, increase in dosage, or cessation of the medication.

Disclaimer: This blog is only for informational purposes. Always consult a healthcare specialist before taking any medical action.