GLP-1 receptor agonist

Semaglutide

A once-weekly injection that mimics GLP-1, a hormone your gut releases after eating. For adults who qualify, it can reduce appetite and help you feel full sooner and longer.

Class: GLP-1 receptor agonist
How it's given: Once-weekly injection under the skin
Dosing: Starts low, increased gradually
Before starting: Labs + provider evaluation

Benefits

What semaglutide may do for you

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Reduced appetite

Acts on areas of the brain involved in hunger, which can make it easier to eat smaller portions.

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Fuller for longer

Slows how quickly the stomach empties, which can extend the feeling of fullness after meals.

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Blood-sugar support

Helps the body release insulin when blood sugar rises after eating.

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Once a week

A single weekly injection rather than a daily routine.

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Measured with body composition

At Élevé, progress is tracked with scans of fat and lean mass, not just the scale.

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Extensively studied

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in FDA-approved medications for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes.

Results vary. Medication works best alongside nutrition, activity, and regular follow-up, and no specific amount of weight loss is guaranteed.

How it works

The science, simply.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your gut releases after you eat. It signals fullness to the brain, slows digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar.

Semaglutide is designed to act like GLP-1 but last much longer in the body, which is why it only needs to be taken once a week.

One receptor: GLP-1

What to expect

Your semaglutide program, step by step

01
Labs and medical evaluation
Every patient completes the Core Clearance lab panel and a consultation with a licensed provider before anything is prescribed.
02
A low starting dose
Treatment starts at a low dose so your body can adjust.
03
Gradual increases
The dose is typically increased about every four weeks, as tolerated, until your provider reaches a maintenance dose.
04
Regular check-ins
Your clinical team reviews progress, side effects, and body composition, and adjusts the plan as needed.

Safety

Side effects and who it’s for

Boxed warning: risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. In studies in rodents, this type of medication caused thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether it causes these tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in people. Do not use it if you or a family member has had MTC, or if you have MEN 2. Tell your provider about a lump or swelling in your neck, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, or shortness of breath.

Common side effects

Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Stomach pain
Headache
Tiredness
Indigestion or heartburn
Dizziness
Bloating, gas, or burping

Serious side effects: get medical help

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): severe stomach pain that may spread to the back
Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
Low blood sugar, especially if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea
Kidney problems, often from dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea
Serious allergic reactions
Vision changes in people with type 2 diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
Increased heart rate
Depression or thoughts of self-harm
Food or liquid entering the lungs during anesthesia or deep sedation; tell any surgeon or anesthesiologist you take this medication

May not be right for you if you have

A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
A prior serious allergic reaction to the medication or its ingredients
Pregnancy

Tell your provider about

Pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or kidney problems
Type 2 diabetes, especially if you use insulin or a sulfonylurea
Diabetic retinopathy
Depression or thoughts of self-harm
Breastfeeding or plans to become pregnant
Any upcoming surgery or procedure that requires anesthesia

FDA status

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in FDA-approved prescription medications. If your prescription is filled by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy, that compounded medication is not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Prescription treatments require a medical evaluation by a licensed provider, who decides whether a treatment is appropriate for you. Not everyone qualifies. See Important Safety Information.

FAQ

Questions about semaglutide

How soon will I notice a difference?

Many people notice changes in appetite within the first few weeks, but doses are increased gradually over several months and every person responds differently.

Will the side effects go away?

Stomach-related side effects are most common when starting or increasing a dose and often ease over time. Tell your clinical team if they don't, or if they're severe.

What happens if I stop?

Many people regain weight after stopping a GLP-1 medication. Your provider will talk with you about a long-term plan, including nutrition and activity.

What if I miss a dose?

Follow the missed-dose instructions your provider gives you. Don't take two doses close together to catch up.

Should I plan for pregnancy differently?

Semaglutide should not be used during pregnancy. If you're planning a pregnancy, talk with your provider; it's generally stopped at least two months beforehand.

Keep exploring

Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist

Tirzepatide

A once-weekly injection that acts on two hormone pathways, GIP and GLP-1, involved in appetite and blood-sugar regulation.

Learn about tirzepatide →

Program overview

Medical weight loss at Élevé

How the GLP-1 program works, who may be a candidate, and what's included.

View the program →

Start here

Ask a provider whether semaglutide is right for you.

A two-minute eligibility check, then a consultation with our clinical team.

Check eligibility

Prescription treatments require a medical evaluation by a licensed provider, who decides whether a treatment is appropriate for you. Not everyone qualifies.