Semaglutide dosage and protocol
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the incretin hormone GLP-1, reducing appetite, improving glycemic control, and promoting significant weight loss. Marketed as Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (obesity), it has shown up to 15% body weight reduction in clinical trials. One of the most powerful fat loss peptides currently studied.
- Vial size: 5 mg
- Reconstitution: 2 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 2.5 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Fat Loss
- Weight Management
- Glucose Regulation
- Appetite Suppression
- Metabolic Health
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 2.0mL bacteriostatic water → ~2.5mg/mL concentration
- Weekly dose range: 250–2400mcg (0.25–2.4mg) once weekly (gradual escalation)
- Easy measuring: At 2.5mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01mL ≈ 25mcg on a U-100 syringe
- Storage: Lyophilized at −20°C; after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 28 days
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 250 mcg (0.25 mg) | Once weekly (SC) | 0.10 mL (10 units) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 500 mcg (0.5 mg) | Once weekly (SC) | 0.20 mL (20 units) |
| Weeks 9–12 | 1000 mcg (1.0 mg) | Once weekly (SC) | 0.40 mL (40 units) |
| Weeks 13–16 | 1700 mcg (1.7 mg) | Once weekly (SC) | 0.68 mL (68 units) |
| Weeks 17+ (Maintenance) | 2400 mcg (2.4 mg) | Once weekly (SC) | 0.96 mL (96 units) |
How it works
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist modified with a fatty-acid side chain that binds albumin, giving a half-life of about a week. Activating GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion and lowers glucagon, while receptors in the brainstem and hypothalamus reduce appetite and food reward. It also slows gastric emptying, especially early in treatment. It is FDA-approved as Ozempic (weekly injection for type 2 diabetes, including cardiovascular risk reduction and, more recently, kidney outcome indications), Rybelsus (an oral tablet for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (weekly 2.4 mg injection for chronic weight management, also approved to reduce cardiovascular events in adults with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity). In the STEP phase 3 trials, 2.4 mg weekly produced mean weight loss of roughly 15 percent over 68 weeks in adults without diabetes, and the SELECT trial showed about a 20 percent reduction in major cardiovascular events. Weight tends to return after stopping in trial follow-up. Most side effects are gastrointestinal and dose-related, which is why labelled dosing escalates gradually over about 16 weeks.
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 2.0mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall to minimize foaming; avoid shaking
- Gently swirl or roll the vial until fully dissolved
- Label with reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8°C (35.6–46.4°F), protected from light; use within 28 days
Storage
Store lyophilized at -20°C. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2-8°C and use within 28 days.
Important notes
- Research use only
- Dose escalation is critical to minimize GI side effects (nausea, vomiting)
- May cause muscle loss — combine with resistance training
- Ozempic/Wegovy pharmaceutical equivalent
- Monitor for rare pancreatitis risk
Supplies
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes (U-100)
- Alcohol swabs