Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has become one of the most widely prescribed medications for weight management. Sold under the brand names Wegovy® (approved for weight loss) and Ozempic® (approved for type 2 diabetes), semaglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1 that regulates appetite, slows gastric emptying, and signals your brain that you're full. The result is a meaningful reduction in hunger that helps patients eat less without the constant battle against cravings.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your body produces naturally after eating. It signals to your brain that you've had enough food, slows the rate at which your stomach empties, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. In people struggling with obesity, this signaling system often doesn't work as effectively as it should.
Semaglutide is a synthetic version of GLP-1 that's more potent and longer-lasting than the natural hormone. A single weekly injection maintains elevated GLP-1 activity throughout the week, reducing appetite consistently and helping patients make better food choices without relying on willpower alone. Clinical trials have demonstrated that patients taking semaglutide at the 2.4 mg dose lost an average of 15-17% of their body weight over 68 weeks — with over 70% of participants achieving at least 10% weight loss.
Semaglutide is a powerful tool — but it's a tool, not a complete solution. When the medication suppresses your appetite and you eat significantly less, the composition of what you eat becomes more important, not less. Without structured nutritional guidance, patients on semaglutide often don't consume adequate protein, leading to muscle loss that can account for a substantial portion of the weight they're losing. Bone density can decrease. Nutritional deficiencies in iron, B12, and other essential nutrients can develop.
This is why our GLP-1 program pairs semaglutide with personalized nutrition plans, regular body composition monitoring, and weekly visits with your clinical team. The medication handles the appetite; your team handles everything else — ensuring you lose fat, preserve muscle, and protect your long-term health.
The most commonly reported side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. In clinical trials, these side effects were typically mild to moderate and tended to improve as patients adjusted to the medication over the first several weeks. Serious side effects are rare but can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney issues.
Medical supervision matters here. When you're monitored by a clinical team, your dosage can be adjusted based on how your body is responding. If nausea is severe, your provider can slow the dose escalation. If you're losing weight too rapidly, your plan can be adjusted. This real-time clinical management is something a telehealth prescription simply cannot provide. For a broader overview of GLP-1 side effects, see our GLP-1 side effects guide.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are both GLP-1-based medications used for weight loss, but they work differently. Semaglutide targets the GLP-1 receptor alone, while tirzepatide is a dual-action medication that targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Clinical trials have generally shown greater weight loss with tirzepatide, though both medications are highly effective. The choice between them depends on your individual health profile, insurance coverage, and clinical response. Read our full semaglutide vs. tirzepatide comparison for a detailed breakdown.
The cost of semaglutide varies depending on whether you're using a branded medication (Wegovy or Ozempic) or a compounded alternative, and whether your insurance covers it. Branded Wegovy without insurance can be expensive, but many insurance plans now cover GLP-1 medications for weight management. Compounded semaglutide may be available at lower cost for patients whose insurance doesn't cover branded options.
Our team at Elk Grove Village and Algonquin helps you navigate your insurance coverage during your assessment and identifies the most affordable option for your situation. Call (847) 262-4300 or (847) 805-3630 with questions about cost and coverage.