Semaglutide (ozempic) guide for weight loss
what is semaglutide?
Semaglutide (also known under brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) is a GLP-1 (Glucagen-Like Peptide) agonist that was originally marketed for control of type 2 diabetes. Ozempic works by increasing insulin release, lowering the amount of glucagon released, delaying gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. In addition to control of type 2 diabetes Semaglutide has been shown in clinical studies and FDA approved for body fat reduction and weight loss. Clinical studies have been completed with individuals of 30 BMI or higher, but numerous people have seen results regardless of BMI or BF%.
This guide provides basic information on a Semaglutide cycle and is not medical advice. Before starting a Semaglutide based weight loss routine it is highly recommended that you consult with your physician. In addition, any extreme weight loss regimen should be done while utilizing AAS to retain muscle mass and maximize fat loss.
what should i know before starting?
Semaglutide is a powerful product and should be used with caution. Any time you take a product that impacts blood sugar there are risks of complications. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, heartburn, headaches, fatigue, dehydration, and anxiety. If these side effects are severe stop use of the product and seek medical help. Be sure to keep these side effects in mind when going through your Semaglutide cycle.
What is the semaglutide cycle?
Semaglutide should be run for 12 – 16 weeks as a cycle for body fat reduction and weight loss using weekly subcutaneous injections. If more extreme weight loss is needed a maintenance dose can be run after the 16 weeks. The cycle starts with a small dose and increases as the body builds tolerance. It is very important to start with the low dose to ensure safety and minimal side effects. A typical cycle can be found below:
- Weeks 1 – 4 – 0.25mg of Semaglutide weekly
- Weeks 5 – 8 – 0.5mg of Semaglutide weekly
- Weeks 9 – 12 – 1mg of Semaglutide weekly
- Weeks 13 – 16 – 1.7mg of Semaglutide weekly
- Weeks 17+ – 2.4mg of Semaglutide weekly
Your dose should never go above 2.4mg, regardless of time on the weight loss program. After increasing dose assess tolerance based on side effects. If the side effects are moderate to severe move the dose back to the previous for the duration of the 4 week period then try the higher dose again.
how to reconstitute semaglutide?
AP semaglutide is freeze dried in 5mg vials. It is reconstituted using sterile (also known as bacteriostatic) water. It is highly recommended to use a mixing vial with working with semaglutide due to the amount of water needed for proper dosing. All AP semaglutide comes with a sterile mixing vial.
0.25mg – 0.5mg dosing
Steps to reconstitute (turn into liquid) for 0.25mg or 0.5mg dosing can be found below.
- Add 2ml of water to the vial and let sit until all powder dissolves
- Draw 2ml out of vial and inject into mixing vial
- Add 3ml of water to mixing vial
You now have 5ml of water with 5mg of Semaglutide giving 1mg per 1ml. 0.25mg will be 0.25 (or 25) on an insulin syringe. 0.5mg will be 0.5 (or 50) on an insulin syringe. 1mg will be 1 (or 100) on an insulin syringe.
1mg – 1.7mg dosing
Steps to reconstitute (turn into liquid) for 1mg or 1.7mg dosing can be found below.
- Add 2ml of water to the vial and let sit until all powder dissolves
- Draw 2ml out of vial and inject into mixing vial
- Add 0.5ml of water to mixing vial
You now have 2.5ml of water with 5mg of Semaglutide giving 2mg per 1ml. 1mg will be 0.5 (or 50) on an insulin syringe. 1.7mg will be 0.85 (or 85) on an insulin syringe. 2.4mg will be 1.2 (or 120) on an insulin syringe.
2.4mg dosing
Steps to reconstitute (turn into liquid) for 1mg or 1.7mg dosing can be found below.
- Add 2ml of water to the vial and let sit until all powder dissolves
- Draw 2ml out of vial and inject into mixing vial
You now have 2ml of water with 5mg of Semaglutide or 2.5mg per ml. 2.4mg will be 0.96 (or 96) on an insulin syringe.
how much semaglutide to order?
The amount to order will be based on the length of your cycle.
- If you are completing a 12 week cycle you will need 7mg total or 2 vials.
- If you are completing a 16 week cycle you will need any additional 6.8mg for 13.8mg total or 3 vials.
- For each additional 2 weeks after you will need 1 vial (2.4mg per 2 weeks).
