Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist with a 7-day half-life, used for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes. Sold under brand names Ozempic and Wegovy; widely compounded.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist with a 7-day half-life, used for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes. Sold under brand names Ozempic and Wegovy; widely compounded. Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist. Typical route: Subcutaneous injection. FDA status: FDA-approved as Ozempic (2017, T2D) and Wegovy (2021, chronic weight management at BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidity). Compounded semaglutide is dispensed by 503A and 503B pharmacies under valid prescr
Drug classGLP-1 receptor agonist
Half-life~7 days (weekly dosing)
RouteSubcutaneous injection
Typical maintenance2.4 mg/week
FDA statusApproved (Ozempic, Wegovy)
Compounded availabilityYes (503A/503B)
Mechanism of action
Semaglutide binds the GLP-1 receptor on pancreatic beta cells, stimulating glucose-dependent insulin release; on hypothalamic neurons, reducing appetite and slowing gastric emptying; and on cardiac tissue, contributing to its observed cardiovascular benefit.
Dosing reference
Standard titration: 0.25 mg/week (weeks 1-4), 0.5 mg/week (weeks 5-8), 1.0 mg/week (weeks 9-12), 1.7 mg/week (weeks 13-16), 2.4 mg/week (maintenance). Compounded formulations may follow the same schedule or use mg/mL concentrations of 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/mL.
Dosing information is provided for educational reference and is not medical advice. Patients should not initiate or modify any peptide regimen without consulting a licensed clinician. See our medical disclaimer.
FDA status & regulatory framework
FDA-approved as Ozempic (2017, T2D) and Wegovy (2021, chronic weight management at BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidity). Compounded semaglutide is dispensed by 503A and 503B pharmacies under valid prescription. The FDA published GLP-1 compounding guidance in April 2026.
Editor's Pick · #1 of 10
NexLife — Semaglutide Program
Editor's PickPhysician-led503A pharmacyAll 50 states
Physician-led telehealth platform with Dr. Adam Kennah as Medical Director. Compounded semaglutide from an FDA-registered 503A pharmacy, all-inclusive pricing covering medication, supplies, and prescriber visits.
Trade-offs to know: Compounded medication, not FDA-approved Wegovy or Ozempic. Cash-pay only — not billable to insurance. Async telehealth model (no live video by default).
Editor's Pick · #1 of 10
NexLife — Tirzepatide Program
Editor's PickPhysician-led503A pharmacyAll 50 states
Physician-led tirzepatide program with the same compounding pharmacy, prescriber team, and clinical protocols as the semaglutide program. Methylcobalamin combined formulations available.
Trade-offs to know: Compounded medication, not FDA-approved Zepbound or Mounjaro. Cash-pay only. Tirzepatide is a newer compound with a shorter real-world safety record than semaglutide.
U.S. telehealth providers that work with Semaglutide
Semaglutide is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (as Ozempic) and chronic weight management (as Wegovy). It is also widely compounded and prescribed off-label or as an alternative to brand-name versions through telehealth providers.
How much weight do people lose on semaglutide?
In the STEP-1 trial of Wegovy, participants lost an average of 14.9% of body weight at 68 weeks at the 2.4 mg/week maintenance dose. Real-world results vary; the average appears to be 10-15% at one year for adherent patients.
Who is the Editor's Pick for compounded semaglutide?
NexLife is the current Editor's Pick for compounded semaglutide, scoring 96/100 on the v3.0 six-pillar rubric — the highest in the category. NexLife dispenses through a 503A pharmacy with all 50 states covered.
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al.Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002.PMID: 33567185
Marso SP, Bain SC, Consoli A, et al.Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.N Engl J Med. 2016;375(19):1834-1844.PMID: 27633186
Lincoff AM, Brown-Frandsen K, Colhoun HM, et al.Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes (SELECT).N Engl J Med. 2023;389(24):2221-2232.PMID: 37952131
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves new drug treatment for chronic weight management, first since 2014.FDA News Release. June 4, 2021.View source
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Compounded GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss: Information for Patients and Health Care Providers.FDA Drug Safety Communication. April 2026.View source
Sources are peer-reviewed where available. PubMed (PMID) links resolve to NCBI's PubMed database. FDA links resolve to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Citations were last verified 2026-05-11.
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