Semaglutide
A weekly injection that activates the GLP-1 receptor, slowing stomach emptying and reducing appetite signalling. Sold as Wegovy and Ozempic by Novo Nordisk.
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What the trials showed
In STEP-1, adults on 2.4 mg lost an average of about 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks.
In the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial semaglutide produced less weight loss than tirzepatide, averaging 33.1 lb (15.0 kg) against 50.3 lb (22.8 kg).
How it is dosed
Treatment starts low and steps up roughly every four weeks through 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg. The starting dose is there to let your system acclimatise — it is not a treatment dose, which is why the first weeks can feel as though little is happening.
Side effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation, usually worst in the first weeks and after dose increases.
Some people should not take this medication at all, and it interacts with several common prescriptions — the contraindications are here.
What it costs
Through NovoCare, Wegovy has been offered at $199/month for the first two fills through 31 December 2026, then $349/month for 0.25-2.4 mg doses. The oral form is listed between $149 and $299/month by dose.
Compounded preparations cost less and are not FDA-approved — what that actually means.
Who dispenses it
| Dispensed by | Product | Per month | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coreage Rx Best overall on true monthly cost | Compounded | $149 | 4.5 |
| Trimi Lowest flat price with named pharmacies | Compounded | $99 | 4.6 |
| PlexusDx Pharmacy transparency and genetic testing | Compounded | $189 | 4.4 |
| Ozari Health Lowest advertised semaglutide price | Compounded | $86 | 4.4 |
| Ivím Health Unlimited clinician access | Compounded | $199 | 4 |
| Mochi Health Insurance concierge support | Compounded | $178 +$79 fee | 3.6 |
| Coby Health Multi-month value with supplies included | Compounded | $229 | 3.6 |
| Hims & Hers Widest range of formats | Compounded | $188 +$39 fee | 3.5 |
| Ro Branded medication with insurance help | FDA-approved brand | $448 +$149 fee | 3.5 |
| Zealthy Low-cost entry with insurance routing | Compounded | $151 | 3.5 |
| LifeMD Insurance coordination | Compounded | $149 | 3.5 |
| Noom Med Behaviour change alongside medication | Compounded | $149 | 3.5 |
Full comparison of Semaglutide programmes →
Compared with Tirzepatide
Read about Tirzepatide → or see brand-name versus compounded.