Find Semaglutide Therapy Near You
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for weight management.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist prescribed for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management. It is FDA-approved under multiple brand names: Wegovy (weight loss), Ozempic (diabetes), Rybelsus (oral, diabetes), and Wegovy HD (the 7.2mg higher-dose formulation approved in 2026). The directory below lists providers who offer semaglutide in your area.
What Semaglutide Is and How It Works
Semaglutide is a synthetic version of GLP-1, a gut hormone your body releases after eating. It works through three mechanisms: it slows gastric emptying so food stays in your stomach longer, reduces appetite by acting on hunger centers in the brain, and improves insulin sensitivity.
The medication is available as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection (Wegovy, Ozempic) or a daily oral tablet (Rybelsus, and oral Wegovy 25mg approved January 2026). This is not a cosmetic weight loss drug. The FDA approved it for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
FDA-Approved Forms
| Brand | Indication | Form | Max Dose | Approved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Weight loss | Weekly injection | 2.4mg (HD: 7.2mg) | 2021 (HD: 2026) |
| Ozempic | Type 2 diabetes | Weekly injection | 2.0mg | 2017 |
| Rybelsus | Type 2 diabetes | Daily tablet | 14mg | 2019 |
| Wegovy (oral) | Weight loss + CV risk | Daily tablet | 25mg | 2026 |
Ozempic is frequently prescribed off-label for weight loss. Rybelsus and oral Wegovy are separate formulations at different doses.
Dosing and Titration
For the injection, semaglutide starts at 0.25mg weekly and increases every four weeks: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.0mg, 1.7mg, then 2.4mg. The full ramp takes 16 to 20 weeks. Wegovy HD extends to 7.2mg for patients who need additional weight loss beyond the standard 2.4mg dose.
For oral forms, Rybelsus titrates from 3mg to 7mg to 14mg. Oral Wegovy ramps to 25mg.
The slow titration exists for a reason. It minimizes GI side effects. Skipping dose steps significantly increases nausea risk. More than half of patients find their optimal dose below the maximum. The goal is not reaching 2.4mg. It is finding the dose that works with acceptable side effects.
Oral semaglutide must be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water. The injection can be administered any time of day.
Clinical Trial Results
The evidence base for semaglutide is extensive across multiple large-scale trials.
- ✓STEP 1 (2021, NEJM): 1,961 adults over 68 weeks. Semaglutide 2.4mg produced 14.9% average body weight loss versus 2.4% with placebo. 86% of participants achieved at least 5% weight loss.
- ✓STEP UP (2025): Oral semaglutide 25mg produced 18.7% mean weight loss versus 3.9% with placebo at 72 weeks. 31.2% achieved 25% or greater weight reduction, demonstrating that the oral formulation can match injection efficacy.
- ✓SELECT trial (2023): Semaglutide reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% in adults with obesity and established cardiovascular disease. This led to FDA approval of Wegovy for cardiovascular risk reduction in March 2024.
Real-world results differ from trial results. Cleveland Clinic data shows real-world patients average roughly 8% weight loss on semaglutide versus 15% in trials. The gap is primarily due to lower adherence and less structured support outside clinical settings.
Weight regain is a documented concern. STEP 1 extension data showed roughly two-thirds of lost weight returned within one year of stopping semaglutide. This is why ongoing treatment and maintenance planning matters. Discuss a long-term plan with your provider before starting.
Side Effects and Safety
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal. In the STEP 1 titration phase, 44% of participants reported nausea. Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain were also common.
GI side effects are worst during dose escalation and typically improve within two to four weeks at each dose level. Most patients find them manageable once they reach a stable dose.
Semaglutide carries a boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumors were observed in rodent studies, though this has not been confirmed in humans. It is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN type 2 syndrome. Other risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.
Muscle loss deserves attention. UC Davis research indicates that 15-25% of weight lost on GLP-1 receptor agonists can be lean muscle mass without dietary protein optimization and resistance exercise. Your provider should discuss protein intake and strength training as part of your treatment plan.
Management during titration: eat slowly, choose smaller meals, stay hydrated, and avoid high-fat foods. Your provider can adjust the titration pace or prescribe anti-nausea medication if side effects are severe.
Cost and Insurance
Brand-name Wegovy runs $1,300 to $1,600 per month without insurance. Compounded semaglutide from licensed 503A and 503B pharmacies costs $200 to $400 per month, though availability is tightening as the FDA resolves brand-name shortages.
Insurance coverage is expanding but inconsistent. Most commercial plans cover semaglutide for diabetes (Ozempic) but fewer cover it for obesity (Wegovy). Medicare Part D GLP-1 Bridge launches in July 2026 with a $50 monthly copay for eligible beneficiaries.
GLP-1 therapy is HSA and FSA eligible at most providers. Manufacturer savings cards are available for commercially insured patients with potential savings up to $1,800 annually.
When budgeting for total program cost, factor in consultation fees ($200 to $400 for an initial visit), lab work ($100 to $300), and follow-up visits ($100 to $200 each). These costs add up beyond the medication price.
How to Find a Semaglutide Provider
Browse the directory below to find providers offering semaglutide near you. Filter by city or state to narrow your results.
Questions to ask a potential provider: Do you prescribe brand-name semaglutide, compounded, or both? What is included in the monthly cost? Do you require baseline labs? What is your titration protocol? What happens when I reach my goal weight?
Many semaglutide providers offer virtual consultations. See our telehealth providers page for options that serve your state. For a broader look at weight management programs, visit our Weight Loss Peptide Therapy guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is semaglutide the same as Ozempic?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient. Ozempic is one brand name, approved for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is the same molecule at a higher dose, approved specifically for weight loss. Different brand, same medication, different indication and dosing.
How long does it take for semaglutide to work?
Most patients notice reduced appetite within two to four weeks. Measurable weight loss typically appears by weeks four to eight as the dose titrates upward. Full effect at maintenance dose takes three to six months.
Can I take semaglutide as a pill instead of an injection?
Yes. The FDA approved oral semaglutide (Wegovy 25mg tablet) for weight loss in January 2026. Previously, oral semaglutide was only available as Rybelsus for diabetes at lower doses. The STEP UP trial showed the 25mg oral dose produces weight loss comparable to the injection.