Semaglutide
Dosage Calculator

The standard starting dose of semaglutide for weight loss is 0.25 mg per week by subcutaneous injection. This low starting dose allows your body to adjust to the medication before the dose increases. Most patients stay at this level for 4 weeks before moving to 0.5 mg. Your nurse may recommend staying longer if you are experiencing significant side effects.

The standard maximum dose of semaglutide used in supervised weight loss programs is 2.4 mg per week. As of March 2026, the FDA approved a higher-dose GLP-1 option at 7.2 mg per week for appropriate patients who have plateaued on the standard dose. This higher-dose option is not appropriate for all patients and must be determined by clinical assessment. Your BriteBody nurse reviews eligibility based on your individual response to the standard protocol, and medications are prescribed at the discretion of a licensed provider.

No, this is one of the most common misconceptions about GLP-1 therapy, and it is simply not accurate. Many patients experience consistent, meaningful weight loss at 0.5 mg or 1.0 mg without ever reaching the maximum dose. The goal of supervised dosing is to find the lowest dose that produces results for you specifically, and definitely not to push to the highest amount the schedule allows. Higher doses are associated with a higher risk of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. If a lower dose is working just fine, then there’s no clinical reason to increase it. For your own safety and satisfaction, our medical team assesses your response at every visit and only adjusts your dose when there is a clear reason to do so.

Most patients reach the standard maintenance dose of 2.4 mg per week between weeks 16 and 20, following the 4-week escalation schedule. Some patients remain at lower doses longer if they are losing weight effectively and tolerating the medication well. There is no benefit to rushing the dose. Your BriteBody nurse will guide the schedule based on your response.

For semaglutide, 20 units equals 1.0 mg, assuming a vial concentration of 5 mg/mL (the most common compounded concentration). If your vial is 2.5 mg/mL, 20 units would equal 0.5 mg. Always check the concentration label on your specific vial and confirm with your nurse before drawing your dose.

For semaglutide, 40 units equals 2.0 mg at a 5 mg/mL vial concentration. At 2.5 mg/mL, 40 units equals 1.0 mg. Vial concentration determines the calculation, and this is why patients using compounded semaglutide from different pharmacies may draw different volumes for the same dose. Always verify your specific vial with your nurse.

Compounded semaglutide is produced by a licensed compounding pharmacy and prescribed as part of a supervised weight loss program such as BriteBody by InjectCo. It is not FDA-approved as a standalone drug. Branded GLP-1 medications have received FDA approval for specific indications through the standard drug approval process and may be covered by insurance in some cases. Compounded semaglutide allows for customized formulations and is typically more accessible in terms of cost. Your BriteBody nurse will explain the distinctions and what they mean for your specific program at your screening. Consult your medical provider before starting any weight loss program.

Yes, GLP-1 therapy for weight loss in patients without diabetes is well-established. Supervised programs like BriteBody at InjectCo are designed for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition. Your BriteBody nurse will review your health history to confirm you meet the criteria during your screening.

Most patients begin to notice reduced appetite and some weight change by weeks 4 to 8, around the 0.5 mg to 1.0 mg range. Consistent, visible weight loss typically becomes apparent by weeks 12 to 16 as the dose approaches the therapeutic maintenance range. The starting dose of 0.25 mg is designed for tolerance, not full therapeutic effect. Results may vary.

The standard maintenance dose is 2.4 mg per week by subcutaneous injection. Some patients maintain effectively at 1.7 mg if they are progressing consistently and tolerating the dose well. Remember, maintenance does not mean stopping your dose; it only means holding at the dose that produces consistent, tolerable results for your weight loss goals. Your BriteBody nurse determines when you have reached your personal maintenance point.

The 4-week escalation schedule exists because faster dose increases significantly raise the risk of nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal side effects. At InjectCo, your nurse monitors your side effect profile before each increase. If you are tolerating the current dose well, the standard schedule is followed. Adjusting the schedule without clinical oversight is not recommended.

After reaching your goal weight, your provider may gradually reduce your dose to the lowest effective maintenance level, continue at the current dose, or discuss a transition plan. GLP-1 therapy is not a short-term intervention for most patients, as weight typically returns when the medication is stopped. Since this program may not be suitable for everyone, your BriteBody nurse will discuss a long-term plan at your screening before you start.

Semaglutide doses for weight management range from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg per week. Tirzepatide doses range from 2.5 mg to 15 mg per week. The medications work through different mechanisms, and dose levels cannot be directly compared by milligram. Individual response varies between patients and between medications. Your BriteBody nurse will walk through the options at your screening and recommend the protocol that fits your profile. Results may vary.

Yes, and many patients do. The transition typically involves stopping the current medication and starting the alternative at its lowest dose rather than attempting a direct dose match. Your BriteBody nurse manages the transition, reviews your body’s response during the first adjustment period, and monitors for any changes. Medications are prescribed at the discretion of a licensed provider.

For compounded semaglutide requiring reconstitution, the most common formulation is 2 mL of bacteriostatic water added to a 10 mg vial, producing a 5 mg/mL concentration. Some pharmacies use different volumes. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your compounding pharmacy or your BriteBody nurse. Do not reconstitute compounded semaglutide without confirming the correct volume for your specific vial.

Semaglutide is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) in one of three areas: the abdomen (at least 2 inches from the navel), the outer thigh, or the upper arm. Most patients prefer the abdomen. Rotate injection sites weekly to avoid tissue buildup. Your BriteBody nurse demonstrates proper injection technique at your first appointment.

Accidental excess dosing typically causes severe nausea, vomiting, and may affect blood sugar levels. If you accidentally inject more than your prescribed dose, contact your provider or seek medical attention. Your BriteBody nurse tracks your units, vial concentration, and dosing history at each appointment to reduce the risk of errors. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Your provider will review potential risks and considerations before you start.

Oral GLP-1 tablets are available by prescription and approved for specific indications. Clinical data indicates that oral GLP-1 formulations typically produce lower rates of absorption compared to the injectable form, which can affect outcomes. InjectCo’s BriteBody program uses the injectable form. If you are interested in oral GLP-1 options, your nurse can discuss what is clinically appropriate for your situation during your screening.

At InjectCo, your licensed nurse is physically present at each appointment. She reviews your current dose, side effects (if any), weight changes, and your overall response before every dose adjustment. Self-managing compounded medication without regular clinical oversight increases the risk of dosing errors, untreated side effects, and missed signs that the protocol needs to change. The BriteBody program includes monthly monitoring appointments and nurse-managed dose adjustments as part of the program structure. Medications are prescribed at the discretion of a licensed provider. Results may vary, and this program may not be suitable for everyone.

No, the semaglutide dosage calculator produces an educational estimate only. It does not create a provider-patient relationship and does not constitute a prescription or medical advice. Semaglutide is a prescription medication. To receive it, you need an assessment from a licensed healthcare provider. Your actual dose will be determined by our medical team during your initial consultation, not by this tool. We offer a free consultation if you want to talk about your options before committing to anything. Your BriteBody screening with an InjectCo nurse offers the conversation you need.

BriteBody is InjectCo’s nurse-led medical weight loss program available across nine Texas locations. Your nurse is physically present at your appointments. She knows your dosing history, monitors your response at each visit, adjusts your dose based on real clinical assessment, and addresses issues before they compound. The program includes monthly monitoring and is structured around your individual response. Consult your medical provider before starting any weight loss program. Results may vary.