Question 1

What is semaglutide?

Accepted Answer

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist — the active ingredient in Ozempic® and Wegovy®. It mimics a hormone your body already produces to influence appetite signalling and how quickly the stomach empties, which is why most people find they feel satisfied on far less food.

Question 2

How is it taken?

Accepted Answer

As a weekly injection, self-administered at home with a very fine needle. Your provider teaches the technique at your visit.

Question 3

How does the dose work?

Accepted Answer

It starts low and steps up on a schedule. The gradual titration is deliberate — it improves tolerability, and rushing it is the usual reason people experience unpleasant side effects.

Question 4

How much weight do people lose?

Accepted Answer

Outcomes vary widely and depend on adherence, starting point, diet, activity and how long you stay on the program. We set expectations against your own numbers rather than a headline figure. Individual results vary and no outcome is guaranteed.

Question 5

What are the common side effects?

Accepted Answer

Nausea, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea and fatigue are the usual ones, most often when the dose increases, and they typically settle. Serious risks including pancreatitis and gallbladder problems are uncommon but real, which is why this is prescribed and supervised rather than sold.

Question 6

How is it different from tirzepatide?

Accepted Answer

Semaglutide acts on GLP-1 alone. Tirzepatide acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, and in head-to-head research the dual-receptor approach generally produced greater average weight loss. Tolerability, cost and coverage differ too, so the better medication is the one that suits you.

Question 7

Do I have to change how I eat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and the medication makes that easier rather than optional. Protein intake, resistance training and hydration protect lean mass while you lose fat — that is where the program matters as much as the prescription.

Question 8

What happens when I stop?

Accepted Answer

Appetite signalling returns to where it was, and weight regain is common without a maintenance plan. We discuss the exit strategy at the start, not at the end.

Question 9

Who should not take it?

Accepted Answer

A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2, pregnancy or planned pregnancy, pancreatitis history and certain gastrointestinal conditions are contraindications. Your full history and medication list are reviewed before anything is prescribed.

Question 10

Is this a clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

No. San Diego Body Sculpting does not offer paid clinical studies or free clinical trials. This is a supervised medical program.

Option	Best for	How it works
Semaglutide	Eligible adults starting GLP-1 care	Weekly injection acting on GLP-1
Tirzepatide	Eligible adults needing stronger appetite control	Weekly injection acting on GIP and GLP-1
Lifestyle program only	Patients not suited to medication	Nutrition, movement and accountability

Semaglutide Weight Loss

What is Semaglutide Weight Loss?

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Three medications, one supervised program

Tirzepatide

Retatrutide

Semaglutide

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Semaglutide Weight Loss is available at both of our clinics

San Diego (Hillcrest)

Solana Beach

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