Semaglutide Dosage for Weight Loss: Units Per Week

For weight loss, semaglutide is typically started at 0.25 mg once weekly and increased gradually to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly. In Canada, this translates to specific unit volumes depending on the concentration of your prescribed product. The exact number of units you draw into the syringe each week will vary based on the formulation, so always follow your healthcare provider's instructions and the product label.

Understanding Semaglutide Dosing for Weight Loss

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying, leading to significant weight loss. The dosing schedule is designed to minimize gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. You begin with a low dose and increase it every four weeks until reaching the full therapeutic dose. The standard titration schedule is:

• Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg once weekly
• Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg once weekly
• Weeks 9-12: 1.0 mg once weekly
• Weeks 13-16: 1.7 mg once weekly
• Week 17 and onward: 2.4 mg once weekly (maintenance)

This schedule is based on the Wegovy brand of semaglutide, which is approved for weight management. Other formulations, such as Ozempic (approved for type 2 diabetes), may have different maximum doses, but are sometimes used off-label for weight loss. In Canada, Wegovy is available by prescription, and your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you.

How Many Units of Semaglutide Per Week?

The number of units you inject each week depends on the concentration of the semaglutide solution. "Units" refer to the markings on an insulin syringe (typically U-100), where 1 unit equals 0.01 mL. To calculate units, you need to know the concentration in mg/mL. For example:

• If your semaglutide is compounded at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL, then a 0.25 mg dose is 0.1 mL, which is 10 units on a U-100 syringe.
• At the same concentration, a 2.4 mg dose would be 0.96 mL, or 96 units.

Wegovy pens come in single-dose, pre-filled pens that deliver the exact dose without needing to measure units. However, if you are using a compounded semaglutide product from a pharmacy, you will likely need to draw the dose with an insulin syringe. Always confirm the concentration with your pharmacist. For instance, a common compounded concentration is 5 mg/mL. In that case:

• 0.25 mg = 0.05 mL = 5 units
• 0.5 mg = 0.1 mL = 10 units
• 1.0 mg = 0.2 mL = 20 units
• 1.7 mg = 0.34 mL = 34 units
• 2.4 mg = 0.48 mL = 48 units

Never guess the units. Miscalculating can lead to underdosing or serious side effects. If you're unsure, consult your prescriber or pharmacist. For those exploring other peptides for research or therapeutic purposes, understanding proper dosing is equally critical. For example, when looking into CJC-1295 with DAC dosing in Quebec, precise measurement is key to safety and efficacy.

Semaglutide Weight Loss in Canada: What to Expect

In Canada, semaglutide for weight loss is prescribed under the brand name Wegovy. It is indicated for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater, or 27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of about 15% of initial body weight over 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes.

Canadian patients should be aware that Wegovy can be expensive and may not be fully covered by provincial drug plans. Private insurance often covers it if criteria are met. Compounded semaglutide is an alternative some Canadians explore, but it is not approved by Health Canada and carries risks regarding purity and potency. Always obtain semaglutide through a legitimate pharmacy with a valid prescription.

How to Inject Semaglutide Correctly

Semaglutide is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites each week to avoid lipodystrophy. The injection can be taken with or without food, at any time of day. If you miss a dose and it's within 5 days, take it as soon as possible. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next one on the regular schedule.

When using an insulin syringe for compounded semaglutide, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands and clean the vial top with an alcohol swab.
2. Draw air into the syringe equal to your dose units, inject air into the vial.
3. Turn the vial upside down and withdraw the correct number of units.
4. Check for air bubbles and tap the syringe to remove them.
5. Pinch the skin, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, and inject slowly.
6. Dispose of the needle in a sharps container.

Common Side Effects and How to Manage Them

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These are usually mild to moderate and decrease over time. To minimize side effects:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• Avoid high-fat or fried foods.
• Stay hydrated.
• Increase fiber intake gradually to prevent constipation.

If side effects are severe, your doctor may slow the dose escalation or temporarily lower the dose. Serious but rare side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and potential thyroid C-cell tumors (observed in rodents, human relevance unknown). Report any severe abdominal pain, jaundice, or lump in the neck to your doctor immediately.

Semaglutide vs. Other Weight Loss Peptides

Semaglutide is often compared to other GLP-1 agonists like liraglutide (Saxenda) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro). Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, may lead to even greater weight loss but is not yet approved for weight management in Canada (as of early 2025). Other peptides like AOD-9604 and HGH Fragment 176-191 are sometimes used in research settings for fat loss, but they lack the robust clinical evidence of semaglutide. When considering any peptide, it's essential to understand the dosing, sourcing, and legal status in Canada. For instance, if you're researching growth hormone secretagogues, you might compare options like CJC-1295 with DAC availability in Quebec to ensure you're getting a quality product.

Frequently Asked Questions About Semaglutide Dosing

Can I adjust my semaglutide dose on my own?

No. Always follow your doctor's prescribed titration schedule. Changing the dose without guidance can increase side effects or reduce effectiveness.

What if I don't see weight loss at lower doses?

Some people do not respond until reaching higher doses like 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg. Be patient and stick with the schedule. Weight loss is gradual.

Is semaglutide safe for long-term use?

Semaglutide is approved for chronic weight management, meaning it can be used long-term under medical supervision. Stopping the medication often leads to weight regain, so it may be a lifelong treatment for some.

Where can I get semaglutide in Canada?

Semaglutide is available by prescription at Canadian pharmacies. Wegovy is the brand for weight loss. Some clinics offer compounded semaglutide, but ensure the pharmacy is reputable and follows sterile compounding standards.

Key Takeaways for Semaglutide Dosing

Semaglutide dosing for weight loss follows a strict titration schedule from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg weekly. The number of units per week depends on the product's concentration. In Canada, Wegovy pens simplify dosing, but compounded versions require careful unit measurement. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting or adjusting your dose. For those interested in other peptides for research, understanding proper dosing and sourcing is equally important, whether it's semaglutide or compounds like CJC-1295 with DAC in Quebec.