Semaglutide
GLP-1 receptor agonist. Ozempic (injection) / Wegovy (weight loss) / Rybelsus (oral). Used in bodybuilding for appetite suppression and fat loss during cutting phases.
Overview
GLP-1 receptor agonist. Ozempic (injection) / Wegovy (weight loss) / Rybelsus (oral). Used in bodybuilding for appetite suppression and fat loss during cutting phases.
May mildly affect liver enzymes (typically improvement with fat loss), significant appetite suppression, improves fasting glucose and HbA1c, improves lipid profile (lower triglycerides, LDL), can cause mild elevations in amylase/lipase (monitor for pancreatitis), reduces CRP (anti-inflammatory)
Compound Guide
Structure: Acylated GLP-1 analog with 94% homology to native GLP-1. Albumin binding extends half-life to weekly dosing.
Dosage:
- Weight loss (titrate up): 0.25mg/week x4 weeks → 0.5mg/week x4 weeks → 1.0mg/week x4 weeks → 1.7mg/week → 2.4mg/week
- Bodybuilding cut: Most use 0.5-1.0mg/week (lower doses often sufficient for appetite control)
- Oral (Rybelsus): 3mg/day → 7mg/day → 14mg/day
Administration:
- SubQ injection once weekly, abdomen/thigh/upper arm, rotate sites
- Oral form must be taken on empty stomach with <120mL water, 30 min before food
- Titrate slowly to minimise GI side effects
Key Notes:
- Extremely effective appetite suppressant — the primary benefit for bodybuilders during cuts
- GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) are common during titration — start low
- Risk of muscle loss during aggressive caloric deficit — must maintain high protein intake and resistance training
- Improves metabolic markers: HbA1c, fasting glucose, triglycerides, LDL, CRP
- Small risk of pancreatitis — monitor amylase/lipase if abdominal pain occurs
- Can slow gastric emptying significantly — relevant for pre-anaesthesia considerations
- May reduce effectiveness of oral medications (delayed absorption)
- Monitor: fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel, amylase/lipase, liver enzymes
Usage History
Marker Interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
MK-677 & Insulin Resistance: Full HOMA-IR and Glucose Data (2026)
MK-677 raises fasting glucose to 6.8 mmol/L within 4 weeks and HbA1c by 0.2% at 12 months. Complete HOMA-IR data from human studies, when the numbers cross into pre-diabetes, and 5 evidence-based fixes.
High Creatinine, Low eGFR? Why Bodybuilders Need Cystatin C
Creatinine-based eGFR can overestimate kidney damage by 30%+ in muscular athletes. Why cystatin C is the accurate alternative, how to order it in Australia, and what your results actually mean on cycle.
GLP-1 Bloodwork: What to Test on Semaglutide
Complete GLP-1 bloodwork guide. Which markers to test on semaglutide, tirzepatide, or retatrutide, with monitoring protocols for athletes on TRT.
Quick Reference
Category
GLP-1
Half-Life
7 days
Detection Time
N/A