What is Semaglutide?

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist—a medication that mimics a hormone your body naturally produces after eating. This hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1, regulates appetite and blood sugar. By activating the same receptors, semaglutide reduces hunger, slows stomach emptying, and improves metabolic function.

Originally developed by Novo Nordisk for type 2 diabetes, semaglutide showed such significant weight loss effects in diabetic patients that the company pursued approval specifically for weight management. The result was Wegovy, approved in 2021 for chronic weight management.

For Lagos professionals juggling multiple responsibilities, semaglutide offers something straightforward: once-weekly dosing that works with your busy schedule, not against it. You're not counting calories obsessively or meal-prepping every Sunday. The medication handles the appetite side while you focus on what matters.

Brand Names: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Compounded

Semaglutide is the active ingredient. The brand name depends on the approved use and manufacturer:

Ozempic: Novo Nordisk's brand for type 2 diabetes. Available in doses up to 2mg weekly. While prescribed off-label for weight loss, this wasn't its primary approval.

Wegovy: Novo Nordisk's semaglutide brand approved specifically for weight management. Goes up to 2.4mg weekly—the dose used in weight loss clinical trials.

Rybelsus: Oral semaglutide for diabetes. Daily pill instead of weekly injection. Not typically used for weight loss due to lower doses and different absorption.

Compounded Semaglutide: Semaglutide prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies. This is what we provide at EkoPeptide—pharmaceutical-grade semaglutide at accessible pricing for Lagos residents.

How Semaglutide Works

Your gut produces GLP-1 after meals. This hormone signals to your brain that you've eaten, reduces appetite, and helps regulate insulin release. Natural GLP-1 has a short half-life—it's broken down within minutes.

Semaglutide is engineered to resist breakdown. It has a half-life of about 7 days, which is why weekly dosing works. After injection, semaglutide circulates through your system, activating GLP-1 receptors in multiple locations:

• Hypothalamus: Reduces hunger signals and cravings
• Stomach: Slows gastric emptying, keeping you fuller longer
• Pancreas: Improves insulin release in response to food
• Liver: Reduces glucose production

The net effect: you feel less hungry, you're satisfied with smaller portions, and your body handles food more efficiently. This isn't willpower—it's biochemistry working in your favor.

Many Lagos tech workers describe it as "turning down the volume" on food noise. The constant thoughts about snacks, the 3pm energy crash that sends you to the vending machine, the tendency to overeat at owambe parties—all of that quiets down.

Clinical Trial Data

Semaglutide has some of the most robust clinical trial data of any weight loss medication. Published clinical studies included thousands of participants and produced consistent results.

Key findings beyond weight loss:

• Improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol
• Reduced waist circumference (visceral fat reduction)
• Improved quality of life scores
• Reduced markers of inflammation

The SELECT trial also showed cardiovascular benefits—a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events for people with heart disease and obesity. This isn't just cosmetic weight loss; it's metabolic health improvement.

Weight Loss Timeline

Results vary by individual, but here's a general timeline based on clinical data and user experiences:

Weeks 1-4: Starting at 0.25mg. Appetite changes are subtle. Some people notice reduced cravings. Weight loss is minimal—this phase is about tolerating the medication.

Weeks 5-8: Dose increases to 0.5mg. Appetite suppression becomes more noticeable. Most people lose 2-4% of body weight by week 8. Side effects may peak during this transition.

Months 3-4: Reaching 1mg and potentially 1.7mg. This is when significant weight loss accelerates. Clothes start fitting differently. Energy often improves.

Months 5-12: At maintenance dose (1.7mg or 2.4mg). Steady weight loss continues. By month 12, most people have lost 12-17% of starting weight.

Beyond 12 months: Weight stabilizes. The goal shifts to maintenance. Continued medication may be needed to prevent regain, as studies show weight returns when the medication stops.

Who Should Consider Semaglutide

Semaglutide isn't for casual weight loss. It's indicated for people who meet specific criteria and have struggled with other approaches.

Generally appropriate for:

• BMI 30 or higher (obesity)
• BMI 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
• Adults who haven't achieved goals with diet and exercise alone
• Those seeking evidence-based, medication-assisted weight management

Not appropriate for:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• History of pancreatitis
• Pregnant or trying to become pregnant (discontinue 2 months before)
• Breastfeeding
• Severe kidney or liver disease without physician guidance

For most Lagos professionals in the target demographic—tech workers, entrepreneurs, executives who sit at desks all day and rely on takeaway food—semaglutide can be a practical tool when combined with realistic lifestyle changes.

Dosing Schedule

Semaglutide uses a gradual titration protocol. You start low and increase every 4 weeks to minimize side effects.

Not everyone needs to reach 2.4mg. Some people achieve excellent results at 1mg or 1.7mg with fewer side effects. The goal is finding your effective dose, not necessarily the maximum dose.

Inject on the same day each week. Pick a day that works for your schedule—many Lagos users choose Friday evening so any initial side effects occur over the weekend.

Managing Side Effects

Most side effects are gastrointestinal and improve over time. Here's what to expect and how to manage it:

Nausea: Most common, especially during dose increases. Eat smaller meals. Avoid fatty, greasy foods. Stay hydrated. Ginger tea can help. Most users report improvement after 2-3 weeks at each dose.

Constipation: Increase fiber and water intake. Consider a fiber supplement. Walking helps stimulate digestion. If severe, consult about over-the-counter solutions.

Diarrhea: Less common but happens. Usually resolves as body adjusts. Stay hydrated and avoid dairy if it worsens symptoms.

Injection site reactions: Mild redness or itching at the injection site. Rotate injection areas (abdomen, thigh, upper arm). Usually resolves within a few days.

Fatigue: Some people feel tired initially, especially if eating significantly less. Ensure adequate protein intake and stay hydrated.

Getting Semaglutide in Lagos

Brand-name Wegovy and Ozempic are difficult to source in Nigeria and carry premium pricing when available. EkoPeptide provides compounded semaglutide—containing semaglutide, an FDA-approved active ingredient—prepared by licensed pharmacies, with proper cold-chain delivery to Lagos.

Our process:

1. Submit consultation request with your health information
2. Clinician reviews for eligibility
3. If appropriate, receive your dosing protocol
4. Cold-chain delivery to your Lagos address
5. Ongoing WhatsApp support for questions and side effect management

We handle the logistics—sourcing, cold storage, and delivery. You focus on following your protocol and tracking your progress. Most consultations are completed within 24-48 hours, with delivery following within 3-5 business days in Lagos.