Medically reviewed by Dr. Diala Alatassi, board-certified obesity medicine physician
Semaglutide has changed how doctors treat obesity. If you are in Houston and searching for it, you have probably seen the names Wegovy and Ozempic and wondered how they differ. This guide explains what semaglutide is, who may qualify, what to expect, and how to get started with a telehealth visit.
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a medicine that mimics GLP-1, a gut hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. It comes under different brand names:
- Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with a related condition, and for reducing the risk of serious heart events in certain adults with heart disease and excess weight.
- Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes. It is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss, though Wegovy is the product approved for that purpose.
Both are weekly injections. Wegovy also comes in a pill form. Read more on our GLP medications page and in our earlier guides on Ozempic for weight loss in Houston and how to get Ozempic in Houston.
Who may qualify?
Adults are usually considered if they have:
- A BMI of 30 or higher, or
- A BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea
You should not use semaglutide if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2, if you have had an allergic reaction to it, or if you are pregnant. Tell your clinician about pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, and diabetic eye disease.
What results can you expect?
In a large clinical trial, adults taking semaglutide 2.4 mg lost about 15 percent of body weight on average over 68 weeks, compared with about 2 percent with placebo, along with diet and activity changes. Results vary, and many people lose less than the average. Weight often returns if the medicine is stopped.
How the dose works
Treatment starts at a low dose and increases about every four weeks. For Wegovy, the schedule typically moves from 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg and then 2.4 mg. Some people stay at a lower dose if side effects are hard to manage or if their response is good. Your clinician sets the plan.
Side effects
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain and fatigue. They tend to be strongest when starting or raising the dose. Practical tips:
- Eat smaller meals and stop when you feel full
- Limit greasy, fried and very sugary foods
- Stay hydrated, particularly during Houston summers
- Do not increase the dose if side effects are not settled
Contact your clinician urgently for severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration or symptoms of gallbladder trouble.
What does it cost?
Cost depends on insurance and how you buy the medication. Some plans cover weight loss drugs, others do not, and manufacturer cash programs change over time. At TeleSlim Clinic, the $99 fee covers your consultation and follow-ups, and medication cash pricing generally ranges from about $150 to $450 depending on the medication, whether it is an injection or a pill, and the dose. Insurance may help cover the medication where your plan allows. Ask about your options during your visit.
Getting semaglutide by telehealth in Houston
- Book a free consult.
- Complete a health history.
- Have a video visit with a clinician who reviews your history and discusses whether semaglutide is safe and appropriate.
- If prescribed, your prescription is sent to your preferred pharmacy.
- Follow up regularly to adjust dose and monitor progress.
We prescribe FDA-approved medications and do not use compounded versions.
Other medications your clinician may discuss
Semaglutide is not the only option. If it is not right for you, or if cost or side effects are an issue, your clinician may talk about tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), liraglutide (Saxenda), phentermine, phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), orlistat or metformin. See the full weight loss medications page.
Building habits that keep results
- Protein. Aim for a protein source at every meal to help preserve muscle.
- Strength training. Two or three sessions a week help you keep lean mass.
- Regular meals. Skipping meals can backfire.
- Sleep and stress. Both affect appetite hormones.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic? They contain the same drug but are approved for different uses and have different dose ranges.
Will insurance cover Wegovy in Texas? It depends on your plan. Many plans exclude weight loss drugs. Your clinic can help you check.
How soon will I see results? Many people notice reduced appetite within weeks, and weight loss builds gradually as the dose rises.
Is it safe long term? Semaglutide has been studied in large trials, but long-term use requires monitoring. Talk with your clinician about risks and benefits.
Start your evaluation
Schedule your free consult or learn about Dr. Alatassi.
This article is for general education and does not replace medical advice.
