Semaglutide is available in two distinct formulations-one for blood glucose control and another for weight loss-which must not be used interchangeably.
One formulation is the blood glucose-lowering version of Semaglutide, which is clinically prescribed primarily for overweight or obese adults with Type 2 diabetes.
The other is the weight-loss version of Semaglutide, indicated for the long-term weight management of adult patients as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
When using the weight-loss version of Semaglutide, the patient's initial Body Mass Index (BMI) must meet the following criteria: 1. BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² (classified as obese), in which case it may be used directly; OR 2. BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² but < 30 kg/m² (classified as overweight) *and* the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity-such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.
Purchasing the medication independently online, self-administering injections without supervision, or arbitrarily increasing the dosage poses significant hidden risks:
It prevents the differentiation between primary obesity and secondary obesity (e.g., caused by Cushing's syndrome or pituitary tumors), thereby treating only the symptoms rather than the root cause.
It bypasses professional risk assessments, failing to screen for contraindications such as pancreatitis or thyroid disorders.
Improper storage and transport (which requires a cold chain maintained at 2–8°C) may lead to the denaturation and loss of efficacy of the medication.