Doctor’s Guide to Weekly GLP-1 (Semaglutide) Injections for Weight Loss in Singapore

Disclaimer: In accordance with HSA regulations in Singapore, we are unable to mention specific brand names on this page.

However, the popular once-weekly semaglutide injection is now available at our clinic. Enquire Now! to WhatsApp us and speak with our team directly to learn more.

Introduction To Weekly Semaglutide Injections for Weight Loss

Weight loss is a complex journey influenced by hormones, metabolism, and lifestyle. For individuals struggling with obesity or weight-related health conditions, weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist injections containing semaglutide have emerged as a powerful treatment option.

These injections mimic the body’s natural satiety hormones, helping to reduce appetite and improve metabolic control — all with the convenience of once-weekly dosing.

In this guide, we explore how semaglutide works, what to expect during treatment, and how it fits into a medically supervised weight loss program in Singapore. This page is intended to educate and support patients considering this approach, based on clinical evidence and medical guidance.

How Weekly Semaglutide Injections Work to Support Weight Loss

Semaglutide is a type of medication known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but has since gained widespread popularity overseas for its effectiveness in supporting weight loss — particularly in individuals with obesity or weight-related metabolic conditions.

Semaglutide was developed by a leading pharmaceutical company based in Denmark and is now internationally prescribed under various brand names. Due to local regulatory guidelines, specific brand names are not mentioned here.

In the body, semaglutide works by:

• Mimicking GLP-1, a natural gut hormone that helps regulate hunger and blood sugar
• Slowing gastric emptying, so you feel full for longer
• Suppressing appetite and reducing food cravings
• Improving insulin sensitivity and lowering post-meal glucose levels

Unlike some other weight loss medications that require daily dosing, semaglutide is typically administered once weekly, making it convenient and easy to incorporate into a long-term medical weight loss plan.

Benefits of Weekly Semaglutide Weight Loss Treatment in Singapore

Weekly semaglutide injections have been widely studied and used internationally as part of a medically supervised weight loss program. When prescribed appropriately and combined with lifestyle modifications, semaglutide offers several meaningful benefits:

Potential Improvement in Cardiometabolic Markers
Weight loss with semaglutide may also lead to improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and markers of inflammation.

Clinically Proven Weight Loss
Long-term studies have shown average weight reductions of up to 15% of body weight with sustained use of semaglutide.

Reduced Appetite and Cravings
Helps regulate hunger signals, making it easier to eat smaller portions and reduce snacking or emotional eating.

Improved Blood Sugar Control
Originally developed for diabetes, semaglutide also helps reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes, even in non-diabetic patients with insulin resistance.

Supports Sustainable Lifestyle Changes
By making it easier to control food intake, patients often find it more manageable to implement healthier eating habits and regular exercise routines.

Convenient Once-Weekly Dosing
Compared to daily weight loss medications, weekly injections are easier to remember and fit into a busy schedule.

Who Is Suitable for Weekly Semaglutide Injections for Weight Loss?

Weekly semaglutide injections are typically prescribed as part of a medically supervised weight loss plan for individuals who meet specific health and eligibility criteria. While it is not a quick fix, semaglutide may be beneficial for those who have found it difficult to achieve and sustain weight loss through lifestyle changes alone.

You may be considered suitable for semaglutide treatment if you:

• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which falls within the obesity range
• Have a BMI of 27 or higher and also experience weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver, or type 2 diabetes
• Are medically cleared for the treatment following a consultation with a doctor
• Are looking for additional support to manage appetite and reduce caloric intake
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Do not have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
• Do not have active gallbladder disease or a history of pancreatitis

Every patient is assessed individually. At our clinic, a detailed medical consultation is performed before starting any treatment to ensure it is safe, appropriate, and tailored to your specific needs.

Other Weight Loss Injections on the Market

While weekly semaglutide injections have become increasingly popular for their effectiveness, they are not the only GLP-1-based treatment option available. Several other medications have also been approved for weight management, each with differences in dosing schedule, delivery method, and clinical effectiveness.

Some of the commonly prescribed alternatives include:

Daily Liraglutide Injections
A once-daily injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist that also supports weight loss by suppressing appetite and slowing gastric emptying. Learn more here

Weekly GLP-1 Injections (Other Brands of Semaglutide)
Other formulations of weekly semaglutide may differ slightly in dose range and clinical use, depending on brand and indication. Learn more here

Oral Semaglutide
The first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist available in pill form. While primarily indicated for diabetes, it may support weight loss in certain patients. Learn more here

Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonists (Tirzepatide)
A newer type of once-weekly injection that activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This dual mechanism is designed to regulate appetite, improve metabolic function, and support weight management. Learn more here

How Weekly Semaglutide Injections Work – The Mechanism Behind GLP-1 Weight Loss

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a class of medication that mimics the action of a natural hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and digestion — all of which contribute to weight balance.

Here’s how GLP-1 works in the body:

• It is released by the intestines in response to food
• It stimulates the pancreas to release insulin
• It reduces glucagon secretion (which helps prevent excess glucose production)
• It slows gastric emptying, so food stays in the stomach longer
• It acts on the brain to reduce appetite and enhance satiety

In people with obesity or insulin resistance, the natural GLP-1 response may be diminished — leading to increased hunger, higher blood sugar levels, and difficulty losing weight.

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide activates these same pathways, resulting in:

• Improved insulin secretion and better glucose control
• Reduced appetite and cravings, leading to lower calorie intake
• Prolonged satiety through slower stomach emptying

By targeting both the metabolic and behavioural aspects of weight gain, semaglutide supports safe and sustainable weight loss when used under medical supervision.

Weekly Semaglutide Injection and Weight Loss Treatment Process in Singapore

Weekly semaglutide injections are administered subcutaneously, meaning just beneath the skin. Common injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The treatment follows a structured titration plan to gradually increase the dosage, helping to minimise side effects while supporting sustained weight loss.

Below is an overview of the typical treatment journey. Individual dosing schedules may vary depending on your response and medical history.

1. Step-by-Step Treatment Process
2. Starting Dose
   • Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg once weekly to allow the body to adjust
3. Gradual Dose Escalation
   • Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg weekly
   • Weeks 9–12: 1.0 mg weekly
   • Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg weekly
   • Week 17 onwards: 2.4 mg weekly (maintenance dose)
4. How It’s Administered
   • Delivered via prefilled injection pen
   • Inject into the fatty layer under the skin (subcutaneous)
   • Rotate injection sites each week to avoid skin irritation or fat distribution changes
5. Timing and Flexibility
   • Can be taken any time of day, with or without food
   • Important to stay consistent with the same day and time each week
6. Lifestyle Support
   • Medication is most effective when combined with:
   – A reduced-calorie diet
   – Regular physical activity
7. Ongoing Follow-Up
   • Regular check-ins with your doctor will:
   – Monitor your progress
   – Adjust dosages if needed
   – Address any side effects early

When Can I Expect to See Weight Loss Results?

The timing and extent of results from weekly semaglutide injections can vary based on individual factors such as:

• Starting weight and BMI
• Diet and physical activity levels
• Metabolic conditions (e.g. insulin resistance, PCOS, fatty liver)
• Overall adherence to the treatment plan

However, clinical studies have shown encouraging outcomes for many patients. Here’s a general semaglutide weight loss timeline based on trial data and clinical use.

Early Results (First Few Weeks)

• Some individuals may begin to see mild weight loss within the first 2 to 4 weeks.
• This may include initial fluid loss, appetite suppression, and reduced meal sizes.
• Early changes can help build motivation and reinforce long-term habits.

Sustained Weight Loss (Weeks 8–68)

• In the STEP clinical trials, participants achieved average weight loss of 15% to 20% of their body weight over 68 weeks (~1.3 years).
• This is significantly greater than what is typically achieved with lifestyle changes alone.

Plateau Phase

• After several months, weight loss may slow or stabilise — this is a normal part of the process.
• Continued adherence to dietary changes, physical activity, and follow-up reviews is important during this phase.

Weight Maintenance

• Ongoing treatment may be necessary to prevent weight regain.
• Semaglutide may help maintain lower appetite levels, making it easier to sustain long-term results.

Health Benefits Beyond the Scale

In addition to weight reduction, weekly semaglutide has been shown to improve:

• Blood sugar control (even in non-diabetic patients)
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol levels
• Fatty liver markers

These improvements contribute to a lower overall risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disease.

How Long Should You Stay on Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Loss?

The ideal duration of treatment with weekly semaglutide can vary depending on several factors, including your starting weight, weight loss goals, and response to the medication. There is no fixed treatment length — this decision should be made in consultation with your doctor.

In the STEP 4 clinical trial, participants who remained on semaglutide for up to 104 weeks (2 years) continued to see sustained weight loss benefits.

It’s important to understand that semaglutide is not a “quick fix” or permanent cure for obesity. Like medications used for diabetes or high blood pressure, it is often part of a longer-term medical strategy. If treatment is stopped, appetite may return to baseline, and some degree of weight regain may occur without continued lifestyle support.

Some patients may need to stay on treatment longer to maintain their progress, while others may be able to transition to lifestyle-based maintenance after reaching their weight loss goals.

Regular follow-up consultations are important to evaluate your progress and discuss when — or if — treatment can be tapered or discontinued.

Risks and Side Effects of Weekly Semaglutide Injections for Weight Loss

As with any medication, weekly semaglutide injections may cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, especially as your body adjusts during the early stages of treatment. Your doctor will evaluate the potential risks and benefits before starting you on this medication.

Common Side Effects

These are typically gastrointestinal in nature and tend to lessen with time:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Abdominal discomfort or bloating

If these persist or affect your daily life, let your doctor know — dosage adjustments or supportive medications may help.

Other Reported Side Effects

Some individuals may experience:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Indigestion
• Dizziness
• Vomiting (less common)

These side effects are usually mild and improve as treatment continues.

Rare but Serious Side Effects

Though uncommon, the following side effects may require urgent medical attention:

• Pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain that does not go away)
• Gallbladder issues (e.g., gallstones or inflammation)
• Kidney injury (reduced urine output, swelling)
• Increased heart rate (palpitations or a racing heartbeat)

If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.

Weekly semaglutide has been shown in clinical trials to be well-tolerated by most patients, with a safety profile that supports long-term use under medical supervision. Regular follow-ups allow your doctor to monitor for side effects, make dose adjustments, and ensure your treatment remains both safe and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Find the Best Weight Loss Treatment Clinic in Singapore?

Choosing the right clinic for weight loss treatment is an important step toward achieving safe and sustainable results. Here are a few key factors to consider:

Qualified Medical Professionals

Ensure that the clinic is led by experienced doctors who are trained in prescribing and administering weekly semaglutide weight loss injections. These treatments require medical oversight to ensure they are used safely and effectively.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Look for clinics that customise medical weight loss protocols based on your individual health profile — including weight history, metabolic conditions, and lifestyle factors. A tailored approach helps improve long-term outcomes.

Comprehensive Support

The best clinics offer more than just a prescription. Ongoing follow-up, dose adjustments, nutritional guidance, and side effect management are essential components of a successful medical weight loss journey.

Transparent Communication

A reputable clinic will clearly explain your treatment options, expected outcomes, potential risks, and overall cost — without pressure selling or unnecessary upselling.

Patient Reviews and Reputation

Read verified reviews and testimonials to understand the clinic’s track record and patient satisfaction. Consistent positive feedback is often a reflection of high-quality care.

Ultimately, the best weight loss clinic in Singapore combines clinical expertise with personalised support — helping you navigate every step of your treatment safely and confidently.

Book a Doctor-Led Weight Loss Consultation in Singapore

If you’re considering medical weight loss using weekly GLP-1 injections such as semaglutide, it’s important to begin with a proper medical evaluation. At our clinic in Singapore, we offer personalised treatment plans designed to support sustainable fat loss under close doctor supervision.

Your journey begins with a one-on-one consultation to assess your health profile, weight history, and treatment goals. From there, we’ll guide you through evidence-based options — including once-weekly injectable treatments — and provide ongoing support throughout your program.

Book a consultation with us today to find out if you’re a suitable candidate for medically guided weight management.