FDA Ends Semaglutide Shortage– What It Means for Patients Using Compounded GLP-1 Medications

After nearly two years of shortages due to skyrocketing demand, the FDA has officially determined the shortage of semaglutide injection products has been resolved. Since 2022, the high demand for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy® led to limited availability. To meet the demand, compounding pharmacies stepped in making compounded semaglutide accessible to patients at a lower cost and with the flexibility to microdose. However, as the FDA now considers the shortage over, compounded semaglutide may soon become more difficult to obtain, with availability likely phasing out over the next six or more months.

For many, compounded semaglutide has been a game-changer. Easily accessible, compounded GLP-1s allow for cost-effective access, flexible dosing options, and the ability to microdose for unique health benefits beyond weight loss. Our clinic remains hopeful that microdosing options will continue to be available, given their broad therapeutic applications. If you are interested in starting regular or microdosing GLP-1 therapy, now is the time to schedule a consultation before access becomes more limited or prices increase.

The Benefits of GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide have gained recognition for their effectiveness in weight loss and blood sugar control. However, research shows they offer many additional health benefits. Clinical studies support their use in treating:

• Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction – Proven to help with sustained weight loss, lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.

• Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance – Lowers blood sugar levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces A1C over time.

• Neuroprotective Effects – Research suggests benefits for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and brain health, potentially slowing cognitive decline.

• Liver Health – Used for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), improving liver enzyme profiles and reducing inflammation.

• Psoriasis & Skin Health – Evidence suggests GLP-1 therapy can help reduce inflammation in autoimmune skin conditions like psoriasis.

The Benefits of Microdosing Semaglutide

While weight loss and metabolic health require standard dosing of semaglutide, microdosing provides some therapeutic advantages. Microdosing is particularly beneficial for:

• Appetite Regulation and Reducing “Food Noise” – Helps control cravings and binge eating tendencies even at very low doses.

• Gut Health and Slower Motility – GLP-1s reduce gut motility, leading to prolonged satiety and improved digestion.

• Mood and Mental Health – Emerging research links GLP-1 therapy to improvements in mood, reduced depression, and anxiety stabilization.

• Addiction Recovery – Low-dose semaglutide has shown potential in reducing alcohol cravings and other addictive behaviors.

• Comprehensive Weight Management – Works alongside diet and exercise as part of a holistic weight loss strategy, allowing for customized dosing based on individual tolerance.

Microdosing offers a safe, effective way to harness GLP-1 benefits beyond just weight loss, making it a valuable tool for overall health and wellness.

Act Now Before Access to Compounded Semaglutide Becomes Limited

With the FDA officially ending the semaglutide shortage, access to compounded versions of the medication may be restricted in the near future. Many patients have benefited from the affordability and flexibility that compounded semaglutide provides, especially for microdosing protocols.

If you are interested in starting GLP-1 therapy for weight loss, metabolic health, or microdosing for mood, appetite control, and addiction management, now is the time to schedule a consultation. As compounded options begin to phase out, availability may decrease, and costs could rise.

Contact our clinic today to explore your options before compounded semaglutide becomes harder to access!

Case Study: Semaglutide for Weight Loss & Muscle Gain in a 36-Year-Old Female

Patient Profile

• Age/Gender: 36-year-old female

• Lifestyle: Mother of 3, active, follows a mostly Paleo Diet

• Health Goal: Lose 20 lbs and increase muscle mass

• Challenges: Struggled with cravings due to a "sweet tooth"

Treatment Plan

1️. Standard Semaglutide Dosing (3 Months)

• Started at standard prescribing levels with monthly dose increases for 3 months.

• Reported significant appetite control and reduced sugar cravings.

2️. Transition to Low-Dosing (4 Months)

• Switched to low-dose maintenance for an additional 4 months.

• Used targeted nutrition & strength training to preserve muscle while continuing fat loss.

Outcomes & Successes

✔ Met Weight Loss Goal – Successfully lost 20 lbs over the treatment period.

✔ Increased Muscle Mass – Improved strength and endurance with regular training.

✔ Completed First Marathon – Increased stamina and energy to achieve a major fitness milestone.

✔ Major Appetite and Craving Control – Reported reduced "hunger noise" and feeling of a "calm stomach," making it easier to maintain a clean diet without overeating.

Conclusion

This case highlights how semaglutide, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, can support sustainable weight loss, muscle gain, and performance improvements. The patient’s success was largely attributed to the reduction in food cravings, which helped her stay on track with a high-protein, low-sugar diet while maintaining energy for endurance training. Low-dose semaglutide maintenance further supported long-term appetite control and muscle preservation, helping her reach not just weight loss, but fitness milestones as well.