Semaglutide

What is Semaglutide?

A synthetic peptide that mimics GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone your body produces after eating. It works by telling your brain you're full, slowing digestion, and helping regulate blood sugar levels.

Originally developed for type 2 diabetes (marketed as Ozempic), semaglutide gained widespread attention when clinical trials showed remarkable weight loss results. It's now also available as Wegovy, specifically approved for chronic weight management.

Benefits & evidence

How it works

Think of GLP-1 as your body's natural "I'm full" signal. When you eat, your gut releases GLP-1, which tells your brain to stop eating and signals your pancreas to manage blood sugar. The problem? Natural GLP-1 breaks down in minutes.

Semaglutide is engineered to last much longer. about a week. It binds to the same GLP-1 receptors but resists the enzymes that normally break it down. The result is a steady, sustained signal that helps reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin sensitivity.

Dosing information

Side effects

Most side effects tend to improve as your body adjusts.

Research (39 studies)