Semaglutide
Also known as: Semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and chronic weight management (Wegovy). Among the most effective approved weight-loss therapies.
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Mechanism of Action
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon. It slows gastric emptying and acts on hypothalamic appetite centers to increase satiety and reduce food intake. Fatty-acid acylation extends its half-life to roughly one week, enabling once-weekly subcutaneous dosing.
- Half-life
- Approximately 7 days (once-weekly dosing)
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous, oral
- Research Status
- Clinical
Reported Benefits
- Significant, sustained weight loss in clinical trials
- Improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
- Reduces cardiovascular events in high-risk patients
- Increases satiety and reduces appetite
- Once-weekly dosing (injectable) or daily oral form
Potential Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (especially during titration)
- Constipation and abdominal discomfort
- Risk of pancreatitis (uncommon)
- Gallbladder issues with rapid weight loss
- Possible loss of lean mass without resistance training
Common Dosing
Clinical regimens titrate from 0.25 mg weekly up to 2.4 mg weekly (Wegovy) over several weeks to limit GI effects. Stated as labeled clinical dosing.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Pregnancy
- History of pancreatitis (caution)
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AOD-9604
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Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes
2023
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Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide 2·4 mg in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 12): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, phase 3b trial
2026
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Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
2021
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Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
2016
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Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity
2025