What Is Semaglutide?

Also known as: Ozempic, Wegovy, GLP-1

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist — a modified version of a gut hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. Developed by Novo Nordisk, it is the active drug in Ozempic (diabetes), Wegovy (obesity) and Rybelsus (oral), and the molecule that made 'GLP-1' a household term.

It works on three fronts: slowing stomach emptying, boosting insulin response, and — most importantly for weight loss — acting on brain appetite centers to reduce hunger and 'food noise.' Clinical trials showed roughly 15% average body-weight loss, redefining obesity medicine.

What is Semaglutide studied for?

Side effects & safety

Well documented from trials: nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea, mostly during dose escalation. Rarer but serious: pancreatitis, gallbladder issues. Contraindicated with personal/family medullary thyroid carcinoma history. Muscle-loss concerns make protein intake and resistance training standard advice alongside it.

Legal & approval status

Fully FDA/EMA-approved as a pharmaceutical. The gray zone is compounded and 'research' semaglutide sold outside the pharmacy chain — same molecule in theory, unverified purity in practice.

Typical dosing at a glance

Commonly reported protocols use 250 mcg–2.4 mg, 1x weekly, titrated up over months, via subcutaneous injection. For the mixing math — how much bacteriostatic water, exact syringe units, doses per vial — see the Semaglutide reconstitution calculator →

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Educational overview based on published research and commonly reported community protocols — not medical advice, and not an endorsement of any compound. Consult a licensed healthcare provider.