Weight Management
Semaglutide
Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
- Half-life
- ~7 days
- Route
- Subcutaneous, once weekly
- Storage
- Refrigerate; in-use pen stable at room temperature for 6 weeks.
Overview
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed as Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus. It is one of the most rigorously studied peptides in modern medicine.
Mechanism of action
Agonism of the GLP-1 receptor increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite via central pathways in the hypothalamus and hindbrain.
Evidence base
STEP 1–8 trials demonstrated 12–17% mean body-weight reduction at 68 weeks. SUSTAIN and PIONEER programmes established glycaemic efficacy in T2DM. SELECT trial showed cardiovascular risk reduction in overweight patients without diabetes.
Typical dosing
Weight-management titration: 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, escalating monthly to a target of 2.4 mg weekly. Diabetes maintenance typically 0.5–2.0 mg weekly. Open the dose calculator →
Safety & contraindications
GI adverse effects dominate — nausea, constipation, reflux — usually improving with slower titration. Boxed warning for medullary thyroid carcinoma risk based on rodent data. Contraindicated in personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2.
Related peptides
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a prescription, or an offer to sell. Discuss any peptide therapy with a qualified clinician who can evaluate your history and monitoring needs.