What is Semaglutide?

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medication that mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). It’s FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and weight management.

Brand Names

• Ozempic — for type 2 diabetes (injection)
• Wegovy — for weight management (injection)
• Rybelsus — for type 2 diabetes (oral tablet)

How Does It Work?

Semaglutide works by:

1. Increasing insulin release when blood sugar is high
2. Reducing appetite through brain signaling
3. Slowing stomach emptying to increase fullness
4. Reducing glucagon to lower blood sugar

What Is It Used For?

Approved Uses

• Type 2 diabetes (blood sugar control)
• Chronic weight management (in obesity)
• Cardiovascular risk reduction (in obesity with heart disease)

Key Facts

Fact	Detail
Administration	Once weekly injection or daily pill
Weight Loss	Average 15% in clinical trials
FDA Approved	Yes (2017 for diabetes, 2021 for weight)

Common Side Effects

• Nausea (usually improves over time)
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Decreased appetite

Who Should Not Use It?

• People with personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer
• People with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2
• Those allergic to semaglutide

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This guide is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare provider for medical advice.