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Semaglutide

A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist with robust randomized evidence for glycemic control and body-weight reduction.

Strong evidence FDA Approved GLP-1 Agonist

Written by WhatPeptide Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-03-17

Half-life

About 7 days

Dosage range

0.25-2.4 mg once weekly (clinical literature context; indication-dependent)

Administration

Subcutaneous injection

Research level

Strong

How Semaglutide works

Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors to increase glucose-dependent insulin secretion and reduce glucagon signaling. It slows gastric emptying and influences hypothalamic appetite pathways to reduce caloric intake. Pharmacology and outcomes are supported by large phase 3 programs.

Also known as: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus

Clinical trial efficacy

STEP 1 trial: 2.4 mg weekly semaglutide produced -14.9% body weight vs -2.4% placebo at 68 weeks in adults with overweight/obesity.

Research relevance

Fat Loss
Strong research relevance 95
Anti-Aging & Longevity
Some relevance 35
Recovery & Healing
Some relevance 25
Muscle Growth
Some relevance 20
Sleep & Relaxation
Some relevance 20
Cognition & Focus
Some relevance 20
Gut Health
Some relevance 20
Sexual Health
Some relevance 20
Immune Support
Some relevance 20

Side effects & safety

Nausea Vomiting Constipation GI upset Pancreatitis (rare but serious) Thyroid C-cell tumors (boxed warning — rodent signal, human relevance uncertain) Gallbladder events (cholelithiasis, cholecystitis) Potential lean mass loss alongside fat loss

Contraindications

History of medullary thyroid carcinoma/MEN2
Serious hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any excipients
Pregnancy
Severe GI disease

Consult a healthcare provider before use if any of these apply to you.

Key studies

FAQ

What is Semaglutide? +
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist with robust randomized evidence for glycemic control and body-weight reduction. Its mechanism of action is supported by robust clinical evidence.
What is Semaglutide researched for? +
Semaglutide has the strongest research relevance for Fat Loss, Anti-Aging & Longevity, Recovery & Healing. Evidence is supported by robust clinical evidence.
What are the side effects of Semaglutide? +
Reported side effects include Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, GI upset, Pancreatitis (rare but serious), Thyroid C-cell tumors (boxed warning — rodent signal, human relevance uncertain), Gallbladder events (cholelithiasis, cholecystitis), Potential lean mass loss alongside fat loss. Key contraindications: History of medullary thyroid carcinoma/MEN2; Serious hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any excipients; Pregnancy; Severe GI disease.
Is Semaglutide FDA approved? +
Yes, Semaglutide has FDA approval for specific indications. Always consult a healthcare provider for appropriate use.
How is Semaglutide administered? +
Semaglutide is typically administered via subcutaneous route. Researched dosage range: 0.25-2.4 mg once weekly (clinical literature context; indication-dependent). Half-life: About 7 days.

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