What it is
Semaglutide is a man-made version of GLP-1, a hormone your gut releases after you eat. It is sold as a weekly injection (Ozempic and Wegovy) and as daily tablets for type 2 diabetes and for weight management.
It works by helping the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high, lowering the release of glucagon, and slowing how fast the stomach empties. It also acts on appetite centers in the brain, so many people feel full sooner and eat less.
US regulatory status
FDA-approved. Ozempic and the oral tablets are approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic injection also lowers heart and kidney risks in certain adults), and Wegovy injection and the Wegovy pill are approved for chronic weight management and other uses such as lowering cardiovascular risk. The FDA has warned about unapproved, counterfeit and improperly compounded semaglutide products.
What the research shows
Large, long-term clinical trials in thousands of people support semaglutide. Trials showed meaningful drops in A1C for type 2 diabetes and clinically significant weight loss compared with placebo when combined with diet and activity. The SELECT trial showed fewer heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths in adults with heart disease and overweight or obesity. Weight often returns after stopping, which is why it is labeled for long-term use.
How it is given
Weekly subcutaneous injection (pen) or daily oral tablet
Commonly reported side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach (abdominal) pain
- Headache and tiredness
Questions to ask your provider
- Is this medicine a good fit for my health history, including any thyroid, pancreas, gallbladder or kidney problems?
- How should I handle stomach side effects, and which symptoms mean I should call you right away?
- Does this interact with my other medicines, especially insulin, sulfonylureas or birth control pills?