What is Semaglutide? A Complete Guide to This Revolutionary Weight Loss Medication
Learn everything about semaglutide, how it works for weight loss, its effectiveness, side effects, and what to expect when starting treatment.
Published January 15, 2024
12 min read
Updated February 10, 2024
Medically Reviewed
Reviewed by Dr. James Chen, MD, PhD, FACE on February 10, 2024
Our medical review process ensures clinical accuracy and patient safety.
## What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that has revolutionized the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Originally developed as a diabetes medication, its remarkable weight loss effects led to FDA approval for chronic weight management.
## How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone naturally produced in your intestines. This hormone plays several crucial roles in metabolism:
### Appetite Regulation
Semaglutide acts on appetite centers in the brain, specifically the hypothalamus, reducing hunger signals and increasing feelings of fullness (satiety).
### Slowed Gastric Emptying
The medication slows how quickly food leaves your stomach, helping you feel full longer after meals.
### Blood Sugar Control
Semaglutide stimulates insulin release when blood sugar is high and reduces glucagon secretion, helping maintain stable glucose levels.
## FDA-Approved Brands
| Brand Name | Approved For | Dosage Form |
|------------|--------------|-------------|
| Ozempic | Type 2 Diabetes | Weekly injection |
| Wegovy | Chronic Weight Management | Weekly injection |
| Rybelsus | Type 2 Diabetes | Daily oral tablet |
## Effectiveness for Weight Loss
Clinical trials have shown remarkable results:
- **STEP 1 Trial**: Participants lost an average of 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks
- **STEP 5 Trial**: Sustained weight loss of 15.2% at 2 years
- Approximately 70% of participants lost at least 10% of their body weight
## Who Can Take Semaglutide?
### For Weight Loss (Wegovy)
- Adults with BMI ≥30 (obesity)
- Adults with BMI ≥27 (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition
- Children 12+ with BMI at or above the 95th percentile
### For Diabetes (Ozempic)
- Adults with type 2 diabetes
- Often combined with other diabetes medications
## Common Side Effects
Most side effects are gastrointestinal and typically improve over time:
- Nausea (44% of patients)
- Diarrhea (30%)
- Vomiting (24%)
- Constipation (24%)
- Abdominal pain (20%)
## Serious Considerations
### Black Box Warning
Semaglutide carries a warning for thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodents. It's contraindicated in patients with:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
### Other Precautions
- History of pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Kidney problems
- Diabetic retinopathy
## Starting Treatment
### What to Expect
1. **Gradual dose escalation** over 16-20 weeks
2. **Weekly subcutaneous injections** (self-administered)
3. **Regular monitoring** by healthcare provider
4. **Lifestyle modifications** remain essential
### Typical Dosing Schedule
- Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg weekly
- Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg weekly
- Weeks 9-12: 1.0 mg weekly
- Weeks 13-16: 1.7 mg weekly
- Week 17+: 2.4 mg weekly (maintenance)
## Cost and Insurance
- **Wegovy**: $1,349/month list price
- **Ozempic**: $935/month list price
- Many insurance plans cover with prior authorization
- Manufacturer savings cards available
- Compounded versions exist but lack FDA oversight
## Conclusion
Semaglutide represents a paradigm shift in obesity treatment, offering unprecedented weight loss results for appropriate candidates. However, it's not a magic pill—it works best combined with healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behavioral changes. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine if semaglutide is right for you.
Tags
semaglutidewegovyozempicglp-1weight loss medication
Written By
D
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Medical Director, MD, FACP
Dr. Sarah Mitchell is a board-certified internist specializing in metabolic medicine and weight management. With over 15 years of clinical experience, she has helped thousands of patients achieve sustainable weight loss through evidence-based approaches.
Internal Medicine, Obesity Medicine, Metabolic Health
American College of Physicians, Obesity Medicine Association
Medical Reviewer
D
Dr. James Chen
Endocrinologist, MD, PhD, FACE
Dr. James Chen is a fellowship-trained endocrinologist with expertise in diabetes, metabolism, and hormone-related weight disorders. His research on GLP-1 receptor agonists has been published in leading medical journals.
Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolic Disorders
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, Endocrine Society
Editorial Standards
This article follows our strict editorial guidelines. All content is based on peer-reviewed research and reviewed by medical professionals. This information is for educational purposes only — always consult your healthcare provider before making medical decisions.