What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It comes in both injectable (Ozempic, Wegovy pen) and oral (Rybelsus, Wegovy pill) forms.
Semaglutide was originally approved in 2017 as Ozempic, a once-weekly injection for adults living with Type 2 diabetes. The FDA approved Rybelsus, a once-daily pill version of semaglutide, a few years later. Since then, higher-dose versions of injectable and oral semaglutide have been approved for weight loss (as Wegovy), expanding its uses beyond diabetes treatment.
In addition to Type 2 diabetes and weight loss, semaglutide medications have been approved for cardiovascular risk reduction, chronic kidney disease, and a type of fatty liver disease in certain adults. More potential approvals are also on the horizon.
Good to know: There are compounded and research-grade versions of semaglutide on the market. These are not the same as the FDA-approved semaglutide products sold as Wegovy, Ozempic, or Rybelsus. The safety and effectiveness of unapproved versions of semaglutide haven’t been confirmed.
How does semaglutide work for weight loss?
Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, an incretin hormone that plays a role in appetite and digestion. It’s thought to work in a few different ways to help you lose weight. These ways include:
Slowing the movement of food out of your stomach (gastric emptying)
Targeting areas of the brain that help regulate appetite and fullness
Reducing cravings for certain foods, such as salty snacks or sweets.
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