At a glance
- Mechanism of action
- GLP-1 receptor agonist: mimics the gut hormone GLP-1, curbs appetite and "food noise", slows gastric emptying and stabilises blood sugar. Modified, it lasts about a week instead of minutes.
- Benefits & use
- Substantial weight loss and improved glycaemic control; reduces major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by about 20% in adults with obesity and established CVD - FDA-approved indication since March 2024. In August 2025 it was additionally approved for MASH with moderate-to-advanced liver fibrosis, the first GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed for this condition.
- Study status
- Level 4: supported by the STEP Phase 3 trials in thousands of participants. Key FDA milestones: obesity (2021), cardiovascular risk reduction based on the SELECT trial (Lincoff et al., NEJM 2023) in March 2024, and MASH with liver fibrosis (ESSENCE trial, accelerated approval) in August 2025. In the Phase 3 STEP UP trial (January 2025), a 7.2 mg dose achieved a mean weight loss of 20.7%.
- Dosing note
- Typical vials 5–30 mg, weekly subcutaneous dosing with slow titration. No dosing instructions - information only.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and the approved gold standard of the first generation of weight-loss injections. It reduces appetite and "food noise" and stabilises blood sugar; evidence level 4.
How does semaglutide work?
Semaglutide mimics the gut hormone GLP-1: it signals the pancreas to release insulin, slows gastric emptying and dampens the hunger centre in the brain. In its modified form it stays active for about a week (instead of minutes for the natural hormone). The result is faster satiety with smaller portions and steadier blood sugar. This direct action on appetite and metabolism explains its clinical strength.
What is semaglutide used for?
Developed by Novo Nordisk for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic), it was later approved at higher doses for obesity (Wegovy) because of its strong weight-loss effect. In high-risk patients it additionally lowers cardiovascular events by roughly 20 %. For many users this means a reliable, well-studied route to sustained weight reduction. Want to save your dosing protocols? Create a free account.
What does the evidence say?
The STEP trials (Phase 3) demonstrated safety and efficacy in thousands of participants; approved by the FDA and EMA. The technological successor is tirzepatide (a dual agonist), followed by retatrutide (a triple agonist). To plan injection volumes safely, use the dosage calculator or check the FAQ.
Note: Educational information, not medical advice. Many of these substances are experimental and not approved for human use.
Related peptides
Sources
- FDA: Wegovy approved to reduce risk of serious heart problems in adults with obesity or overweight (March 2024)
- FDA: Wegovy approved for noncirrhotic MASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (August 2025)
- Wegovy (semaglutide) Prescribing Information, FDA Label 2025
- Lincoff AM et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. N Engl J Med 2023;389:2221-2232 (SELECT)