Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonist with 94% sequence homology to native GLP-1, modified with a C18 fatty acid chain to enable albumin binding and extend half-life to approximately one week — enabling once-weekly subcutaneous dosing or once-daily oral formulation (Rybelsus). It is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidities (Wegovy 2.4 mg); the STEP 1 trial demonstrated mean body weight reduction of ~15% over 68 weeks. The SELECT trial showed a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with obesity and established cardiovascular disease, extending its therapeutic profile beyond glycemic and weight endpoints. Common adverse effects — nausea, vomiting, and constipation — are predominantly GI and dose-dependent, typically attenuating over weeks with gradual dose escalation.
Evidence last reviewed: 19 Apr 2026
Not a routine supplement — not recommended for self-directed use.
Information here is educational only, not a recommendation to use. See our Safety page.
Verify this peptide on CertiPep
certipep.ch — anonymous purity & characterization service
Evidence is from research or clinical settings — does not imply safety outside supervised contexts.
The evidence supports semaglutide's efficacy in improving glycemic control and facilitating weight loss, with high-quality studies demonstrating significant results. However, gastrointestinal side effects are common, and long-term safety data is still evolving.
Weight reductionAdults with overweight or obesity · RCTHigh
Semaglutide resulted in a mean weight reduction of 11.85% compared to placebo.
Body weight reductionAdults with overweight or obesity · RCTHigh
Semaglutide led to a 14.9% reduction in body weight compared to 2.4% with placebo.
Glycemic controlAdults with type 2 diabetes · Systematic review and network meta-analysisHigh
Semaglutide improved glycemic control and reduced body weight in type 2 diabetes patients.
Weight loss maintenanceAdults with overweight or obesity without diabetes · RCTHigh
Continued semaglutide use maintained weight loss, but withdrawal led to weight regain.
Cardiometabolic risk factorsAdults with obesity without diabetes · Systematic review and meta-analysisHigh
Semaglutide reduced cardiometabolic risk factors but increased gastrointestinal adverse events.