Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist (MW ~4113.6 g/mol, molecular formula C187H291N45O59) with 94% sequence homology to human GLP-1. It is approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic), chronic weight management (Wegovy), and non-cirrhotic MASH (Wegovy). Developed by Novo Nordisk and first FDA-approved December 5, 2017, it is backed by the extensive STEP and SUSTAIN trial programs involving thousands of patients. There is no generic semaglutide available, and the FDA has warned about counterfeit products.
Category: Metabolic / GLP-1 Agonist. Evidence rating: A (strong human clinical data).
Clinical status: FDA-approved (Ozempic for T2D, Wegovy for obesity)
Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone by binding to GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells (glucose-dependent), brain (hypothalamus appetite centers), stomach, and intestines. It stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying promoting prolonged fullness, and…
Research base: 690 registered clinical trials and 228 indexed publications reference Semaglutide.
Safety considerations: Common (5%+ in trials): nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation (usually dose-dependent and transient); Additional common effects: upset stomach, heartburn, burping, gas, bloating, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, tiredness; Serious but rare: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe allergic reactions (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing).
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team. Last reviewed: 2026-08-12.
Related peptides: Liraglutide, Exenatide, Dulaglutide.
Compare: Semaglutide vs Liraglutide, Semaglutide vs Exenatide, Semaglutide vs Dulaglutide.
Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved and may not have the same safety, purity, or efficacy as brand-name products. The FDA has issued warnings about certain compounded versions and counterfeit semaglutide products. Compounding pharmacies must comply with 503A/503B regulations.
Semaglutide is a prescription medication. Obtaining it without a valid prescription is illegal in most jurisdictions and potentially dangerous. There is no generic semaglutide available.
Yes. STEP 4 (PMID: 33755728) showed patients switching from semaglutide to placebo regained an average of +6.9% body weight over 48 weeks, while those continuing lost an additional -7.9%. Long-term use or substantial lifestyle changes are needed to maintain results.
All contain semaglutide by Novo Nordisk. Ozempic (injection/tablet) is for T2D, cardiovascular risk reduction, and CKD risk reduction. Wegovy (injection/tablet) is for weight management, cardiovascular risk, and non-cirrhotic MASH. Rybelsus (tablet only) is for T2D. Maximum doses differ: Ozempic up to 2 mg, Wegovy up to 2.4 mg weekly.
Injections are self-administered once weekly subcutaneously. Ozempic starts at 0.25 mg, titrating to 0.5, 1, or 2 mg. Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg, titrating to 2.4 mg. Rybelsus tablets are taken daily (3, 7, or 14 mg). Dose escalation no more than every 4 weeks to minimize GI side effects. Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms).