What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist, marketed as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management. As the original blockbuster GLP-1 drug, it has the most extensive real-world safety and efficacy data of any peptide in the weight-management space.
Research-grade semaglutide is widely available from peptide vendors, typically priced significantly below the prescription versions. It remains the most-searched peptide compound globally.
How it works
- Activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain and gut, reducing appetite and slowing gastric emptying.
- Improves insulin response to meals (glucose-dependent), without causing hypoglycemia in most users.
- Reduces production of glucagon, which helps regulate blood-sugar levels overall.
Primary effects
- Reduced appetite and food cravings
- Weight loss (avg ~15% in clinical trials)
- Improved blood-glucose control
- Reduced major cardiovascular event risk in T2D patients
Common side effects
- Nausea (especially during titration)
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Fatigue early in protocol
- Injection-site reactions
- Rare gallbladder issues — monitor for upper-right abdominal pain