Semaglutide
A GLP-1 receptor agonist used for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes, sold as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus.
Semaglutide is a synthetic version of GLP-1, the gut hormone that signals fullness, slows digestion, and triggers insulin when blood sugar rises. Engineered to resist breakdown, it stays active in the body for about a week — which is why injectable forms are dosed weekly — while modified oral formulations survive the stomach well enough to be taken as a daily tablet.
It is the most-studied molecule in modern weight medicine: weekly 2.4 mg produced 14.9% average weight loss over 68 weeks in the STEP 1 trial, the SELECT trial linked it to 20% fewer major cardiovascular events in high-risk adults, and oral semaglutide delivered about 14% over 64 weeks in its pivotal study. Semaglutide appears under three brand names — Wegovy (weight management), Ozempic (type 2 diabetes), and Rybelsus (oral, diabetes) — and in non-FDA-approved compounded forms, which is why knowing exactly which product a prescription refers to matters.
This glossary entry is general information, not medical advice, and is written to be consistent with FDA prescribing information and primary trial publications as of its last review. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal medical decisions.
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