Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a medication that mimics GLP-1, a hormone your gut naturally releases after eating. It's the active ingredient in brand names you may have heard: Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight loss). **How does it work?** When you eat, your body releases GLP-1 to signal fullness. Semaglutide does the same thing, but much more powerfully and for much longer. It tells your brain you're satisfied, slows down how fast food leaves your stomach, and helps your pancreas release insulin more effectively. **What the research shows:** • FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management • Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15-17% of body weight • Reduces risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death • May protect kidneys in people with diabetes • Emerging research suggests potential brain-protective benefits **Available forms:** Weekly injection (Ozempic, Wegovy) or daily oral tablet (Rybelsus) **Common side effects:** Nausea, especially when starting — usually improves over time. Your doctor will typically start you on a low dose and gradually increase it. --- **Sources:** Ghusn W, et al. (2023) Healthcare. DOI:10.3390/healthcare13222922 | Müller TD, et al. (2023) Biomolecules. DOI:10.3390/biom15111574 | Clinical trial data from STEP and SUSTAIN programs

GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) are common; rare but serious events (pancreatitis, gallbladder disease; thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents) warrant caution; high cost and access barriers; weight regain typically follows discontinuation; long-term safety beyond 2-4 years is still accruing.

GLP-1 receptor agonist with once-weekly subcutaneous dosing (Ozempic/Wegovy; an oral formulation exists for type 2 diabetes). Elimination half-life is approximately 1 week (steady state in ~4-5 weeks). Dose titration is used to reduce GI intolerance.