← Peptide reference

Semaglutide

Metabolism & appetite

Molecular formulaC187H291N45O5931 amino acids

What it is

Activates the GLP-1 receptor, helping regulate blood glucose and appetite.

Sources [3] [4]

What it is studied for

Researchers study blood-glucose control, body weight and related health outcomes. In STEP 1, 1,961 adults with overweight or obesity and without diabetes received semaglutide or placebo alongside lifestyle support.

Sources [2]

What the evidence says

Large randomized human trials

STEP 1 found greater average weight loss with semaglutide over 68 weeks. Gastrointestinal side effects were common. Those results concern a defined treatment and study population; they do not validate every preparation sold as semaglutide.

Sources [2]
Regulatory status

Named prescription products have FDA-approved uses: Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management in defined populations, among other indications.

Sources [3] [4]

Sources

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    Wegovy prescribing information US prescription label

Source-checked · 26 Oct 2026