What Is It?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a hormone the intestines release after eating; it helps signal fullness, slows how quickly the stomach empties, and supports insulin release. When used under medical supervision, semaglutide may help patients feel satisfied with smaller meals and support gradual, sustained weight loss as part of a broader treatment plan that includes nutrition and activity guidance.
What May It Support?
- Appetite regulation
- Medical weight management
- Blood sugar control
- Metabolic health
- Cardiometabolic risk factors
Which Programs May Include It?
Where It Fits
Activates GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, brain, and gut to increase satiety, reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and support insulin secretion.
Do I Need Bloodwork?
Follow-up visits every 4-12 weeks depending on treatment phase, with lab review at the interval determined by the provider.
Likely baseline panel may include: CBC, CMP, A1c, Lipid panel, TSH, Lipase, Pregnancy test when applicable
Important Safety Information
Common side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue during dose escalation
- Injection-site reactions
Gallbladder disease (including gallstones) has been reported
Kidney injury reported in patients with severe nausea, vomiting, or dehydration
Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodent studies; contraindicated with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2
May aggravate diabetic retinopathy in patients with pre-existing disease
Hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas
Drug interactions: May affect absorption of oral medications due to delayed gastric emptying. Increases risk of hypoglycemia with insulin, sulfonylureas, or meglitinides. Provider should review the full medication list.
Contraindications:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any product component
- Active severe gastrointestinal disease (case-by-case)
Regulatory Status
Semaglutide is FDA-approved under specific brand-name products for chronic weight management (Wegovy) in eligible adults and for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus). Product availability, formulation, and eligibility are determined by the provider based on medical history and current supply. Compounded semaglutide formulations, when prescribed, are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is semaglutide taken?
How much weight loss can I expect?
Do I need bloodwork before starting?
Is this medication right for me?
Consultation
Treatment is not automatically provided. A licensed medical provider must review your history, symptoms, medications, laboratory results, and treatment goals before determining eligibility.