How does semaglutide work?

Semaglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor. That raises insulin when glucose is high, lowers glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite through hypothalamic and peripheral GLP-1 signaling. Half-life on this site's profile is about 7 days. Molecular weight is 4,113.6 daltons. Human evidence on this site includes STEP 1 (1,961 adults without diabetes, minus 14.9% at 68 weeks versus minus 2.4% on placebo) and SELECT (17,604 adults, mean 39.8 months, 20% fewer major cardiovascular events). The evoke and evoke plus Alzheimer's trials in 3,808 people did not slow decline. Appetite and emptying changes are the mechanism; they are not a promise that a given person will lose a set amount of fat. A research-chemical vial is not Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus. This FAQ does not invent a dose. Full record at /compounds/semaglutide.

Educational use only. This database summarizes published research and is not medical advice. Where a dose appears it is a record of what a trial or clinic ran, or what people describe doing, with its source attached. Nothing here is a recommendation for personal use.

Part of glp-1 and metabolic peptides. Semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, and the rest of the incretin and glucagon receptor family.