GLP-1 · PEPTIDE
What is Semaglutide?
Medically reviewed by the G1 Peptides clinical team · Updated October 1, 2026
THE SHORT ANSWER
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist: a long-acting copy of a gut hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. It is injected once a week, or taken daily as a tablet, and is approved for type 2 diabetes and for chronic weight management.
Semaglutide at a glance
- Type
- Peptide
- Also known as
- Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
- Mechanism
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Status
- FDA-approved
- Half-life
- ~7 days
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- Dosing range in the literature
- 0.25–2.4 mg weekly
- Onset
- 1–4 weeks for appetite reduction
- Storage
- Refrigerated (2–8 °C); use within the pharmacy beyond-use date
How Semaglutide works
It binds the GLP-1 receptor, which increases insulin release when blood sugar is high, slows how quickly the stomach empties, and acts on appetite centres in the brain. A fatty-acid side chain lets it bind albumin in the blood, which extends its half-life to about a week.
What Semaglutide is studied for
- Weight management
- Type 2 diabetes
- Appetite control
- Cardiovascular risk
Semaglutide is among the best-studied drugs in this class. Large randomized trials showed average weight loss of roughly 15% over 68 weeks at the 2.4 mg dose, and a reduction in major cardiovascular events in adults with obesity and heart disease.
Being studied for something is not proof that it works. Results in individuals vary.
Semaglutide dosing
Published protocols describe 0.25–2.4 mg weekly, once weekly, given subcutaneous. Onset is typically reported at 1–4 weeks for appetite reduction.
These figures are context from the literature, not instructions. A licensed provider sets the dose and schedule for each patient.
Semaglutide side effects and risks
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Tell your provider about every medication and condition before starting, and report anything unexpected. See peptide side effects and safety and who should not use peptides.
Is Semaglutide FDA approved?
FDA-approved as Ozempic and Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes and as Wegovy for chronic weight management.
Approval and trial status change. This page was last reviewed on October 1, 2026.
Semaglutide at G1 Peptides
G1 Peptides does not currently supply Semaglutide. A provider can discuss alternatives in a free consultation.
Semaglutide questions
- What is Semaglutide?
- Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist: a long-acting copy of a gut hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. It is injected once a week, or taken daily as a tablet, and is approved for type 2 diabetes and for chronic weight management.
- What is Semaglutide used for?
- Semaglutide is studied for weight management, type 2 diabetes, appetite control, and cardiovascular risk. Semaglutide is among the best-studied drugs in this class. Large randomized trials showed average weight loss of roughly 15% over 68 weeks at the 2.4 mg dose, and a reduction in major cardiovascular events in adults with obesity and heart disease.
- How does Semaglutide work?
- It binds the GLP-1 receptor, which increases insulin release when blood sugar is high, slows how quickly the stomach empties, and acts on appetite centres in the brain. A fatty-acid side chain lets it bind albumin in the blood, which extends its half-life to about a week.
- Is Semaglutide FDA approved?
- FDA-approved as Ozempic and Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes and as Wegovy for chronic weight management.
- What is the typical Semaglutide dosage?
- Published protocols describe 0.25–2.4 mg weekly, given subcutaneous. This is context from the literature, not a recommendation: a licensed provider sets the dose.
- What are the side effects of Semaglutide?
- Risks noted for Semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Tell your provider about your medications and conditions before starting.
- What is the half-life of Semaglutide?
- The reported half-life is ~7 days. Onset is typically reported at 1–4 weeks for appetite reduction.
- How should Semaglutide be stored?
- Refrigerated (2–8 °C); use within the pharmacy beyond-use date.
For educational purposes only, and not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Nothing on this page is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use any compound only under the guidance of a licensed provider.