Semaglutide

FDA Approved

Semaglutide

Aliases
Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
Administration
Subcutaneous injection (weekly), Oral tablet (daily)

Documented benefits

Tier 1 · Peer-reviewed / regulatory

Weight Loss & Metabolism

Semaglutide's defining research application — the most extensively studied GLP-1 receptor agonist to date.

Appetite suppression

Suppresses appetite by acting directly on hunger-regulating centers in the brain via GLP-1 receptor activation.

Blood sugar regulation

Stimulates insulin release only when blood sugar is elevated, reducing hypoglycemia risk compared to older diabetes drugs.

Cardiovascular protection

Demonstrated a reduction in major cardiovascular events in the SELECT trial, independent of its effect on diabetes.

Fat loss

Supports fat loss primarily through sustained appetite reduction rather than a direct metabolic effect.

Neuroprotection (emerging)

Early research is investigating whether GLP-1 receptor activity in the brain offers anti-inflammatory neuroprotective effects.

Weight loss

FDA approved specifically for chronic weight management (Wegovy), based on sustained appetite suppression.