Semaglutide is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and long-term weight management. Semaglutide acts like human glucagon-like peptide-1 in that it increases insulin secretion, thereby increasing sugar metabolism. It works by helping the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high.

Weight loss may result from GLP-1’s reduction of appetite and slowing down digestion. This was a global study of nearly 2000 individuals with a BMI of 30 or greater, or BMI of 27 or greater and coexistent hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease. The treatment group received subcutaneous injections of semaglutide, the control a placebo injection; both groups received “lifestyle interventions.” The outcomes of interest were weight loss as measured as a percent change from baseline and achieving a 5% or greater reduction in body weight over 68 weeks.

Semaglutide is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.^[10][11]

The higher-dose formulation of semaglutide is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise for long-term weight management in adults with obesity (initial body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m²) or who are overweight (initial BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²) and have at least one weight-related comorbidity.^[12][15][18]

A review of anti-obesity treatments found that semaglutide is more promising than previous anti-obesity drugs.

Adverse Reactions may include: gastrointestinal – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

Read clinical data here.