Semaglutide
A GLP-1 receptor agonist best known as Ozempic/Wegovy, used for weight management and diabetes.
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Compound Profile
Semaglutide
Key Data
Research reference only
Research Focus
Preclinical data
⚠ Research & Educational Use Only. Semaglutide is a research chemical documented here for scientific education. All information references peer-reviewed literature and preclinical/clinical study data. Not for human consumption. Not medical advice. Consult a licensed researcher or healthcare professional before any laboratory use.
- Significant weight loss (15–21% body weight in clinical trials)
- Improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
- Reduced cardiovascular risk (SELECT trial: 20% reduction in MACE)
- Semaglutide is not FDA-approved for human use. It is a research chemical for scientific study only.
Research At a Glance
- Significant weight loss (15–21% body weight in clinical trials)
- Improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
- Reduced cardiovascular risk (SELECT trial: 20% reduction in MACE)
- Decreased appetite and reduced food cravings
In Plain English
Simple summarySemaglutide is the compound behind Ozempic and Wegovy -- two of the most commercially significant drugs of the 2020s. It's a GLP-1 receptor agonist: it mimics a gut hormone that tells your pancreas to release insulin when you eat, slows stomach emptying, and signals your brain's appetite centers that you're full. The weight loss data is among the most robust ever generated in a pharmaceutical trial. The STEP 1 trial showed average losses of nearly 15% of body weight over 68 weeks. Critically, unlike most compounds discussed on this site, semaglutide has extensive human data from tens of thousands of trial participants across multiple countries.
- Significant weight loss
- Improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
- Reduced cardiovascular risk
The full scientific detail, mechanisms, citations, and dosing data, follows below.
What is Semaglutide?
Tap any underlined term for an instant definition.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that mimics the GLP-1 incretin hormone. It works by stimulating insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite by acting on satiety centers in the brain. Originally approved by the FDA as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes management (2017), it was later approved as Wegovy at higher doses for chronic weight management (2021). Research has demonstrated unprecedented levels of weight loss (15–21% body weight) not previously seen with any other pharmaceutical agent.
By the Numbers
Key Research Benefits
Documented effects observed in preclinical and clinical studies on Semaglutide. See all Metabolic & Weight peptides for comparison.
Common Stacks
Semaglutide is frequently combined with the following peptides for synergistic effects. Click any peptide to compare profiles before deciding.
The CagriSema combination - cagrilintide's amylin receptor mechanism adds 5-7% additional weight loss on top of semaglutide alone.
BPC-157 is frequently used to mitigate the GI side effects (nausea, gut dysmotility) associated with GLP-1 agonists.
Tirzepatide's dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism produces greater weight loss than semaglutide alone - often compared as alternative rather than combined.
Side Effects & Risks
Adverse effects reported in the research literature. All data sourced from preclinical and clinical study reports. View all peptides' side effects →
Dosing Data from the Literature
Doses referenced below are sourced from published preclinical and clinical studies. Use the peptide dose calculator to convert these values to injection volume.
Standard clinical dosing: Start at 0.25 mg/week for 4 weeks, increase to 0.5 mg/week, then titrate up to 1 mg (diabetes) or 2.4 mg/week (weight management) over 16-20 weeks. Research peptide dosing may differ — typically starts at 0.25 mg/week and titrates more slowly.
Administration in Research Settings
Standard reconstitution and administration methodology for laboratory research use.
Approved as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm). Administered the same day each week. Can be taken with or without food. Titrate slowly to minimize GI side effects. Ensure adequate protein intake (1.6–2.2 g/kg body weight) and resistance training to preserve muscle mass.
What the research doesn't show
Semaglutide doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle loss -- roughly 25–40% of weight lost in STEP trials was lean mass. Resistance training and adequate protein intake (1.6+ g/kg of body weight) during a semaglutide protocol significantly affect what kind of mass you're losing.
Research Video
Medical Expert Videos
Physicians, researchers, and pharmacologists explain Semaglutide, covering mechanisms of action, clinical context, and study findings.
Videos sourced from YouTube search. KnowYourPeptide does not endorse any individual creator. For research education only.
The Bottom Line
Semaglutide has a growing body of preclinical evidence and a well-characterised safety profile in research settings. The most-studied application is: significant weight loss.
The most commonly reported side effect in research subjects is nausea. It is a research chemical, not approved for human use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Further
Quick Reference
Research Articles
- Retatrutide vs Semaglutide: Three Receptors Against One18 min read
- Retatrutide in 2026: The Triple Agonist That's Rewriting Weight Loss Science11 min read
- Tirzepatide: The Dual-Action Peptide Outperforming Everything in Metabolic Medicine10 min read
- Semaglutide for Weight Loss: How the Most Talked-About Peptide Works10 min read
How It Compares
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) adds GIP receptor agonism on top of GLP-1 and averages ~22% weight loss vs semaglutide's ~15%. Retatrutide adds glucagon receptor activity and shows ~28% in Phase 3 data, though it's not yet approved. If you've responded to semaglutide but want stronger effect, tirzepatide is the established next step.
Compare Semaglutide side-by-sideResearch Use Only
This information is for educational research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.