Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic among others, is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and long-term weight management. Semaglutide is a weekly injection proven to result in effective and long term weight loss. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning that it mimics the action of the human incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), thereby increasing insulin secretion and increasing blood sugar disposal and improving glycemic control. It appears to enhance growth of pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production and release. It also inhibits the production of glucagon, which is a hormone that increases glycogenolysis (release of stored carbohydrate from the liver) and gluconeogenesis (synthesis of new glucose). It reduces food intake by lowering appetite and slowing down digestion in the stomach, helping to reduce body fat. Its half-life in the blood is about seven days (165–184 hours).
