Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that belongs to the incretin mimetic class of medications. It is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Semaglutide is a synthetic analog of the naturally occurring human GLP-1 hormone, which plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and appetite regulation. Due to its longer half-life compared to native GLP-1, semaglutide is typically administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection.
First approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic, its approval for chronic weight management came in 2021 under the brand name Wegovy. While the active pharmaceutical ingredient is the same, the approved indications and dosage strengths often differ between brands. It works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, leading to multiple physiological responses that contribute to its therapeutic effects. Its use has expanded rapidly due to its efficacy in managing blood sugar and promoting significant weight loss.
Deep dive
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Known interactions
Category rule: glp1 × supplement
Note
GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, changing how/when oral supplements absorb; rapid weight loss raises the importance of protein and micronutrients.
Time oral supplements when nausea is lowest; prioritize protein and micronutrients; discuss with your provider.
Compound-pair rule
Note
MK-677 raises IGF-1 and can transiently raise glucose; GLP-1 helps.
Monitor glucose; combine only with clinician oversight.
Compound-pair rule
Caution
Combining a GLP-1 with rapid insulin increases hypoglycemia risk.
Reduce mealtime insulin at GLP-1 initiation; monitor glucose closely.
Compound-pair rule
Caution
GLP-1 plus basal insulin increases hypoglycemia risk.
Reduce basal insulin dose 10–20% at GLP-1 initiation and titrate.
Frequently asked
Sources referenced
* U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Drug Labels (Ozempic, Wegovy)
* National Institutes of Health (NIH) - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
* MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)
* American Diabetes Association (ADA)
* DrugBank Online
* New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) publications
Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.
Related compounds
Others in the glp1 category or studied for the same goals.
