MyPeptideMatchOverview
Semaglutide is one of the most widely recognized peptide-based medications in the world. Marketed under brand names such as Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes), Wegovy (for weight loss), and Rybelsus (oral formulation for diabetes), it has become a cornerstone of metabolic care. Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists—meaning it mimics a hormone your gut naturally produces after eating, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.
People seek semaglutide for two main reasons: to manage type 2 diabetes with better glycemic control and fewer hypoglycemia risks than some older drugs, and to achieve meaningful, sustained weight loss when used as part of a structured program. It is FDA-approved for both indications, and the evidence base is among the strongest of any peptide therapy. That said, access and cost vary widely; compounding has been a hot topic, and regulatory enforcement has increased as the FDA tightens rules around unapproved salt forms and shortage-based compounding.
How It Works (Mechanism of Action)
Semaglutide mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone your intestines release after meals. GLP-1 tells your pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar rises, reduces the release of glucagon (which would otherwise raise blood sugar), and slows stomach emptying. It also acts on the brain to reduce appetite. Semaglutide is engineered to resist breakdown by the enzyme that normally inactivates GLP-1, so one weekly injection (or daily oral tablet) produces a sustained effect.
In plain terms: your body gets a stronger, longer-lasting “full” and “blood-sugar-under-control” signal. That’s why it helps with both diabetes and weight loss—the mechanisms are closely linked to appetite, calorie intake, and glucose regulation.
Primary Uses
Weight Management
Semaglutide is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes). In clinical trials such as the STEP program, participants on semaglutide lost an average of about 15% of body weight over 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes. Many people experience reduced hunger and better control over portion sizes, which makes sustained weight loss more achievable than with diet and exercise alone.
