Semaglutide
GLP-1Also known as: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, GLP-1 agonist
Semaglutide is FDA-approved under specific brand names and for specific indications. Compounded semaglutide exists in a different regulatory category. This content is for informational purposes only. Semaglutide carries FDA boxed warnings. Consult a physician before use.
Overview
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist originally developed for type 2 diabetes management. It is FDA-approved under the brand names Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (weight loss) and has become one of the most widely discussed peptides in mainstream health conversations.
Research Summary
Semaglutide has robust clinical trial data — including the STEP and SUSTAIN trial series — demonstrating significant weight loss (15–20% body weight), glycemic control, and cardiovascular risk reduction. It works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, slowing gastric emptying, increasing insulin secretion, and reducing appetite via central nervous system signaling.
Dosing Range
low
0.25mg
moderate
1mg
high
2.4mg
Units: mg · Frequency: once weekly (injectable); once daily (oral Rybelsus)
Dosing ranges are aggregated from preclinical research and community protocols. Not medical dosing guidance.
Administration Routes
Reconstitution Notes
Pharmaceutical semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) comes pre-mixed in auto-injector pens. Compounded semaglutide (research use) typically requires reconstitution: 1–2 mL BAC water per vial. Store at 2–8°C. Do not freeze. Use within 28 days of first use.Step-by-step reconstitution guide →
Reported Side Effects
- Nausea (very common, especially during dose escalation)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Reduced appetite (intended effect)
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Rare: pancreatitis (seek medical attention)
- Rare: thyroid C-cell tumor risk (observed in rodents — FDA boxed warning)
Research Papers
Community Experiences
Aggregated from public forums. Anecdotal — not clinical evidence.
Large community forum with thousands of user logs documenting dosing titration, side effect management (especially nausea), food noise reduction, and long-term weight maintenance experiences.
View original threadActive community focused on Ozempic use for both diabetes and weight management. Valuable for understanding real-world dose titration strategies and side effect timelines.
View original threadImportant Context: FDA-Approved vs. Compounded
Semaglutide is unusual in the peptide space because FDA-approved versions exist (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus). This means:
- Pharmaceutical versions are prescribed by physicians, dispensed through licensed pharmacies, and carry full FDA labeling including warnings.
- Compounded versions have existed during periods of pharmaceutical shortage but occupy a different regulatory space. Compounded semaglutide is not the same as Ozempic or Wegovy.
Research Stack aggregates information about semaglutide as a compound of research interest. This is not an endorsement of any specific sourcing method.
How GLP-1 Agonists Work
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a naturally occurring incretin hormone released by the gut after eating. It:
- Stimulates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner
- Suppresses glucagon release (reducing liver glucose output)
- Slows gastric emptying (prolongs satiety)
- Acts on the brain's hypothalamus to reduce appetite ("food noise" reduction)
Semaglutide mimics GLP-1 but is engineered to resist enzymatic degradation, giving it a ~7-day half-life.
Dose Titration Protocol (Standard Pharmaceutical)
Standard escalation (to minimize GI side effects):
- Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg/week
- Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg/week
- Weeks 9–12: 1 mg/week
- Weeks 13+: Titrate to effect (up to 2.4 mg/week for Wegovy)
Slow titration is critical. Most nausea and GI side effects are dose-escalation related and improve over time.
Want to calculate your dose? Use the dosing calculator →