What does semaglutide do?

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that plays a multifaceted role in managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. It works by:

Increasing Insulin Release: Semaglutide stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels.

Lowering Glucagon Production: It reduces the amount of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar, thereby contributing to better glycemic control.

Delaying Gastric Emptying: By slowing down the emptying of the stomach, semaglutide helps control appetite and food intake.

Reducing Appetite: It also works on the brain to decrease feelings of hunger, leading to reduced food consumption.

Used in the treatment of specific patients for weight loss, semaglutide is available under the brand names Wegovy for weight loss purposes and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes management. Additionally, it has been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes in certain patients. It is important to note that semaglutide is not for use in people with type 1 diabetes and is not available as a generic medicine. Each brand is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and is approved by the FDA for different conditions.