Semaglutide

What it is

• Brand names: Ozempic (type 2 diabetes), Wegovy (weight loss), Rybelsus (oral tablet for diabetes).

• Class: GLP-1 receptor agonist (mimics the hormone GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar and appetite).

• Administration: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection (Ozempic/Wegovy) or daily oral tablet (Rybelsus).

How it works

• Stimulates insulin release only when blood sugar is high.

• Reduces glucagon secretion (lowers liver glucose production).

• Slows gastric emptying → keeps you full longer.

• Acts on appetite centers in the brain → reduces food cravings and intake.

Benefits

• Diabetes: Lowers HbA1c and helps prevent long-term complications.

• Weight management: Wegovy trials showed average weight loss of 15% of body weight.

• Proven to reduce risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Side effects

• Common: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain.

• Possible risks: pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, rare kidney injury.

• Contraindications: personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2.