Peptide library · Weight & metabolism
Semaglutide
Ozempic · Wegovy · Wegovy pill
FDA approved14.9%average weight loss over 68 weeks in STEP 1 (1,961 adults), vs 2.4% on placebo
What it is
A long acting version of GLP-1, the gut hormone released after you eat. Engineered to last about a week instead of minutes.
Why researchers are interested
- SELECT (17,604 people with heart disease): 20% fewer heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths.
- Kidney trial: 24% lower risk of major kidney events in type 2 diabetes with kidney disease.
- ESSENCE: fatty liver inflammation resolved in 63% vs 34% on placebo.
- Now available as a daily pill: 16.6% average weight loss in OASIS 4.
Good to know
- Prescription medicine (Ozempic 2017, Wegovy 2021, Wegovy pill Dec 2025).
- Most common side effects are nausea and other stomach symptoms.
Evidence level: 5 of 5
Sources
NEJM 2021 (STEP 1); NEJM 2023 (SELECT); FDA approvals 2025 to 2026
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Educational content only. Not medical advice. Last reviewed 2026-10-17.