What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a synthetic analog of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) modified for prolonged half-life. It is approved in many jurisdictions for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and chronic weight management (Wegovy), and is among the most-studied peptides of the past decade.
Mechanism of action
Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas (glucose-dependent insulin release), gut (delayed gastric emptying), and brain (appetite suppression). The albumin-binding fatty-acid chain extends its half-life to roughly a week.
Researched benefits
- Sustained HbA1c reductions in clinical trials
- 10–15% body-weight loss in STEP and SURMOUNT-style trials
- Cardiovascular event reduction in high-risk populations
- Improvements in fatty liver markers
Researched dosage
Most research protocols use 250–2400 mcg administered 1× per day via subcutaneous injection. Clinical protocols escalate from 0.25 mg weekly to 2.4 mg weekly over 16 weeks to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
A typical cycle runs 16 weeks on, then 0 weeks off before reassessment.
Use the calculator below to convert your target Semaglutide dose into exact insulin-syringe units.
Reconstitution & storage
A standard 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 2500 mcg/mL. Lyophilized vials at 2–8°C. Reconstituted, refrigerate and protect from light.
Side effects & considerations
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (most common)
- Constipation, reflux
- Risk of pancreatitis in susceptible individuals
- Possible thyroid C-cell tumor signal in rodents (boxed warning)
Semaglutide stacks
- GLP-1 + Recovery — paired with BPC-157. Mitigate GI discomfort during titration in research models. Researchers have explored BPC-157 alongside GLP-1 agonists for gut-tolerance work. Not a clinical recommendation.
Selected research
- Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1) — NEJM, 2021
- Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes (SUSTAIN-6) — NEJM, 2016