Semaglutide—also known by the brand names Wegovy (for weight loss) and Ozempic (for diabetes management)—is a medication that helps regulate appetite, digestion, and blood sugar. It belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a natural hormone in the body that controls hunger and fullness.
Semaglutide works in several ways:
- Reduces appetite and cravings: It helps your brain feel satisfied sooner and stay full longer, which leads to naturally eating less.
- Slows digestion: Food moves more slowly through the stomach, which helps control portions and reduces snacking between meals.
- Improves blood sugar regulation: It helps prevent spikes and crashes in blood sugar, which also decreases cravings—especially for carbs or sweets.
- Supports long-term weight loss: By affecting hunger signals and helping regulate the body’s “set point,” semaglutide can lead to steady and sustainable weight loss when paired with healthy lifestyle choices.
Both Wegovy and Ozempic use the same active ingredient (semaglutide), just in different doses depending on whether the goal is weight management or diabetes treatment.