Semaglutide is a antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and as anti-obesity medication for long-term weight management.
It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. By mimicking the action of the incretin GLP-1, it increases the production of insulin, the hormone which lowers the blood sugar level. It appears to enhance growth of pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production and release.
Semaglutide also inhibits the production of glucagon, the hormone that increases glycogenolysis (release of stored carbohydrate from the liver) and gluconeogenesis (synthesis of new glucose). Semaglutide reduces food intake by lowering appetite and slowing down digestion in the stomach, helping to reduce body fat. It reduces hunger, food craving and body fat.
