Compound Profile · Metabolic
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed under several brand names for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
Peptide Score
Evidence
Safety
Regulatory
Transparency
Quick verdict
Best-evidenced approved option for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes. Substantial trial data, established cardiovascular benefit, prescription pathway in Australia.
Reality check
What this isn't
- Prescription only — requires clinician oversight
- Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumours (rodent data)
- Gastrointestinal events common, particularly during titration
- Effect partially reverses if discontinued
- Counterfeits exist outside pharmacy supply chains
- Educational research review only — not medical advice
~15%
Mean weight loss (STEP 1, 68 wks)
68
Weeks
1,961
Participants
Approved
Trial phase
What this means: STEP 1 demonstrated mean body weight reduction of ~15% over 68 weeks vs ~2% placebo. SELECT trial later established cardiovascular event reduction in adults with overweight/obesity and established CVD.
What participants experienced
- 1
Week 0–4
Dose titration; gastrointestinal events most common (nausea, diarrhoea)
- 2
Week 16
Reported reduction in appetite; early weight loss
- 3
Week 28
Substantial weight reduction reported in trial cohorts
- 4
Week 68
Peak reductions in pivotal STEP 1 trial; HbA1c improvements documented in SUSTAIN program
- 5
Years 2+
SELECT showed cardiovascular benefit; longer-term real-world data accumulating
Full Semaglutide review
A GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the action of the endogenous incretin hormone GLP-1.
Approved for type 2 diabetes and, separately, for chronic weight management in adults meeting clinical criteria.
16 more articles on Semaglutide
How Semaglutide Works: A GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Explained
MechanismSemaglutide and the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Class
MechanismHow Semaglutide Drives Weight Loss: The Mechanism
EvidenceThe STEP Trial Program: Semaglutide for Weight Management
EvidenceThe SUSTAIN Trial Program: Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes
EvidenceThe SELECT Trial: Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes
Looking at alternatives?
Compounds with comparable research interest but different evidence, regulatory status, or risk profile.
Metabolic
Tirzepatide
Why consider it: Higher mean weight-loss in head-to-head data (SURMOUNT-5). Approved in Australia. Slightly less long-term evidence than semaglutide.
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Retatrutide
Why consider it: Strongest reported weight-loss results of any peptide tested, but still investigational and not approved by the TGA.
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Liraglutide
Why consider it: Older GLP-1 receptor agonist with the longest real-world track record. Smaller effect size; daily injection rather than weekly.
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