Weight Loss
FDA Approved
Evidence: High Quality

Semaglutide

Also known as: Ozempic, Wegovy

Brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Oral Wegovy

Overview
Type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management, and MASH

Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for chronic weight management. In August 2025, it received accelerated approval for MASH (metabolic-associated steatohepatitis) with liver fibrosis. An oral formulation (Oral Wegovy) was approved in December 2025, launching in January 2026. Clinical trials demonstrated an average weight loss of 15% over 68 weeks with injectable Wegovy, and 16.6% with oral Wegovy. The medication works by mimicking GLP-1, a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite.

Mechanism of Action

GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics incretin hormone to increase insulin secretion, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite

Dosage Information
ParameterDetail
AdministrationSubcutaneous injection
Typical Dose2.4mg weekly (Wegovy dose)
FrequencyWeekly
Side Effects
Reported adverse effects from clinical data and post-market surveillance

Common Side Effects

Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Headache

Serious Side Effects

Thyroid C-cell tumors
Pancreatitis
Diabetic retinopathy complications
Acute kidney injury
Hypersensitivity reactions
!Contraindications
Do not use this peptide if any of the following apply
  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
  • Pregnancy
Clinical Evidence

Evidence Quality

High Quality

Clinical Trial Phase

Approved (post-market)

Average Weight Loss in Trials

15%

Cost Comparison
Estimated monthly costs compared to similar peptides
PeptideMonthly CostFDA Status
Semaglutide$1000 - $1400/mo
FDA Approved
Tirzepatide$1100 - $1100/mo
FDA Approved
Retatrutide$1200 - $1500/mo
Phase 3 (NDA expected late 2026)
AOD-9604$30 - $60/mo
Phase 2 (failed; reclassification pending)
Compare Semaglutide
See how Semaglutide stacks up against similar peptides

Where to get Semaglutide

Prescription telehealth partners - see pricing and eligibility.

PeptideVS may earn a commission from providers listed below. Our editorial data is independent - see our disclosure for details.

Henry Meds

Sponsored

Featured

Compounded GLP-1 therapy with flat monthly pricing and no insurance hassle.

Starting price
From $297/mo
  • Flat monthly price, no insurance required
  • Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide
  • Licensed providers in 50 states
See Henry Meds pricing

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Mochi Health

Sponsored

Featured

Obesity-medicine-trained clinicians and a care team built around women.

Starting price
From $79/mo + medication
  • Obesity-medicine-trained MDs and RDs
  • Compounded and brand-name GLP-1 options
  • Insurance-aware pricing and savings tools
Check Mochi eligibility

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Found Health

Sponsored

Weight-care program combining GLP-1s with behavior coaching and nutritionists.

Starting price
From $99/mo + medication
  • Whole-person program, not just a prescription
  • Insurance-first with cash-pay fallback
  • Nutrition and habit coaching included
Explore Found Health

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Ro Body

Sponsored

Brand-name Wegovy and Zepbound plus compounded options, handled end to end.

Starting price
From $145/mo
  • Brand-name and compounded GLP-1 paths
  • Insurance navigation built into intake
  • Nationwide telehealth with ongoing check-ins
Start with Ro Body

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Hers Weight

Sponsored

GLP-1 injections paired with behavior coaching for long-term weight care.

Starting price
From $165/mo
  • Compounded GLP-1 with licensed providers
  • Coaching and habit support in-app
  • Transparent monthly pricing
See Hers Weight plans

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PlushCare

Sponsored

Primary-care telehealth with broad Rx coverage and same-day appointments.

Starting price
From $16.99/mo membership
  • Broad primary-care scope, not GLP-1-only
  • Same-day video visits in all 50 states
  • Works with insurance for most plans
Book a PlushCare visit

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Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any peptide therapy or medication. PeptideVS does not endorse, recommend, or promote the use of any specific peptide for medical treatment. Clinical data cited may be from ongoing trials and is subject to change. Individual results may vary.