Semaglutide peptide therapy has taken the world by storm, along with a handful of other weight loss peptides.

It’s been a long time since there has been a significant breakthrough in non-surgical weight loss treatments. Semaglutide offers amazing potential for weight loss, as well as for blood sugar control and for reducing heart disease risk factors in people with diabetes.

Semaglutide is currently available in the U.S. under the brand names Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus. Peptide researchers may also purchase semaglutide powder for research studies.

In this article, we’ll review the potential uses and benefits of semaglutide, how to administer and use it in research applications, its potential safety concerns, and how it works. We also reveal our top vendors for purchasing research-grade semaglutide and injection kits online.

P.S: Get your hands on Semaglutide ASAP!

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a peptide used for objectives like reducing body fat, promoting weight loss, improving blood sugar control, and reducing heart disease risk. It is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the brand names Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus.

Structurally, it is a polypeptide consisting of 31 amino acids. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, which gives it appetite reducing, anti-obesity properties [1].

Injectable semaglutide was first developed by Novo Nordisk in 2012 as an alternative to liraglutide, a similarly structured peptide that is also used for type 2 diabetes and weight management.

Initial trials on semaglutide took place in 2016 and 2017. Under the brand name Ozempic, it was approved by the FDA in 2017—followed rapidly by approvals in Canada, the European Union, Japan, and Australia.

Oral semaglutide was approved by the FDA in September 2019 under the brand name Rybelsus, and in June 2021 a high-dose semaglutide for weight loss was approved by the FDA under the brand name Wegovy.

What Does Semaglutide Do?

The peptide semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning that it increases the activity of the hormone GLP-1 in the body. GLP-1 is a key hormone related to metabolism, appetite, and blood glucose control, so GLP-1 receptor agonists can cause a number of direct and downstream effects that result in weight loss.

Semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists also activate these receptors far beyond the capabilities of the body’s endogenous (natural) GLP-1 [2].

The peptide works for weight loss and type 2 diabetes control by targeting both the pancreas and the digestive tract.

In the pancreas, it promotes the release of the hormone insulin—a key blood glucose regulating hormone. The body releases insulin in response to eating, and it shuttles excess blood glucose (sugar) into fat storage. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are both characterized by insulin resistance, which results in an increased insulin requirement to manage blood sugar levels.?

Unfortunately, high levels of insulin put the body in “fat gain” mode—where excess blood sugar is quickly converted into fat and stored in the body. Eventually, insulin production may become impaired. Semaglutide both increases insulin production and promotes insulin sensitivity [2, 3].

Likewise, semaglutide slows gastric emptying. Essentially, this means that food sits in the digestive tract longer. This results in greater satiety and fullness, a reduced appetite, lower food consumption, and even a lower likelihood of blood glucose spikes.

Paired with a calorie-restricted diet and moderate exercise, which is recommended with Wegovy (the FDA-approved version of injectable semaglutide for weight loss), these effects can lead to weight loss, fat loss, insulin sensitivity, better metabolic health, and better cellular function.

Semaglutide Peptide Therapy | Benefits

The key benefits of semaglutide include weight loss and blood sugar management. Here’s a bit more about each of the major known benefits of this peptide.

Semaglutide for Weight Loss, Fat Loss, and Obesity

With massive interest in therapeutic, non-surgical weight loss options, there’s been a flurry of research published on semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists in recent years.

In one 2023 meta-analysis, researchers analyzed data from 61 studies to assess the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on weight loss in both diabetics and nondiabetics.

In this review, researchers noted that semaglutide at 2.4/mg weekly was by far the most effective of all GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss. However, it also had the highest risk of adverse events [4].

In a 2022 meta-analysis of studies comparing semaglutide with placebo, researchers noted that once-weekly semaglutide significantly reduced weight, waist circumference, and body fat index (BMI) in over 3,000 participants covered [5].

Another 2022 meta-analysis reported similar findings: semaglutide resulted in much greater weight loss than placebo [6].

Currently, Wegovy and Ozempic are both widely used for weight loss, although Wegovy is the only one of two that’s officially approved for weight management.

Semaglutide for Diabetes

Ozempic was approved for use in type 2 diabetes in 2017, about four years prior to its approval for weight loss. In fact, the pleasant and unexpected side effect of weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes on Ozempic generated a lot of interest in semaglutide for weight loss in nondiabetics.

There is a large body of research to support the benefits of semaglutide for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Since semaglutide was developed in 2012, this research is also fairly recent.

In a 2022 meta-analysis, researchers analyzed data comparing oral semaglutide, injectable semaglutide, and tirzapetide —another GLP-1 receptor agonist, but which also activates gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). They found that all of these compounds improved hemoglobin-A1c (HgbA1c), which represents a three-month average of blood glucose levels through a measurement of glycation of red blood cells [7].?

However, injectable semaglutide was more effective than oral semaglutide, and had comparable efficacy in terms of T2DM metrics, according to this meta-analysis.?

A 2021 study also found that oral semaglutide—although not as effective as injectable semaglutide—was more effective for blood sugar management than many other injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists. Therefore, oral semaglutide represents a good option for certain populations for whom injections present compliance issues [8].

Semaglutide for Heart Disease Risk

Ozempic, a brand of semaglutide, is approved to help reduce heart disease risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.

In one 2020 study that investigated two large clinical trials on semaglutide in over 6,000 participants with T2D, researchers reviewed the effects of both subcutaneous (injectable) semaglutide and oral semaglutide [9].

After analyzing the data, they found that injectable and oral semaglutide both appeared to offer beneficial effects for heart disease risk, stroke risk, and risk of death from heart-related causes.

However, semaglutide did not appear to be helpful for heart disease risk in patients who had already experienced hospitalization for heart failure.

In another study of GLP-1 receptor agonists, researchers noted that these compounds generally reduce major adverse cardiovascular events, risk of heart-related death, and risk of all-cause death in type 2 diabetics, without any major side effects [10].

Semaglutide for Weight Loss | What You MUST Know

To understand how semaglutide affects weight loss , it’s important to have a firm understanding of how weight loss works.

It’s all about the calories. Excessive weight gain is caused by a calorie surplus, such as when an individual consistently consumes more calories than they burn. The reverse—consuming fewer calories than one burns—will lead to weight loss.

Although this is a very simple concept, it’s not easy for most people to implement for a number of reasons:

• Processed foods: Highly processed foods, including sugary drinks, refined grains, and industrial oils like soybean oil and corn oil, play a major role in unwanted weight gain and difficulties losing weight. These foods are both pro-inflammatory and high in calories. They also damage gut health and promote blood sugar dysregulation. Finally, they have addictive properties that make it difficult to moderate intake [11, 12].
• Sedentary lifestyles: Many people also lead highly sedentary lifestyles, working at a desk all day with little intentional exercise. This can contribute to unwanted weight gain as well as a number of other health problems [13].
• Obesogenic environment: Other environmental factors may promote obesity, as well. Free radical compounds and harmful chemicals in food, water, and the air can promote cellular dysfunction, which can lead to metabolic dysfunction or a “slowed” metabolism [14].

Semaglutide works by affecting hunger hormones, which reduces appetite and food cravings. At the same time, it can promote increased fat burn during regular daily activities. Likewise, it helps to regulate blood glucose levels, which makes it useful for people with type 2 diabetes as well as overweight or obese people who are dealing with insulin resistance [2, 3].

Semaglutide vs. Ozempic vs. Wegovy

First, let’s make this clear: semaglutide, Ozempic, and Wegovy are three different names for the same peptide. Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names, and semaglutide is a “generic name,” which is the official scientific name of the compound. Additionally, oral semaglutide is available in the U.S. under the brand name Rybelsus.

Ozempic was the first iteration of semaglutide to be approved by the FDA. It was first approved in 2017, and it is approved for use in people with type 2 diabetes for blood glucose management and to reduce heart disease risk. It is an injectable form manufactured by Novo Nordisk. However, a common off-label use of Ozempic is for weight loss [15].

Wegovy was first approved by the FDA in 2021 specifically for weight loss, which re-ignited interest in medical weight loss options. It is also an injectable form manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It is indicated for adults with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 (obese), or adults with a BMI over 27 and at least one weight-related chronic health condition like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure [16].

Additionally, Wegovy is indicated for pediatric patients over the age of 12 with a weight-for-age in the 95th percentile or greater. Minors should not participate in independent peptide research.

Finally, Rybelsus is an oral version of semaglutide that was approved by the FDA in 2019 for type 2 diabetes. Rybelsus is not commonly used off-label for weight loss, unlike Ozempic [17].

There are very slight differences between Ozempic, Wegovy, and injectable generic semaglutide. For practical reasons like accessibility and cost effectiveness, independent researchers will typically opt for injectable generic semaglutide. There are several online vendors that sell research-grade semaglutide specifically as a reference material.

Semaglutide Side Effects

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the following side effects are linked to semaglutide [18]:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Heartburn
• Gas and belching

These side effects are likely to be minor and transient.

However, the following side effects are considered serious. They may warrant immediate medical treatment [18]:

• Dizzy spells and fainting
• Vision changes
• Increased heart rate
• Upper gastric pain with or without vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Swelling in the lower extremities
• Decreased urination
• Fever
• Light-colored bowel movements
• Skin rash and itching
• Facial swelling
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Is Semaglutide Safe?

For the most part, semaglutide appears to be safe. However, it’s extremely important to note that it may increase risk of developing thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer [18].

In pre-clinical trials, animals injected with semaglutide developed tumors of the thyroid.?

While this effect has not been observed in humans, the possibility should not be discounted. In pre-screening of potential study participants, anyone with a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should be disqualified from study participation because of this potential risk.

Another risk associated with semaglutide injections is related to the route of administration itself. On rare occasions, injections may cause swelling, bleeding, bruising, or lingering pain. These effects are often minor and short-lived. Still, it’s important to follow standard aseptic procedures during administration to minimize risk of infection.

Finally, subjects who meet any of the following criteria should not participate in semaglutide research [18]:

• Allergic to semaglutide or similar compounds and medications
• Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• History of pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy, gallbladder disease, or kidney disease

Semaglutide Dosage Calculator and Chart

Semaglutide dosing depends on the reason for administration: type 2 diabetes management, heart disease risk reduction, or weight loss. Here are the dosage guidelines for semaglutide injections according to Drugs.com [19].

Type 2 diabetes

Start with an initial dose of 0.25mg once weekly for four weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 0.5mg once weekly.

This may be titrated up to a maximum of 1mg per week for increased blood glucose control.

Heart disease risk

Start with an initial dose of 0.25mg once weekly for four weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 0.5mg once weekly.

This may be titrated up to a maximum of 1mg per week for increased blood glucose control.

Note: These dosage recommendations are identical to dosage recommendations for type 2 diabetes.

Weight loss

Semaglutide dosing for weight loss is a bit more involved. Here is the protocol, according to Drugs.com:

• Weeks 1-4: 0.25mg once weekly
• Weeks 5-8: 0.5mg once weekly
• Weeks 9-12: 1mg once weekly
• Weeks 13-16: 1.7mg once weekly

Maintenance (Weeks 17+): 2.4mg once weekly

If titration is poorly tolerated, dose increases may be delayed for four weeks.?

Study participants should be able to tolerate the maintenance dose of 2.4mg weekly after titration. If they can’t, the dose may be temporarily reduced to 1.7mg weekly for 4 weeks.?

After this, if they still can’t tolerate a dose of 2.4mg weekly, semaglutide therapy should be discontinued.

There are also dose adjustments for subjects with kidney and liver problems, although these subjects are advised against participating in peptide research.

Where to Buy Semaglutide Online?

When purchasing research chemicals, it’s important to work with reliable, vetted sources.?

One of our most highly recommended vendors is Peptide Sciences.

To source research-grade semaglutide, visit the preferred supplier of the Peptides.org team and leading experts worldwide.

Peptide Sciences stands firmly above the rest by offering:

• High quality, U.S.-made peptides that are guaranteed to be at least 99% pure;
• Wide selection of research peptides in various forms, including injectable, oral, and topical; and,
• Flexible payment terms and fast, discreet, and free shipping (on $200+ orders) across the U.S.

Due to its competitive prices and commitment to peptide quality, Peptide Sciences is an excellent pick for sourcing research-grade semaglutide on the web.?

In addition to this top pick, we also recommend these two premier sources of semaglutide for research:

Core Peptides

Core Peptides offers many of the same advantages as Peptide Sciences. We love using them due to these reasons:

• Free shipping in the U.S. on orders over $20
• High quality, thoroughly tested peptides
• Wide selection of topical and injectable research peptides

Limitless Life

While new to the peptide world, this impressive vendor also offers top-quality peptides at reasonable prices. The above link will allow you to enroll in the Limitless Life VIP club for special access and pricing to compounds like semaglutide.

Be sure to take advantage of these benefits when buying from Limitless Life:

• Fast shipping and free U.S. shipping on orders over $350
• Third-party testing to ensure the quality and purity of all peptides
• Variety of 100% secure payment options, including crypto

How to Reconstitute Semaglutide

Semaglutide is an injectable peptide that must be reconstituted using a sterile solvent like bacteriostatic water prior to use.

Bacteriostatic water is a solution that consists of water and 0.9% alcohol, which inhibits microbial growth.

Semaglutide for research typically arrives in a vial containing powder. Bacteriostatic water is necessary to render it to a liquid form that can be administered.

It’s vitally important to use aseptic techniques, including using a single-use needle, when reconstituting semaglutide and other peptides. Here are the steps for reconstitution:

• Sanitize all materials with an alcohol wipe, including the lid of the peptide vial.
• Insert the needle into the vial of bacteriostatic water and slowly withdraw about 1ml.
• Insert the needle into the peptide vial and slowly insert the water into the vial, allowing it to reconstitute the powdered peptide.
• The peptide is completely dissolved once it appears to be transparent throughout. Don’t shake or stir.

To streamline this process, it’s advisable to have bacteriostatic water injection kits readily available throughout the duration of a research study.?

These kits can be purchased from trusted vendor BacteriostaticWater.org , and they include needles, syringes, alcohol wipes, and bacteriostatic water.

FAQ

How to take semaglutide?

Semaglutide for research is an injectable peptide. It must be reconstituted using bacteriostatic water, before administering as an injection. There is also an oral version of semaglutide sold under the brand name Rybelsus, available only to patients with a valid doctor’s prescription.

Is semaglutide a steroid?

While there is interest in semaglutide for bodybuilding, it is not an anabolic steroid. It is a peptide that’s classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, and it may be helpful for weight loss, diabetes management, and heart health in people with diabetes. Because of these benefits, it may also positively influence body composition.

Is semaglutide legal?

Semaglutide’s legal status varies around the world. In the United States, it is classified as a prescription medication. Therefore, it’s available to patients with a doctor’s prescription. Semaglutide sold as a reference material is intended strictly for use by peptide researchers to advance understanding of semaglutide’s effects.

How is semaglutide delivered?

Most of the time, semaglutide is administered via injection. Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) comes in tablet form and must be swallowed whole.

Remember that, with injectable semaglutide, the peptide will need to be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use. Bacteriostatic water injection kits can be ordered from BacteriostaticWater.org .

Does semaglutide cause weight gain?

Semaglutide itself does not cause weight gain. However, clinicians and researchers have noted a rebound effect when patients discontinue using semaglutide. It is important to address diet and lifestyle with study participants to help prevent rebound weight gain after the study concludes [20].

Semaglutide | Review of the Research Peptide

Semaglutide is a powerful, highly useful peptide. It has tremendous potential to play a key role in reducing the skyrocketing rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes around the world.

Additionally, independent researchers are rapidly assessing the peptide for other potential therapeutic benefits.

When researching semaglutide, it’s important to understand how to use and administer the peptide — including buying only from reputable sources of research peptides.

Here is one of those reputable sources.

References

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 56843331, Semaglutide. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Semaglutide. Accessed June 9, 2023.
2. Shaefer CF Jr, Kushner P, Aguilar R. User's guide to mechanism of action and clinical use of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Postgrad Med. 2015;127(8):818-826. doi:10.1080/00325481.2015.1090295
3. Fonseca VA, Capehorn MS, Garg SK, et al. Reductions in Insulin Resistance are Mediated Primarily via Weight Loss in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes on Semaglutide [published correction appears in J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020 Jan 1;105(1):]. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019;104(9):4078-4086. doi:10.1210/jc.2018-02685
4. Ma H, Lin YH, Dai LZ, Lin CS, Huang Y, Liu SY. Efficacy and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists versus SGLT-2 inhibitors in overweight/obese patients with or without diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2023;13(3):e061807. Published 2023 Mar 7. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061807
5. Zhong P, Zeng H, Huang M, Fu W, Chen Z. Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: a meta-analysis. Endocrine. 2022;75(3):718-724. doi:10.1007/s12020-021-02945-1
6. Arastu N, Cummins O, Uribe W, Nemec EC. Efficacy of subcutaneous semaglutide compared to placebo for weight loss in obese, non-diabetic adults: a systematic review & meta-analysis. Int J Clin Pharm. 2022;44(4):852-859. doi:10.1007/s11096-022-01428-1
7. Zaazouee MS, Hamdallah A, Helmy SK, et al. Semaglutide for the treatment of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of safety and efficacy outcomes. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2022;16(6):102511. doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2022.102511
8. Li J, He K, Ge J, Li C, Jing Z. Efficacy and safety of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2021;172:108656. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2021.108656
9. Husain M, Bain SC, Jeppesen OK, et al. Semaglutide (SUSTAIN and PIONEER) reduces cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes across varying cardiovascular risk. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2020;22(3):442-451. doi:10.1111/dom.13955
10. Bethel MA, Patel RA, Merrill P, et al. Cardiovascular outcomes with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2018;6(2):105-113. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30412-6
11. Zhang Y, Giovannucci EL. Ultra-processed foods and health: a comprehensive review [published online ahead of print, 2022 Jun 6]. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022;1-13. doi:10.1080/10408398.2022.2084359
12. Lustig RH. Ultraprocessed Food: Addictive, Toxic, and Ready for Regulation. Nutrients. 2020;12(11):3401. Published 2020 Nov 5. doi:10.3390/nu12113401
13. Jebb SA, Moore MS. Contribution of a sedentary lifestyle and inactivity to the etiology of overweight and obesity: current evidence and research issues. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999;31(11 Suppl):S534-S541. doi:10.1097/00005768-199911001-00008
14. Martínez-Esquivel A, Trujillo-Silva DJ, Cilia-López VG. Impact of environmental pollution on the obesogenic environment. Nutr Rev. 2022;80(7):1787-1799. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuac003
15. Drugs.com. Ozempic (semaglutide) FDA Approval History. Retrieved 9 June 2023 from https://www.drugs.com/history/ozempic.html
16. Drugs.com. Wegovy (semaglutide) FDA Approval History. Retrieved 9 June 2023 from https://www.drugs.com/history/wegovy.html
17. Drugs.com. Rybelsus (semaglutide) FDA Approval History. Retrieved 9 June 2023 from https://www.drugs.com/history/rybelsus.html
18. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Semaglutide Injection. MedlinePlus website. Retrieved 9 June 2023 from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618008.html
19. Drugs.com. Semaglutide Dosage Guide. Retrieved 9 June 2023 from https://www.drugs.com/dosage/semaglutide.html
20. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, et al. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022;24(8):1553-1564. doi:10.1111/dom.14725

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