What is Semaglutide?

Online discourse surrounding GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide) has exploded in popularity across social media and news outlets. As clinical research continues and these medications become increasingly accessible for patients, it is important to understand what they are and how they work in the body.

What is semaglutide? What is it used for and how does it work?

Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). It was originally developed for type 2 diabetes. It’s now also used for weight management and is under study for other conditions.

What is GLP-1?

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a natural hormone produced in the intestines after eating.

How it works:

Stimulates insulin release when blood sugar is high
Reduces glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.
Slows stomach emptying to control glucose absorption

Suppresses appetite by acting on the brain

(Source: Drucker, 2006)

Why is semaglutide so popular right now?

Semaglutide is not a new medication. It was first approved in 2017 for type 2 diabetes. It gained attention in 2021 when it received FDA approval for weight management.
In clinical research, trial participants taking semaglutide showed up to 15% body weight reduction. (Wilding, JP et al., NEJM, 2021)
More people now view obesity as a chronic health condition requiring medical treatment rather than a lifestyle issue or a matter of willpower.

Should You Consider Semaglutide?

Semaglutide may be effective for people with type 2 diabetes or obesity, but it’s not for everyone. It’s prescription-only and should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.

Consider A Clinical Trial

Clinical trials offer patients access to free, innovative healthcare treatments, whether you have health insurance or not. Clinical Investigation Specialists, Inc. (CIS Research) is now seeking patients for a variety of clinical trials.

To browse our current studies, click here, or contact us for more information.

Sources & Further Reading

American Diabetes Association (https://www.diabetes.org ).
Drucker, Daniel J. The biology of incretin hormones. Cell Metabolism, 2006. https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(06)00028-3 Published January 10, 2006. Accessed April 16, 2025.
Drucker, DJ. Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Application of Glucagon-like Peptide-1. Cell Metabolism, 2018. https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(18)30179-7?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1550413118301797%3Fshowall%3Dtrue Published April 3, 2018. Accessed April 16, 2025.
FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014. Published June 21, 2021. Accessed April 16, 2025.
“What Are My Options for Type 2 Diabetes Medications?.” Accessed April 16, 2025. https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/medication/oral-other-injectable-diabetes-medications.
Wilding, John P.H. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), 2021. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity | New England Journal of Medicine Published February 10, 2021. Accessed April 16, 2025.

What is Semaglutide?