What Does Semaglutide Do?

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medication classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is designed to imitate the GLP-1 hormone that the body naturally produces in response to food. This hormone plays an essential role in regulating:

• Blood sugar levels
  
• Insulin secretion
  
• Appetite and satiety
  
• Gastric emptying (how quickly food leaves the stomach)
  
  

Semaglutide is available in different formulations. For example:

• Ozempic® – FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management
  
• Wegovy® – FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with qualifying health criteria

‍

{{primary-cta}}

‍

How Does Semaglutide Affect the Body?

Appetite Regulation

Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone, signaling the brain that the stomach is full. Clinical trials suggest this may result in a reduced desire to eat, especially high-calorie or high-fat foods, when paired with a healthy diet and provider-guided treatment.

In a clinical trial published in 2025*, participants taking semaglutide 2.4 mg reported:

• Decreased appetite
  
• Lower cravings for high-fat foods
  
• Reduced total daily calorie intake
  
  

These changes occurred alongside lifestyle counseling and a structured diet plan.

*The GLP-1 formulation used in this study is the same as what was later approved and marketed under the brand name Wegovy®, specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.

‍

Insulin and Blood Sugar

In people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide helps regulate blood sugar by increasing insulin release when glucose levels are elevated and slowing glucose production by the liver. This is the basis for its use in medications like Ozempic®.

However, for individuals without diabetes, licensed providers may prescribe specific formulations, like Wegovy®, for weight management, depending on medical eligibility.

‍

What Does the Research Say?

In the STEP 1 trial*, which studied semaglutide 2.4 mg for chronic weight management:

• Participants lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks
  
• Appetite regulation and food intake changes began within the first few weeks
  
• Nearly 70% of participants achieved at least 10% weight loss with lifestyle support
  
• The treatment was paired with regular dietary and physical activity guidance

*The GLP-1 formulation used in this study is the same as what was later approved and marketed under the brand name Wegovy®, specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.

‍

{{primary-cta}}

‍

How Quickly Does It Start Working?

Semaglutide is designed to work gradually. Dosing typically starts low (e.g., 0.25 mg weekly) and increases over 8–16 weeks, which may improve tolerance and reduce side effects.

You may begin to notice:

• Changes in appetite within the first 2–4 weeks
  
• Weight changes between weeks 8 and 12
  
• Sustained results over 6–12 months with provider supervision
  
  

Keep in mind that results vary, and semaglutide works best when paired with nutrition and activity plans tailored to your specific needs.

‍

Is Semaglutide Right for Everyone?

Semaglutide may not be a fit for everyone. It’s FDA-approved for:

• Adults with a BMI ≥30 (obesity)
  
• Adults with a BMI ≥27 (overweight) and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol
  
  

It’s not approved as a general-use weight loss medication. A licensed healthcare provider must review your medical history, current medications, and symptoms before determining if it’s appropriate. Eligibility is not guaranteed.

‍

{{primary-cta}}

‍

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medication, semaglutide may cause side effects. These are generally mild and generally may occur during the early weeks of treatment:

• Nausea
  
• Bloating
  
• Diarrhea or constipation
  
• Fatigue
  
• Mild abdominal discomfort
  
  

More serious risks, such as pancreatitis or gallbladder issues, are rare but have been reported. A licensed provider can help monitor for any signs and adjust dosing if necessary.

‍

Eden’s Role in Treatment Access

Eden is not a pharmacy or healthcare provider. Eden is a digital health platform that connects people with independent, licensed healthcare providers who evaluate whether treatments like semaglutide are medically appropriate.

If prescribed, medications are filled by state-licensed compounding pharmacies and shipped directly to your door. Eden’s role is to facilitate convenient, informed access to care, not to make or dispense medications.

‍

Conclusion

Semaglutide works by supporting hormonal processes that regulate appetite, digestion, and blood sugar. In clinical settings, it’s been shown to help people reduce food intake and support weight loss, especially when paired with healthy lifestyle changes and guided by a licensed healthcare provider.

If you're curious whether semaglutide might be right for your health goals, Eden can help connect you with the experts who can guide your decision.

Ready to learn more? Start your consultation with a licensed healthcare provider and explore whether semaglutide may be right for you.