Semaglutide

evidence score

fat loss

Prescription Only

495 studies

OzempicWegovyRybelsus+2 more

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, 0.5–2mg weekly SC; Rybelsus, 7–14mg oral daily) and chronic weight management (Wegovy, up to 2.4mg weekly SC). In the STEP trials, semaglutide 2.4mg produced ~15% average weight loss vs. 2.4% placebo over 68 weeks. Cardiovascular outcomes trials (SUSTAIN-6) show significant MACE reduction. Robust evidence base across type 2 diabetes, obesity, MASH, and cardiovascular risk reduction. One of the most impactful drugs of the 2020s.

Evidence

Strong evidence

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

Approved

Research Sync

Feb 19, 2026

Dosing

Typical

1 mg

0.25 mgRange2.4 mg

FrequencyOnce weekly (injection); once daily (oral Rybelsus)

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Pharmacology

Half-life~7 days (injection); ~1 week

OnsetAppetite suppression within days; full weight loss effect over months

DurationOngoing; effects reverse within ~8 weeks of discontinuation

Routes

subcutaneous

oral

Evidence Score

Level A — Strong

495 studies indexed · 46 meta-analyses

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)~54/100

Quality(30%)~58/100

Sample Size(10%)~100/100

Consistency(10%)~100/100

Replication(5%)~100/100

Recency(5%)~100/100

Scores estimated from study counts. Exact breakdown computed after research sync.

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Semaglutide is currently categorized as a fat loss compound.

Evidence is strong (78/100) with a relatively mature body of research (495 indexed studies).

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

GLP-1 receptor agonist: delays gastric emptying, suppresses appetite via hypothalamic signaling, stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

Level B: Comparative Efficacy of Semaglutide versus Liraglutide on Weight Loss and Glycaemic Control.
Level C: Efficacy and safety of once-weekly insulins in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level C: Semaglutide and tirzepatide in prediabetes: Evidence for diabetes prevention and cardiovascular protection.

Elevated caution signals

2 severe/high side effect flags