How Does Semaglutide Work
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 20th, 2026.
Semaglutide works by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. The medication slows gastric emptying, keeping food in your stomach longer to increase satiety. It also stimulates insulin release when blood glucose rises and suppresses glucagon production. Clinical trials show semaglutide users lose an average of 15-20% of their body weight over 68 weeks. The drug binds to GLP-1 receptors in your brain's appetite control centers, significantly reducing food cravings and portion sizes.
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