The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved semaglutide for weight loss in 2021. It is sold under the brand name Wegovy. Combined with a low-calorie diet and exercise program, the drug’s purpose is to help patients lose weight.
It belongs to a class of medications called incretin mimetics, which help the body release insulin when blood sugar levels are elevated. The Ozempic brand semaglutide, on the other hand, is specifically prescribed to help manage blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Learn more about Semaglutide weight loss injections in Maryland
What is Semaglutide Used For?
Semaglutide is a prescription medication used for two primary “indications” or purposes: type 2 diabetes management and chronic weight management. To treat diabetes type 2, semaglutide is available as Ozempic (injection) and Rybelsus (tablets), both prescribed to help improve blood sugar control in adults when used alongside diet and exercise.
For chronic weight management, semaglutide is marketed as Wegovy (injection) and Wegovy (tablets), which is prescribed for eligible adults as part of a long-term weight management plan that also includes nutrition, physical activity, and ongoing medical support. It’s important to note that approved uses and product availability can vary by country and may change over time as regulatory agencies update labels based on new evidence. For example, the Wegovy label has been updated over time (including updates in 2025), reinforcing why patients should always confirm why they should use it with a licensed provider.
Wegovy recently introduced a tablet for weight loss. Learn more about The Wegovy Pill: A Needle-Free GLP-1 Weight Loss Option
Is Semaglutide the Same Thing as Ozempic or Wegovy?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in several prescription medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy. So while they contain the same medication, they are not interchangeable — each brand is approved for different primary uses, may be intended for different patient populations, and follows different dosing regimens based on its specific FDA-approved indication.
In simple terms: Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutide, but they’re marketed, prescribed, and labeled for different health goals — most commonly type 2 diabetes management versus weight management — and that impacts how providers select the right option for each patient.
| Brand | Main approved use | Form | Typical Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic® | Type 2 diabetes management | Injection | Type 2 diabetes needing improved blood sugar control |
| Wegovy® | Chronic weight management | Injection | Often with weight-related health risks |
| Rybelsus® | Type 2 diabetes management | Oral tablet | Type 2 diabetes who prefer a non-injectable option |
| Wegovy® | Chronic weight management | Oral tablet | Weight-related health risks who prefer non-injectable option |
What is Semaglutide Approved For?
Semaglutide is approved in different forms for specific medical uses, depending on the brand name and labeling:
- Ozempic (semaglutide injection)
- Type 2 diabetes (T2D): to improve blood sugar control in adults
- Cardiovascular (CV) risk reduction: to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (such as heart attack or stroke) in certain adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease
- Wegovy (semaglutide injection)
- Chronic weight management: for eligible patients based on BMI criteria and clinical guidelines
- Adolescents ages 12+: approved for chronic weight management in adolescents who meet the label criteria
⚠️ Quick warning: Don’t assume that what you see on social media reflects an FDA-approved use. “Trending” uses and celebrity weight-loss stories may not match the medication’s official indications or who it’s intended for.
Semaglutide is not approved for:
- Cosmetic or “vanity” weight loss (for people who do not meet medical criteria)
- Rapid body weight loss for short-term events (e.g. weddings, vacations, photo shoots, etc)
- Bodybuilding, cutting cycles, or athletic performance enhancement
- Spot-reduction or targeted fat loss in specific areas of the body
- Replacing healthy nutrition and exercise as a standalone solution
- Over-the-counter (OTC) self-treatment without medical supervision
How does semaglutide work?
Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). When you eat, GLP-1 is released in the gut, which tells your brain that you are getting full. It can also slow the movement of food through your stomach and small intestine, helping you stay fuller for longer. As a result, you may eat less food, which can lead to weight loss. Do not confuse semaglutide as a “fat burner.”
GLP-1 also triggers the release of insulin, which lowers your blood sugar and helps your cells use glucose from the food you have eaten.
Learn more about How Does Semaglutide work?
What Results Do People Typically See?
Many people who use semaglutide injections report reduced appetite and feeling full sooner, which can support gradual weight change over time when combined with healthier eating habits and regular activity. Some people also notice fewer cravings or less “food noise,” making it easier to stay consistent with a structured plan.
That said, results vary widely from person to person. Outcomes can depend on factors like the specific medication prescribed, consistency with treatment, nutrition choices, activity level, individual biology and metabolism, side effects, and overall adherence to a provider-guided plan. The best approach is to treat semaglutide as one tool in a broader long-term strategy — not a guaranteed or instant fix — and with medical supervision from an experienced and highly respected clinic such as Rivas Medical Weight Loss.
Learn more:
- Semaglutide side effects
- How fast does semaglutide work?
- Why does’t semaglutide work for me?
- Semaglutide vs. Phentermine
- Semaglutide vs. Liraglutide
What are the Most Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal in nature, and include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Belching
- Intestinal infections, known as gastroenteritis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
In rare cases for people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide can cause a drop in blood sugar levels (known as hypoglycemia), which can become dangerous. Other serious side effects to be aware of include:
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction, including: itching; rash; swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, tongue, or throat; difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Changes in vision
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Persistent pain in the upper left or middle of the stomach
- Heart palpitations
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes, fever, or clay-colored stools
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Who may Qualify for Semaglutide for Weight loss?
Semaglutide may be an option for adults who meet specific medical criteria. In general, qualification is often based on BMI and overall health risk, and the Wegovy label is BMI-based — meaning it’s intended for people who meet defined thresholds and may also have weight-related health conditions.
It’s also important that eligibility isn’t determined by BMI alone. A proper screening with a licensed provider from a reputable health clinic such as Rivas Medical Weight Loss typically includes a review of medical history, current medications and supplements, any history of adverse effects or contraindications, and personal factors such as pregnancy status or future pregnancy plans. Because criteria and approvals can vary by product and region, the safest next step is a medical evaluation to confirm whether semaglutide is appropriate for your situation.
How Much Does Semaglutide Cost?
Semaglutide is sold under the brand name Wegovy and there is no generic available at this time. However, semaglutide is available in a compounded version. On average, GoodRx lists the retail price of branded Wegovy in the range of $1,350 to $1,600 for a 28-day supply.
How much does semaglutide coast at Rivas Medical Weight Loss? We offer compounded semaglutide at $115 per dose (once per week), for a monthly total of $460.
Learn more about Rivas Weight Loss costs on our Pricing page
FAQs
Most semaglutide side effects affect the digestive system and tend to appear early on or directly after an increase in dosage. The symptoms are usually mild to moderate and improve as the body adjusts. Serious side effects are far less common, but it’s still important to be aware of them.
Learn more about the side effects of semaglutide.
No. Semaglutide is not insulin. It’s a prescription medication. Semaglutide belongs in a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help regulate appetite and blood sugar in different ways than insulin does. It may support better blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, but it isn’t a replacement for insulin.
Not only. While some forms of semaglutide are approved for type 2 diabetes management, other forms are approved for chronic weight management for patients who meet eligibility criteria.
They contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), but they’re not the same medication in terms of approved use and prescribing. Ozempic is primarily approved for type 2 diabetes (and cardiovascular risk reduction in certain adults with type 2 diabetes), while Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management in eligible patients. They also follow different dosing regimens, so they aren’t interchangeable.
It depends on your goals, how you respond, and your provider’s guidance. For many people using semaglutide, it’s considered a long-term treatment, similar to how other chronic conditions are managed over time. Your provider may reassess progress, side effects, and overall health to determine whether continuing makes sense.
Yes, some people regain weight after stopping semaglutide, especially if appetite returns and lifestyle habits aren’t adjusted or supported long-term. This doesn’t mean the medication “failed” — it’s often a sign that obesity is a chronic condition and ongoing care matters if you want to maintain weight loss.
Both are prescription medications used for metabolic health and weight-related goals, but they’re not the same drug. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, while tirzepatide targets two pathways (GLP-1 and GIP). Because they work differently, people may have different experiences with appetite changes, side effects, and results. A provider can help choose the best option based on your health history and needs.
Learn more about Tirzepatide: A novel weight loss medication
Semaglutide may support overall body fat loss for some people as part of gradual weight reduction. However, it doesn’t specifically target belly fat or “spot reduce” one area. Where your body loses fat first (or last) depends on genetics, hormones, age, stress, sleep, and activity patterns.
Many people notice changes like reduced appetite or feeling full sooner within the first few weeks, though timing varies. Weight change is usually gradual, and some people need time to adjust to the medication and build consistent nutrition and activity habits. Side effects can also affect how quickly someone feels the benefits.
Learn more about how fast semaglutide injections can work for you
Results vary, and it’s important not to think of semaglutide as a guaranteed amount of weight loss. Many people experience reduced appetite and gradual weight change over time, especially when paired with a structured plan for nutrition, movement, and medical follow-up. Your outcome can depend on factors like adherence, lifestyle, starting health status, side effects, and individual biology. The best way to set expectations is to discuss realistic goals and progress benchmarks with your provider on a weekly basis.
Learn more: Semaglutide: A Game-Changer in Weight Loss and Type 2 Diabetes Management
