Semaglutide is an injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist drug that’s conventionally used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by slowing down stomach emptying and signaling to your brain that your stomach is full. This allows patients to experience less hunger and feel satisfied with fewer calories. Semaglutide has a chemical structure that is very similar to the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which regulates both insul secretion and appetite. In December, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the semaglutide injection Ozempic as a once-weekly adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.