Semaglutide (Ozempic) for weight loss and diabetes | Side effects

Semaglutide is one of the medications for weight loss and diabetes. It is available under two brand names: Ozempic and Wegovy. It is one of the GLP-1 receptor agonists that has two advantages over endogenous glucagon-like peptides. It has a few modifications in peptide structure that make this medication stable towards the degradation enzyme DPP-4, dipeptidyl peptidase-4. It also renders this compound long-acting.
The role of GLP-1 is limited due to its degradation by the DPP-4 enzyme. This metabolic enzyme removes two terminal amino acids, rendering this mediator inactive. Now, semaglutide has modifications in its peptide structure such that it cannot be cleaved by the DPP-4 enzyme. With such stability along with its long duration of action, semaglutide can better control glucose levels and appetite in people who are overweight.
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