Essentially by mimicking the natural hormones that regulate hunger and feelings of fullness. Semaglutides like Wegovy, Ozempic, or Rybelsus, which were first FDA-approved for diabetes treatment in 2017, contains an active ingredient that lowers blood sugar levels by helping the pancreas produce more insulin, thus preventing the liver from releasing too much sugar, and slowing the rate at which food travels through the digestive system.

These actions can be useful to treat diabetes, in which an inability to make or properly use insulin can leave blood sugar unchecked, according to the American Diabetes Association. But these drugs hold promise for other metabolic benefits, including weight loss.