What is CagriSema and how does it work?

CagriSema is a combination injection of two drugs: cagrilintide (an amylin analog) and semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist). By targeting two distinct appetite-regulating pathways — GLP-1 and amylin — CagriSema produces greater weight loss than either drug alone. Semaglutide slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite via GLP-1 receptors, while cagrilintide activates amylin receptors in the brain to further suppress hunger and food intake.

How does CagriSema compare to Ozempic and Mounjaro?

CagriSema showed 20.4% mean weight loss at 68 weeks in REDEFINE 1. For comparison, semaglutide alone (Wegovy 2.4 mg) produced ~16% weight loss in STEP 1, and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) produced ~22.5% weight loss in SURMOUNT-1. CagriSema falls between semaglutide and tirzepatide in efficacy but uses a different dual-pathway mechanism (GLP-1 + amylin vs. GLP-1 + GIP).

Is CagriSema FDA approved?

As of early 2026, CagriSema has not yet received FDA approval. Novo Nordisk submitted a New Drug Application based on the REDEFINE clinical trial program, with an FDA decision expected in 2026. The REDEFINE 1 trial results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2025.

CagriSema Weight Loss Calculator

Last updated: March 8, 2026 Medically reviewed content Based on peer-reviewed research

Measurement Units:

Current Weight (kg)

Height (cm)

Current BMI (calculated automatically)

Duration on CagriSema (weeks)

These are estimates based on average outcomes from the REDEFINE 1 clinical trial. Individual results vary significantly. CagriSema is not yet FDA-approved (decision expected 2026). Consult your healthcare provider before starting any medication.

What Is the CagriSema Weight Loss Calculator?

This calculator estimates potential weight loss with CagriSema (cagrilintide + semaglutide) based on clinical trial data from the REDEFINE 1 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. It uses your current weight, BMI, and treatment duration to project weight loss outcomes. CagriSema produced 20.4% mean body weight loss at 68 weeks — the highest of any GLP-1-based combination therapy in phase 3 trials. Results reflect average clinical trial outcomes — individual results vary based on diet, exercise, and metabolic factors.

CagriSema Weight Loss Calculator
What Is CagriSema?
How CagriSema Compares to Other GLP-1 Medications
CagriSema Dosing Schedule
How the Calculator Works
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Methodology

What Is CagriSema?

CagriSema is a once-weekly injectable combination of two drugs: cagrilintide (an amylin receptor agonist) and semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist). Developed by Novo Nordisk, it targets two distinct appetite-regulating pathways simultaneously to produce greater weight loss than either drug alone.

Dual Mechanism of Action

Semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist): Mimics the gut hormone GLP-1, slowing gastric emptying, reducing appetite, and improving blood sugar control. This is the same active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy.

Cagrilintide (amylin agonist): Mimics amylin, a hormone released by the pancreas after meals. Amylin acts on the brainstem to reduce hunger, slow stomach emptying, and suppress glucagon. Adding cagrilintide amplifies the appetite suppression beyond what semaglutide achieves alone.

In the REDEFINE 1 trial, participants on CagriSema lost 20.4% of body weight at 68 weeks — compared to 5.8% for semaglutide 2.4 mg alone in the same trial, demonstrating the additive benefit of the dual-pathway approach.

How CagriSema Compares to Other GLP-1 Medications

CagriSema targets GLP-1 + amylin pathways. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) targets GLP-1 + GIP. Semaglutide alone targets only GLP-1. Each combination hits different receptors, producing different weight loss magnitudes and side effect profiles.

Weight loss comparison across GLP-1-based medications — Sources: REDEFINE 1, SURMOUNT-1, STEP 1 trials
Medication	Active Ingredient(s)	Mechanism	Avg. Weight Loss	Trial Duration	Trial
CagriSema	Cagrilintide + Semaglutide	GLP-1 + Amylin	~20.4%	68 weeks	REDEFINE 1
Zepbound/Mounjaro	Tirzepatide	GLP-1 + GIP	~22.5%	72 weeks	SURMOUNT-1
Wegovy	Semaglutide 2.4 mg	GLP-1 only	~16.0%	68 weeks	STEP 1
Ozempic	Semaglutide 1.0 mg	GLP-1 only	~8%	52 weeks	SUSTAIN
Placebo	—	—	~3.3%	68 weeks	REDEFINE 1

Cross-trial comparisons are approximate. Patient populations, BMI inclusion criteria, and lifestyle intervention protocols differed across these studies. Head-to-head trials provide the most reliable comparisons.

CagriSema Dosing Schedule

CagriSema follows a gradual dose escalation over 16 weeks to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. The combination is delivered as a single once-weekly subcutaneous injection containing both cagrilintide and semaglutide.

Dose Escalation Schedule

CagriSema dose titration schedule — Source: REDEFINE 1 trial protocol (Lingvay et al., NEJM 2025)
Weeks	Cagrilintide Dose	Semaglutide Dose	Purpose	Injection Frequency
1-4	0.16 mg	0.24 mg	Initiation	Once weekly
5-8	0.3 mg	0.5 mg	First escalation	Once weekly
9-12	0.6 mg	1.0 mg	Second escalation	Once weekly
13-16	1.2 mg	1.7 mg	Third escalation	Once weekly
17+	2.4 mg	2.4 mg	Full maintenance dose	Once weekly

The escalation schedule may be adjusted based on tolerability. Most common side effects during escalation include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, which typically subside at each dose level.

How the Calculator Works

This calculator uses weight loss percentages from the REDEFINE 1 clinical trial. It factors in your starting weight, BMI, and treatment duration to estimate total weight loss based on the mean outcomes observed at each time point in the trial.

Clinical Trial Basis

68 weeks (full trial duration): Average 20.4% body weight loss (REDEFINE 1, N=3,417)

48 weeks: Approximately 18% body weight loss (interpolated from trial trajectory)

32 weeks: Approximately 14% body weight loss (interpolated from trial trajectory)

16 weeks: Approximately 8% body weight loss (dose escalation phase)

The calculator applies these percentages proportionally to your starting weight. Actual weight loss trajectories are non-linear — most patients lose weight fastest between weeks 16 and 40 after reaching the full maintenance dose, with the rate gradually slowing as the body approaches a new equilibrium.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can I lose on CagriSema?

In the REDEFINE 1 clinical trial (N=3,417), participants taking CagriSema lost an average of 20.4% of their body weight over 68 weeks. For a 220 lb person, that translates to roughly 45 lbs. However, individual results ranged widely — some participants lost over 25% while others lost less than 10%. Results depend on starting weight, adherence, diet, and exercise habits. The trial combined CagriSema with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

What is CagriSema and how is it different from Ozempic?

CagriSema combines two active ingredients — cagrilintide (an amylin analog) and semaglutide (a GLP-1 agonist) — in a single weekly injection. Ozempic contains only semaglutide. By targeting both the GLP-1 and amylin pathways, CagriSema produces approximately 20.4% weight loss vs. ~8-15% for semaglutide alone, depending on dose. The amylin pathway adds a separate appetite-suppression mechanism through the brainstem that GLP-1 alone does not fully engage.

Is CagriSema better than Mounjaro for weight loss?

In cross-trial comparisons (not head-to-head), tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) showed ~22.5% mean weight loss at 72 weeks in SURMOUNT-1, while CagriSema showed ~20.4% at 68 weeks in REDEFINE 1. These numbers are close but not directly comparable due to different trial populations and protocols. CagriSema targets GLP-1 + amylin, while tirzepatide targets GLP-1 + GIP — these are different dual-agonist mechanisms. A head-to-head trial would be needed to determine which is definitively more effective.

When will CagriSema be available?

As of early 2026, Novo Nordisk has submitted CagriSema for FDA review based on the REDEFINE clinical trial program. An FDA decision is expected in 2026. If approved, it would become available by prescription. Pricing has not been announced, but given Novo Nordisk's pricing for Wegovy (~$1,300/month before insurance), CagriSema is expected to be in a similar or higher price range as a next-generation combination therapy.

Is this calculator based on real clinical trials?

Yes. The weight loss projections are derived from the REDEFINE 1 clinical trial (Lingvay et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2025). This phase 3 trial enrolled 3,417 adults with obesity or overweight and compared CagriSema to semaglutide 2.4 mg alone and placebo over 68 weeks. The trial was randomized, double-blind, and conducted at multiple sites internationally. It represents the strongest available evidence for CagriSema weight loss outcomes.

Medical Disclaimer: This tool provides general educational estimates. Always consult your prescribing physician or healthcare provider before making medication changes or interpreting results from population-based models.

Sources & Methodology

This calculator uses peer-reviewed formulas and clinical guidelines. Results are estimates and should not replace professional medical advice.