Clinical data shows weight loss in patients with overweight or obesity following administration of Semaglutide

Obesity is a medical problem that increases the risk of other health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and various cancers. Body Mass Index (BMI) is often used to diagnose obesity. A person with BMI of 25.0-29.9 is considered overweight and a person with BMI of 30.0 and higher is considered obese. The goal in treating overweight and obesity is to achieve a normal BMI of 18.5-24.9, which will improve the person’s overall health and reduce the risks associated with excess of weight.

Dietary changes which include cutting calories and consuming healthier meals, coupled with exercise, are recommended to treat obesity and overweight. However, along with those changes, using weight loss medications such as Semaglutide may help those struggling to lose weight. 

Semaglutide is approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes. In June 2021, the FDA approved subcutaneous Semaglutide for long-term weight management, with doses of 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg once weekly. It is the first approved drug for chronic weight management in adults with general obesity or overweight since 2014 and it is prescribed and administrated by a healthcare professional. 

But how effective is the treatment with Semaglutide on weight loss?  

Scientists were looking into this question by conducting clinical trials examining the effect of Semaglutide on weight loss, for example, The Treatment Effect in People With Obesity (STEP) studies have been conducted to establish the effect of Semaglutide as a treatment for obesity. This article will summarise a study(1), conducted between January 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022, and assessed how effective is Semaglutide in treating overweight or obese patients, with or without type 2 diabetes, while receiving Semaglutide for up to 6 months. 

Results 

A total of 175 patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or more (overweight or obese) who participated in the study were given weekly Semaglutide subcutaneous injections for 3 to 6 months.

The results of this study revealed that after 3 months of weekly administration of Semaglutide, patients’ weight loss on average was 5.9% and after 6 months of administration of Semaglutide, patients’ weight loss on average was 10.9%. 

Total Body Weight

Interestingly, the existence of type 2 diabetes influenced the ability to lose weight. Patients without type 2 diabetes, lost more weight on average. Overall after 3 months of weekly administration of Semaglutide, patients with type 2 diabetes lost on average 3.9% of their body weight and after 6 months of administration of Semaglutide, patients with type 2 diabetes lost on average 6.3% of body weight. Patients without type 2 diabetes showed a greater weight loss on average- which was 6.9% after 3 months of Semaglutide weekly administration and 11.8% after 6 months of Semaglutide weekly administration. 

Weight Loss by Diabetes Status

Considering that about 70% of American adults are obese or overweight, this study demonstrated that Semaglutide is a beneficial treatment option. Combined with a weight management program, that includes a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, results for weight loss and increased quality of life can be expected. 

Reference:

(1) Ghusn, W. et al, September 19, 2022, Nutrition, Obesity, and Exercise, Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity.