A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania has confirmed that the injectable medication semaglutide can lead to major weight loss. This drug, commonly known by brand names like Wegovy and Ozempic, is used to treat type 2 diabetes and long-term weight management.
The findings highlight the effectiveness of semaglutide in helping people with obesity lose weight and improve their overall health.
How the Study Was Conducted
The study took place between 2018 and 2020 at 41 locations across the United States. A total of 611 adultsparticipated, all of whom had obesity, with an average weight of 233 pounds and a body mass index (BMI) of 38.
To maximize weight loss, the researchers combined semaglutide treatment with an intensive diet and exercise program. Participants attended 30 sessions of behavioral therapy, where they received diet and physical activity counseling.
For the first eight weeks, they followed a low-calorie meal plan (1,000–1,200 calories per day), which included shakes, meal bars, and prepared meals.
One group received a 2.4 mg dose of semaglutide once a week, while another group was given a placebo (a fake treatment) with the same diet and exercise program.
Impressive Weight Loss Results
After 68 weeks, participants who took semaglutide lost an average of 37 pounds (16% of their body weight). In comparison, those who received the placebo lost only 14 pounds (5.7% of their body weight).
Additionally, 75% of those taking semaglutide lost at least 10% of their body weight, compared to only 27% of the placebo group.
Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
Losing weight with semaglutide also led to significant health improvements, including:
- Smaller waist size
- Lower blood pressure
- Better blood sugar control (lower hemoglobin A1c levels)
- Reduced triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood linked to heart disease)
These improvements suggest that semaglutide could help prevent and treat diabetes and heart disease. Researchers also noted that the weight loss achieved with semaglutide is enough to reduce the risk of other obesity-related conditions, such as sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and fatty liver disease.
Side Effects and Safety
The most common side effects of semaglutide were mild-to-moderate nausea and diarrhea, reported by 83% of participants. However, these side effects generally improved over time, and most people were able to continue using the medication.
What This Means for People Struggling with Obesity
Obesity affects over 40% of American adults, increasing the risk of serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. This study provides strong evidence that semaglutide is an effective and reliable weight loss treatment. While diet and exercise remain important, medications like semaglutide can offer additional support for people who struggle to lose weight on their own.
If you are considering weight loss treatment, talking to a doctor about semaglutide and other options may be a good next step.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about a cure for type 2 diabetes, and these vegetables could protect against kidney damage in diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about bone drug that could lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and results showing eating more eggs linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
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