A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania has shown that the injectable drug semaglutide can help people lose a large amount of weight when combined with diet and exercise. The study offers strong evidence that this medication could be a powerful new tool for treating obesity, a growing problem in the United States and around the world.
Semaglutide is already used to treat type 2 diabetes and is sold under brand names like Wegovy and Ozempic. In recent years, it has also been approved for long-term weight management. This new study confirms just how effective it can be, especially when paired with changes in diet and physical activity.
Obesity affects more than 40% of adults in the U.S. and increases the risk of many serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, joint pain, and fatty liver disease. Finding treatments that work well and are easy to use is a top priority for doctors and patients alike.
The 68-week study took place between August 2018 and April 2020 across 41 sites in the United States. A total of 611 adults took part, all with an average weight of 233 pounds and a body mass index (BMI) of 38, which is considered severely obese.
All participants received 30 sessions of intensive behavioral therapy, which included guidance on healthy eating and exercise. For the first 8 weeks, participants followed a strict meal plan that included shakes, meal bars, and prepared meals totaling only 1,000 to 1,200 calories per day.
Half the group also received a weekly 2.4 mg injection of semaglutide, while the other half received a placebo (a shot with no active drug). After 68 weeks, those who took semaglutide lost an average of 16% of their body weight—about 37 pounds. In comparison, those in the placebo group lost about 5.7%, or 14 pounds.
Even more impressive, 75% of the semaglutide group lost at least 10% of their body weight, compared to just 27% of those in the placebo group.
The weight loss also came with several health benefits. Participants taking semaglutide saw greater improvements in their waist size, blood pressure, blood sugar (measured by hemoglobin A1c), and triglyceride levels. These changes are important because they reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
The researchers say the amount of weight lost with semaglutide is enough to improve or even prevent many health problems related to obesity, such as osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Some side effects were reported. About 83% of people taking semaglutide had mild-to-moderate digestive issues, such as nausea or diarrhea. However, these symptoms usually got better over time, and most people continued taking the drug without any major problems.
This study, led by Thomas Wadden and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, offers hope for people struggling with obesity. While semaglutide is not a magic fix, it can be a powerful part of a long-term weight loss plan when used along with healthy eating and regular physical activity.
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.
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