Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist found in medications such as Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, has been found to result in long-term weight loss and slimmer waistlines among those struggling with obesity and weight management issues. Two new studies have highlighted the dramatic benefits of semaglutide in promoting weight loss over a significant period. One study published in Nature Medicine involved 17,000 adults without diabetes classified as overweight or obese, showing an average weight loss of 10% of body weight and a reduction in waistline measurements of more than 7 centimeters over a four-year period. Participants also saw improvements in cardiovascular health.
The study led by Dr. Donna Ryan of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center found that more than half of participants treated with semaglutide moved down at least one body mass index (BMI) category after two years. A significant number reached a healthy BMI, which is an uncommon achievement in clinical trials of weight-loss interventions. The results indicated that GLP-1 drugs are more effective than other popular weight-loss medications like phentermine or naltrexone/bupropion. Semaglutide primarily functions by mimicking the actions of the body’s natural incretin hormone, GLP-1, to slow down food absorption, increase satiety, and control blood sugar metabolism.
Another study from University College London showed positive outcomes for the cardiovascular system among individuals taking GLP-1 drugs, regardless of weight loss or starting weight. While the study did not include people with diabetes, it is believed that semaglutide would produce similar outcomes among individuals with diabetes due to its mechanism of action. Researchers noted that semaglutide had benefits across all genders, races, ages, regions, and body sizes compared to placebo effects. The findings suggest that semaglutide may have actions beyond reducing body fat that lower cardiovascular risk, such as impacting blood sugar, blood pressure, inflammation, heart muscle, and blood vessels.
The side effects of semaglutide treatment may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea, as well as an increased risk of developing gallbladder stones. However, negative symptoms were lower among semaglutide recipients than in the placebo group. The data presented at the 2024 European Congress on Obesity were sourced from the ongoing Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes (SELECT) trial, which showed that taking semaglutide for more than three years reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease by 20%. Further research is needed to understand the long-term impact of GLP-1 treatment beyond four years and to explore the benefits of heart-healthy diets and moderate-intensity exercise in combination with semaglutide or other GLP-1 drugs.
Overall, the studies emphasize the significant and sustained weight loss benefits of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide in a diverse population with obesity and weight management challenges. The findings suggest a potential impact on public health by addressing multiple obesity-related illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, osteoarthritis, anxiety, and depression. Researchers and experts point to the importance of continued research to validate the long-term benefits of semaglutide treatment and to explore complementary approaches like diet and exercise for enhanced cardiovascular health and weight management outcomes.
