Semaglutide for the treatment of obesity

Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2023 Apr;33(3):159-166. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2021.12.008. Epub 2021 Dec 21.

Abstract

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist that was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for chronic weight management. This paper reviews data on the mechanism of action, weight-loss and cardiometabolic efficacy, and safety of semaglutide 2.4 mg/week for obesity. Semaglutide has demonstrated the largest weight loss of any obesity medication to date with reductions of approximately 15% of initial weight at 68 weeks, accompanied by improvements in cardiovascular risks factors and physical functioning. The approval of this medication provides patients with greater options for weight management.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Glucagon-Like Peptides / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / adverse effects
  • Obesity / diagnosis
  • Obesity / drug therapy
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • semaglutide
  • Glucagon-Like Peptides
  • Hypoglycemic Agents