A recent study conducted on the weight-loss drug Wegovy (semaglutide) showed that individuals experienced weight loss during the first 65 weeks of treatment, but then reached a plateau. However, the initial weight loss was maintained for up to four years as long as the weekly injections were continued.
The findings, published in Nature Medicine, analyzed data from the SELECT trial, which focused on the drug’s impact on cardiovascular health. The trial included 17,604 participants from 41 countries, primarily older white males with existing cardiovascular disease who were overweight or obese.
Previous research on the drug demonstrated a 20 percent reduction in the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related deaths over a little over three years. The new analysis observed a steady decline in weight over the first 65 weeks of treatment and a sustained weight loss over four years, with participants losing an average of 10.2 percent of their weight.
While the weight loss seen in this trial was lower compared to other studies on semaglutide, researchers suggested that the differences could be attributed to trial design variations and additional lifestyle interventions. Despite these differences, the study showed significant weight loss across different demographics and body sizes.
Although the study had limitations, such as a primarily older white male participant pool, the results supported the use of semaglutide in individuals with cardiovascular disease who are overweight or obese. The next challenge for researchers is determining the optimal duration for individuals to remain on the drug, given its effectiveness and cost.
Overall, the study highlighted the potential benefits of semaglutide for weight loss in individuals with cardiovascular disease and obesity.
