The effect of semaglutide on body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Obesity is a global health problem associated with various comorbidities and increased mortality. Obesity is of particular importance in relation to the development and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), being its main pathophysiological factor. Lifestyle changes are the most important mechanism for weight loss, but may not be sufficient for sustainable weight loss. Pharmacologic agents such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 receptor agonists) are recommended as an adjunct to lifestyle interventions to promote and maintain clinically meaningful weight loss and reduce the risk of comorbidities. Since 2005, several GLP-1 agonists have been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, including exenatide (short- and long-acting), lixisenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and semaglutide. Of these, semaglutide (subcutaneous) and liraglutide are currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ongoing weight control in patients with or without diabetes. Semaglutide therapy resulted in significant and sustained weight loss and improvement in cardiometabolic risk factors compared with placebo, was well tolerated, and had a safety profile consistent with other GLP-1 agonists. The most common side effects with semaglutide are gastrointestinal events, which were transient, mild to moderate in severity, and usually resolved without permanent discontinuation of treatment.