The role of weight control in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Perspectives on semaglutide

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are widely used to address multiple aspects of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management, including glycaemic control, weight loss, and cardiovascular risk reduction. Semaglutide, a well-established GLP-1 RA approved for T2DM treatment and weight management, demonstrates marked efficacy in achieving these clinically important goals. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) consensus report emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to T2DM treatment, with weight control as a key component for improving patient outcomes. Notably, semaglutide is mentioned in the consensus report as having 'very high' efficacy for both glucose lowering and weight loss in T2DM treatment. Nevertheless, as has been observed with other weight-lowering drugs, weight loss observed with semaglutide appears less profound in individuals with T2DM than in those with obesity without T2DM, a phenomenon requiring further investigation. The semaglutide safety and tolerability profiles are well established, and it is approved in some countries to reduce cardiovascular risk in certain populations with T2DM. Thus, semaglutide offers a well-established therapeutic option that aligns well with guideline recommendations for T2DM management, emphasizing the high importance of weight control and amelioration of other cardiometabolic risk factors.