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

Semaglutide for the treatment of obesity

Ariana M Chao  1 , Jena S Tronieri  2 , Anastassia Amaro  3 , Thomas A Wadden  2
Affiliations
Review

Semaglutide for the treatment of obesity

Ariana M Chao et al. Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2023 Apr.

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.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Theoretical and empirically supported mechanisms of action of semaglutide for obesity
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Percent initial weight loss at 68 weeks for STEP trials 1–4
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Categorical weight loss at 68 weeks for STEP trials 1–4
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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