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Review
. 2022 Dec 29:16:4449-4461.
doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S365416. eCollection 2022.

Clinical Insight on Semaglutide for Chronic Weight Management in Adults: Patient Selection and Special Considerations

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

Clinical Insight on Semaglutide for Chronic Weight Management in Adults: Patient Selection and Special Considerations

Ariana M Chao et al. Drug Des Devel Ther. .

Abstract

Losses of 5-10% or more of initial body weight are associated with improvements in obesity-related comorbidities. However, attaining and sustaining this level of weight loss is challenging. The novel anti-obesity medication semaglutide 2.4 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity helps patients achieve average losses of 9.6-17.4% of initial body weight at week 68, as well as improvements in cardiometabolic and psychosocial indices. Despite these average benefits, prescribers should carefully assess the suitability of patients for this medication. In this paper, we discuss considerations for the selection of individuals who are candidates for semaglutide and special considerations related to the use of this medication. These include its efficacy and safety, as well as its contraindications, potential adverse effects, management of comorbidities and drug interactions, insurance coverage and cost, and patient preferences.

Keywords: GLP-1; obesity; pharmacotherapy; semaglutide; weight loss.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Chao reports grants from WW International Co and Eli Lilly and Co, outside the submitted work. Dr. Tronieri reports a grant from Novo Nordisk, outside the submitted work. Dr. Wadden reports serving on advisory boards for Novo Nordisk and WW International Co and receiving grants from Epitomee Medical and Novo Nordisk. Dr. Amaro reports receiving grants from Fractyl Laboratories and Altimmune and serving on advisory boards for Novo Nordisk and Fractyl Laboratories. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work. No funding was received to assist with the preparation of this manuscript.

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