Real-World Usage of Semaglutide Leads to Substantial Weight Loss

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist initially used to treat type 2 diabetes, caused substantial weight loss in randomized trials. In this retrospective study, Mayo Clinic researchers examined semaglutide's effectiveness in treating obesity in less-controlled settings. Investigators identified 408 patients with prescriptions for semaglutide (weekly subcutaneous injections), primarily for weight loss; more than half of these patients were excluded from the study because of insurance denial, medication shortages, prior bariatric surgery, use of other antiobesity medications, or active malignancy.

Of the remaining 175 patients (mean age, 49; 16% with type 2 diabetes; mean body-mass index, 41 kg/m²), only one quarter r…