New clinical data has indicated that Ozempic (semaglutide), a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist manufactured by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, is effective for sustained weight loss.
The product has previously been used to treat diabetes. Published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity (STEP) 1 study shows the results from 1,961 patients with a BMI of 30 or above, without diabetes. In a double-blind trial over 68 weeks, patients received once-weekly injections of either subcutaneous semaglutide (2.4mg) or a placebo, plus lifestyle intervention.
Data at the end of the trial period showed a mean weight loss from baseline of 15.3kg in the semaglutide group, compared to only a 2.6kg weight loss in the placebo group. Overall, 83% of patients lost 5% or more of their body weight, compared to 23% of the placebo arm.
