# Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity

Article · Wissam Ghusn, Alan De la Rosa, Daniel Sacoto, Lizeth Cifuentes, Alejandro Campos, Fauzi Feris, Maria Daniela Hurtado, Andres J Acosta

- Archive id: doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982
- Published: 2022-09-19
- Venue: JAMA Network Open
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982
- PMID: 36121652
- PMCID: PMC9486455
- Citations: 238
- Source URL: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982
- PDF: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/articlepdf/2796491/ghusn_2022_oi_220917_1663080474.26893.pdf
- Provenance: openalex+europepmc

## Abstract

Importance: No retrospective cohort study has assessed the effectiveness of semaglutide at doses used in randomized clinical trials to treat obesity (ie, 1.7 and 2.4 mg). Objective: To study weight loss outcomes associated with semaglutide treatment at doses used in randomized clinical trials for patients with overweight or obesity. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study, conducted at a referral center for weight management, retrospectively collected data on the use of semaglutide for adults with overweight or obesity between January 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022, with a follow-up of up to 6 months. A total of 408 patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or more were prescribed weekly semaglutide subcutaneous injections for 3 months or more. Patients with a history of bariatric procedures, taking other antiobesity medications, and with an active malignant neoplasm were excluded. Exposures: Weekly 1.7-mg or 2.4-mg semaglutide subcutaneous injections for 3 to 6 months. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was the percentage of weight loss. Secondary end points were the proportion of patients achieving weight loss of 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, and 20% or more after 3 and 6 months and the percentage of weight loss for patients with or without type 2 diabetes after 3 and 6 months. Results: The study included 175 patients (132 women \[75.4%\]; mean \[SD\] age, 49.3 \[12.5\] years; mean \[SD\] BMI, 41.3 \[9.1\]) in the analysis at 3 months and 102 patients at 6 months. The mean (SD) weight loss after 3 months was 6.7 (4.4) kg, equivalent to a mean (SD) weight loss of 5.9% (3.7%) (P \< .001), and the mean (SD) weight loss after 6 months was 12.3 (6.6) kg, equivalent to a mean (SD) weight loss of 10.9% (5.8%) (P \< .001 from baseline). Of the 102 patients who were followed up at 6 months, 89 (87.3%) achieved weight loss of 5% or more, 56 (54.9%) achieved weight loss of 10% or more, 24 (23.5%) achieved weight loss of 15% or more, and 8 (7.8%) achieved weight loss of 20% or more. Patients with type 2 diabetes had a lower mean (SD) percentage weight loss at 3 and 6 months compared with those without type 2 diabetes: 3.9% (3.1%) vs 6.3% (3.7%) at 3 months (P = .001) and 7.2% (6.3%) vs 11.8% (5.3%) at 6 months (P = .005). Conclusions and Relevance: The results of this cohort study suggest that weekly 1.7-mg and 2.4-mg doses of semaglutide were associated with weight loss similar to that seen in randomized clinical trials. Studies with longer periods of follow-up are needed to evaluate prolonged weight loss outcomes.

_Abstract reproduced under CC-BY (publisher license, via OpenAlex)._

Topics: [GLP-1 & Incretin Therapies](https://space-kitty.com/topics/glp1-metabolic)

Cited in dossiers:
- [GLP-1 & Incretin Therapies: State of the Field (October 2026)](https://space-kitty.com/dossiers/glp1-metabolic)

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