Are Higher Doses of Semaglutide Safe and Effective for Weight Loss?
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Synopsis
A recent study highlights the safety and effectiveness of higher doses of semaglutide in aiding weight loss for individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes. With promising results from international trials, this could transform treatment approaches for those struggling to shed pounds.
Key Takeaways
- Higher doses of semaglutide (7.2 mg) show safety and efficacy for weight loss.
- Significant weight loss improvements observed in obese adults and those with T2D.
- Participants experienced enhancements in key health metrics like blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Common side effects are manageable and do not lead to dropout rates.
- Further research is needed to assess long-term benefits and risks.
New Delhi, Sep 15 (NationPress) A greater weekly dose of semaglutide (7.2 mg) is deemed safe and can notably enhance weight loss in adults facing obesity, inclusive of those with type 2 diabetes (T2D), as revealed by an international study published on Monday.
The results stem from two extensive phase 3 clinical trials and were featured in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal. They indicate that the increased semaglutide dosage presents a hopeful new alternative for individuals who have not seen adequate weight loss with current treatments.
“The standardly approved dose of semaglutide is 2.4 mg, and our study demonstrated that 7.2 mg is safe and results in further weight reduction,” stated the researchers, comprising teams from Canada, the US, Denmark, Norway, and Portugal.
For adults not suffering from diabetes, the 7.2 mg dose led to an average weight decrease of nearly 19 percent, exceeding the 16 percent reduction associated with 2.4 mg and 4 percent with a placebo.
Almost half of the participants on the higher dosage achieved a weight loss of 20 percent or more, with around one-third losing at least 25 percent.
“Participants also witnessed improvements in waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels, all critical factors in minimizing health risks related to obesity,” the researchers commented.
In a similar vein, among adults with obesity and T2D, the 7.2 mg dose resulted in an average weight loss of 13 percent compared to 10 percent with 2.4 mg and 3.9 percent with a placebo, alongside significant drops in blood sugar levels and waist size.
Both studies concluded that the higher dosage of semaglutide was safe and generally well-received.
Common gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea, alongside some sensory symptoms like tingling, were reported. Nevertheless, most side effects were manageable, subsided over time, and did not lead to participant dropouts. There was no increase in serious adverse events or severe hypoglycemia associated with the higher dose.
“The elevated dosage could assist more individuals in achieving their health objectives and alleviate the global burden of obesity-related complications,” remarked the team from the University of Porto, while emphasizing the necessity for further investigations to comprehensively understand the long-term benefits and risks.
Point of View
I find the findings surrounding semaglutide's higher doses pivotal. This study opens new avenues in obesity management, especially for those who have struggled with weight loss. The emphasis on safety and efficacy can provide hope to many seeking effective treatments. However, ongoing research is vital to fully grasp the long-term implications.
NationPress
15/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a medication used to manage weight in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite.
Is a higher dose of semaglutide safe?
Yes, a recent study found that a higher weekly dose of semaglutide (7.2 mg) is safe and well-tolerated by participants.
How much weight can an individual lose with semaglutide?
Participants without diabetes lost an average of nearly 19% of their body weight when using the higher dose of semaglutide.
What side effects are associated with semaglutide?
Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea, but these are generally manageable.
What does this study imply for obesity treatment?
The study suggests that higher doses of semaglutide could provide an effective alternative for individuals who have not achieved satisfactory weight loss with existing treatments.
