The molecule used in a drug approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, proves to be also effective for weight loss.
- Semaglutide treatment can help you lose weight, according to a new study, but the marketing authorization in France concerns only the prescription for the treatment of diabetes.
- In this study based on 175 patients suffering from overweight or obesity, the percentages of total body weight loss obtained after six months of injection were 5.9% at 3 months and 10.9% at the end of l ‘experience.
- Often presented on social networks as an aid to weight loss, treatment with semaglutide, initially designed to fight diabetes, is controversial.
A new study published in the JAMA Network Open review showed that treatment with semaglutide leads to significant weight loss over a period of six months.
Few side effects
This study was conducted among 175 patients with overweight or obesity. The percentages of total body weight loss obtained after six months of semaglutide injection were 5.9% at 12 weeks and 10.9% at the end of the experiment. It should be noted that the side effects were moderate, suggesting that this treatment is well tolerated by patients.
“Semaglutide treatment in a regular clinical setting was associated with weight loss similar to that observed in randomized clinical trials, indicating its applicability for the treatment of patients with overweight or obesity,” conclude the researchers.
Controversy around the molecule
Despite these encouraging results, the treatment of obesity with semaglutide remains controversial. It was approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in 2017, and another drug based on the same molecule was recently also approved for weight loss by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But the marketing authorization in France concerns only the prescription for the treatment of diabetes.
Some people worry about possible side effects from prolonged use of this drug, while others criticize its high cost. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the use of such drugs for long-term weight loss, as the practice can be addictive.
Alternatives exist
It is important to note that treatment with semaglutide should not be considered a one-size-fits-all solution to obesity. Experts recommend using this molecule only as a last resort after exhausting all other options, such as regular physical activity and a balanced diet.
It is also important to note that this treatment must be accompanied by other lifestyle changes to achieve the best results. Doctors also recommend monitoring patients closely and continuing to assess the effectiveness and risks of treatment with long-term use.
