randomized_controlled_trial · 2021
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine
highDOI · 10.1056/nejmoa2032183PMID · 33567185Trial · nct03548935Verified
Plain-English summary
Participants receiving semaglutide lost substantially more weight on average than participants receiving placebo, although gastrointestinal side effects and treatment discontinuation were more frequent.
Population
Adults with obesity or overweight plus at least one weight-related condition, without diabetes
Sample size
1961
Intervention
Semaglutide 2.4 mg subcutaneously once weekly plus lifestyle intervention versus placebo plus lifestyle intervention for 68 weeks
Outcomes measured
Percentage change in body weight|At least 5 percent weight reduction|Cardiometabolic measures|Adverse events
Key findings
Mean body-weight change was -14.9 percent with semaglutide and -2.4 percent with placebo; gastrointestinal adverse events were common.
Funding & disclosures
Funded by Novo Nordisk; several authors reported employment, research support or other relationships with the sponsor and other pharmaceutical companies.
Limitations
The trial excluded diabetes, lasted 68 weeks and was conducted with structured lifestyle support. Results do not establish outcomes after indefinite treatment or after withdrawal.Risk of bias
Low to moderate — randomized and double-blind, with sponsor involvement and treatment discontinuation affecting interpretation.Citation
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2032183
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