European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

SEMAGLUTIDE: A GLUCAGON–LIKE PEPTIDE–1 RECEPTOR AGONIST AS ANTI-OBESITY DRUG

*Dr. Dhrubo Jyoti Sen and Dr. Dhananjoy Saha

ABSTRACT

The Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People With Obesity (STEP) trials have shown the efficacy of semaglutide for the treatment of obesity. In large RCTs, patients receiving semaglutide, 2.4 mg, lost a mean of 6% of their weight by week 12 and 12% of their weight by week. Semaglutide is a glucagon–like peptide–1 (GLP–1) receptor agonist. This medicine is also used together with diet and exercise to help lose weight and keep the weight off in patients with obesity caused by certain conditions. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. Type 1 diabetes—Should not be used in patients with these conditions. Insulin is needed to control these conditions. Continuation of semaglutide (Rybelsus/Novo Nordisk) after 20 weeks of initial therapy leads to significant continued weight loss, according to a new study, but stopping the therapy causes patients to regain much of the weight they initially lost. Research has found that when people stop using semaglutide, weight rebound occurs. Experts say this is because the drug is not a cure and it does not prevent the metabolic adaptation that occurs during weight loss. Long–term changes in diet and activity are an important part of maintaining weight loss. But not everyone is eligible for treatment with semaglutide. Doctors can prescribe it for adults who have obesity, with a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30; or overweight, with a BMI greater than 27 accompanied by weight–related medical problems such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Once–Weekly Semaglutide Is an Effective Adjunct for Weight Loss in Adults without Diabetes Who Are Overweight or Obese. Since the medication semaglutide was first developed for the treatment of type 2 Diabetes, many insurances still will not cover the prescription, brand name or generic, for weight loss. Semaglutide is a weight loss medication that has been shown to help increase your metabolism. This means that it will help you burn more calories and fat faster than usual. This can lead to weight loss, even if you don't change any other aspects of your diet or lifestyle. Semaglutide also decreased energy intake by 35%, reduced hunger, and increased fullness and satiety (all P < . 02) compared with placebo at 20 weeks. Once–weekly semaglutide decreases appetite, food cravings, energy intake, and body weight and increases control of eating at 20 weeks compared with placebo.

Keywords: GLP-1 receptor agonist, obesity, semaglutide, weight loss, T2DM, BMI, DPP-4, HbA1c.