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Efficacy of subcutaneous semaglutide compared to placebo for weight loss in obese, non-diabetic adults: a systematic review & meta-analysis

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy volume 44, pages 852–859 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Research on semaglutide’s effect on weight loss has been largely focused on Type 2 Diabetics. No meta-analyses of semaglutide’s efficacy in non-diabetic individuals have been conducted to date. Expanding the knowledge of semaglutide’s outcome in non-diabetics may provide impactful changes at the clinical level.

Aim

This systematic review and meta-analysis quantified the efficacy of subcutaneous semaglutide in treating obesity in non-diabetic adult patients compared to placebo.

Method

Academic Search Premier, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) complete, MEDLINE with Full Text, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, medrxiv.org, and clinicaltrials.gov were systematically investigated using a predetermined search strategy from inception to August 21, 2021. Covidence.org was used to screen, select, and extract data by two independent reviewers. Individual study bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Data were exported to RevMan v5.4, where meta-analysis was conducted using a DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model.

Results

The initial search identified 332 relevant articles and ultimately retained four randomized controlled trials encompassing 2,882 participants with a BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2. Patients treated with semaglutide experienced a clinically significant reduction in mean body weight − 11.62 kg (95% CI: -13.03 to -10.21; P < 0.00001).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis validates the clinical efficacy of semaglutide for the treatment of obesity in the adult, non-diabetic population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT, 06825, USA

    Naazneen Arastu, Olivia Cummins & Eric C. Nemec

  2. Open Door Family Medical Center, Port Chester, NY, 10573, USA

    Wanda Uribe

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  1. Naazneen Arastu
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  2. Olivia Cummins
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Correspondence to Eric C. Nemec.

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Arastu, N., Cummins, O., Uribe, W. et al. Efficacy of subcutaneous semaglutide compared to placebo for weight loss in obese, non-diabetic adults: a systematic review & meta-analysis. Int J Clin Pharm 44, 852–859 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-022-01428-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-022-01428-1

Keywords

  • Glucagon-like peptide 1
  • Semaglutide
  • Anti-Obesity Agents
  • Obesity
  • Systematic review
  • meta-analysis