Obesity is a serious health problem that has become a global epidemic, leading to various health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Reduction in body mass index (BMI) decreases the risk of developing these conditions. Lifestyle interventions and dietary modifications are the initial approaches to weight reduction, but the Food and Drug Administration has approved five drugs for long-term use for obesity, including semaglutide.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion from the pancreatic islets in a glucose level-dependent way. It is administered subcutaneously once a week and is effective in reducing appetite and cravings for food, with a relatively low proclivity for fatty, energy-rich foods, resulting in weight loss.
To determine the efficacy and safety of semaglutide in treating obesity, a systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases were searched using the keywords "glucagon-like peptides," "semaglutide," "obesity treatment," "efficacy," and "safety." The search strategy used Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) to filter the search strategy on PubMed.
A total of 12 papers on clinical trials were analyzed, and the review found that semaglutide is safe and effective in treating obesity, with the primary reported complications being gastrointestinal events. However, further exploration is necessary, with more clinical trials involving a greater sample size and lengthier follow-up to determine the appropriate dose and duration of treatment for a diverse group of individuals who are overweight or obese.
In conclusion, semaglutide is a promising intervention for treating obesity, and its efficacy and safety have been established through various clinical trials. It is a useful alternative for individuals who have failed to achieve weight loss through lifestyle modifications and other interventions. Nevertheless, further research is required to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment for long-term efficacy and safety in different populations.
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