Planning to increase semaglutide dosage for weight loss? Lancet study says its safe
Currently, the approved dose of semaglutide for weight loss is 2.4 mg per week. However, researchers from Canada, the US, Denmark, Norway, and Portugal tested a much higher dose—7.2 mg—through two large-scale phase 3 clinical trials. The results were striking.
New Delhi: An international study has found that a higher weekly dose of semaglutide, a drug widely prescribed for weight management, can safely deliver greater weight loss benefits for adults living with obesity, including those with type 2 diabetes. The findings were published this week in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
What happens when you increase the semaglutide dosage?
Currently, the approved dose of semaglutide for weight loss is 2.4 mg per week. However, researchers from Canada, the US, Denmark, Norway, and Portugal tested a much higher dose—7.2 mg—through two large-scale phase 3 clinical trials. The results were striking. In adults without diabetes, the higher dose produced an average weight loss of nearly 19%, compared with 16% for the standard dose and only 4% with a placebo. Nearly half of the participants on 7.2 mg lost 20% or more of their body weight, and about one in three shed at least 25%.
Impact on diabetics
The benefits of weight loss drugs are extended to obese and diabetic patients. A higher dose, in this case, leads to an average 13% dip in body weight, as opposed to 10% weight loss with 2.4mg semaglutide and 3.9% with placebo. Participants also witnessed a reduction in belly fat and better management of metabolic markers and blood sugar levels.
Side effects of weight loss drugs
Higher dose of semaglutide was said to be largely well-tolerated and safe as well. Some of the most common side effects were gastrointestinal distress in the form of diarrhoea and nausea, along with tingling sensations. These were largely mild effects that can ease over time. Additionally, the risk of serious health problems like spiking blood sugar levels was also non-existent.
Conclusion
Authors also noted that obesity continues to be a key root cause of chronic and acute health problems ranging from diabetes to heart disease and even some forms of cancer. A bigger dose of semaglutide can work wonders to reduce weight at a faster pace. However, more research is needed for a better understanding of the potential side effects.