Efficacy of subcutaneous semaglutide compared to placebo for weight loss in obese, non-diabetic adults: a systematic review & meta-analysis
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/m 2 . Patients treated with semaglutide experienced a clinically significant reduction in mean body weight - 11.62 kg (95% CI: -13.03 to -10.21; P Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis validates the clinical efficacy…
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Research on GLP-1 receptor agonists has primarily addressed weight-loss efficacy, not long-term maintenance of weight loss.
“Studies that have explored weight loss during GLP-1RA treatment have noted a clear need for research focused on the long-term efficacy of weight loss maintenance, 11”
From Discontinuing glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and body habitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2025) · cites this paper as [11]
Data from other meta-analyses suggest semaglutide yields mean weight reduction of 11.62 kg, tirzepatide 12.47 kg, and liraglutide 5.04 kg.
“Data from other meta-analyses suggest that semaglutide yields a mean weight reduction of 11.62 kg, tirzepatide 12.47 kg, and liraglutide 5.04 kg for liraglutide.11,31,32”
From Discontinuing glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and body habitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2025) · cites this paper as [11]
Cites
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Semaglutide as a promising antiobesity drug
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Berg, S., Stickle, H., Rose, S. J., & Nemec, E. C. (2025) · Obesity Reviews · doi:10.1111/obr.13929 · Cited by 111 · see citing works
Self-citationSemaglutide and cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
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Recent progress in the pharmacotherapy for obesity
Lu, J., Liu, P., Cai, M., Lv, T., Zhang, M., Yin, K., Cheng, J., & Zhang, G. (2025) · European Journal of Pharmacology · doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177850 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
- Authors
- Arastu, N., Cummins, O., Uribe, W., & Nemec, E. C.
- Affiliations
- Sacred Heart University (US)
- Open Door Family Medical Center (US)
- Corresponding author
- Nemec, Eric C.
- ORCID
- Nemec, Eric C.
- Venue
- International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
- Published
- 2022-06-17
- Volume
- 44
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 852-859
- ISSN
- 2210-7703 (ISSN-L)
- 2210-7711
- OpenAlex
- W4283026232
- Cited by
- 33
- References
- 5
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 1
- FWCI
- 1.04
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Pharmacology and Obesity Treatment
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes Treatment and Management
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Regulation of Appetite and Obesity
- Keywords
- semaglutide, obesity, weight loss, non-diabetic adults, subcutaneous administration, GLP-1 receptor agonists, placebo comparison
- MeSH terms
- Semaglutide, Adult, Glucagon-Like Peptides, Humans, Hypoglycemic Agents, Obesity, Weight Loss
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