EFFICACY OF SEMAGLUTIDE IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY IN ADULTS WITHOUT DIABETES

Abstract

Obesity is characterized as a chronic, multifactorial disease with a significant impact on public health, whose rising prevalence has driven the search for more effective therapeutic interventions. In this context, the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the management of obesity in non-diabetic adults was evaluated, with particular focus on semaglutide. This study consists of a narrative literature review conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE database, including studies published within the last five years, in English, and with full-text availability. Clinical trials involving adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes were selected, resulting in the final inclusion of five studies. The findings indicated that semaglutide 2.4 mg, administered once weekly, produces substantial reductions in body weight, outperforming both placebo and other pharmacological agents, with mean weight loss ranging from 10% to 16% over periods of up to 68 weeks, and sustained effects for up to four years. Additionally, consistent improvements were observed in cardiometabolic parameters, including glycemia, blood pressure, lipid profile, and waist circumference, as well as a reduced progression to diabetes in at-risk individuals. The safety profile was consistent with that of the drug class, with a predominance of mild to moderate gastrointestinal adverse events. Thus, semaglutide emerges as an effective and clinically relevant therapeutic option for the treatment of obesity in non-diabetic adults, particularly when combined with lifestyle interventions, although issues related to tolerability and adherence should be considered in clinical practice.