Semaglutide for weight loss and cardiometabolic risk reduction in overweight/obesity

Purpose of review Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the risk is heightened in the presence of obesity. We review semaglutide, a drug recently approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or who are overweight. Recent findings On 4 June 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration approved semaglutide injection at 2.4 mg once weekly for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or high cholesterol. This subcutaneous injection is the first approved drug for chronic weight management in adults with general obesity or overweight since 2014. The drug is indicated for weight management in patients with a BMI of 27 kg/m(2) or greater who have at least one weight-related ailment or in patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m(2) or greater. Semaglutide offers adults with obesity or overweight a new treatment in conjunction with a weight management program consisting of reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Automated summary

Obesity is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Semaglutide is a recently approved drug for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. It offers a new treatment option in conjunction with a weight management program.