Posted on 09/25/2025 5:51:40 AM PDT by Red Badger
A new analysis of two large clinical trials reveals that a higher weekly dose of semaglutide (7.2 mg) can drive significantly greater weight loss and metabolic improvements in adults with obesity, including those with type 2 diabetes. Credit: Shutterstock
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High-dose semaglutide drives greater weight loss. Safety remains favorable but needs further study.
A weekly semaglutide dose of 7.2 mg has been shown to markedly enhance weight loss and improve health outcomes for adults with obesity, including those who also have type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Evidence from two large, international phase 3 clinical trials, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, indicates that this higher dose may provide an important treatment alternative for people who have not achieved sufficient results with current therapies.
STEP UP clinical trials design
The STEP UP and STEP UP T2D trials represent the first investigations into whether raising the semaglutide dose from the standard 2.4 mg to 7.2 mg is both safe and more effective for weight reduction. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the higher 7.2 mg dose, the approved 2.4 mg dose, or a placebo for 72 weeks. Regardless of group assignment, all participants also received lifestyle guidance, including dietary support and physical activity recommendations.
In participants without diabetes, treatment with the 7.2 mg dose resulted in an average weight loss of nearly 19%, outperforming the 16% reduction seen with 2.4 mg and the 4% seen with placebo. Almost half of those taking the higher dose lost at least 20% of their body weight, and roughly one-third achieved a reduction of 25% or more.
These individuals also recorded improvements in waist size, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol—factors closely tied to obesity-related risks. For participants with obesity and T2D, the higher dose produced an average weight loss of 13%, compared with 10% on 2.4 mg and 3.9% on placebo, alongside meaningful reductions in blood sugar levels and waist circumference.
Both trials reported that the higher dose of semaglutide was safe and generally well tolerated. Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea, and some sensory symptoms like tingling, were the most common. However, most side effects were manageable, resolved over time, and did not lead to participants dropping out of the trial. No increase in serious adverse events or severe hypoglycaemia was observed with the higher dose.
Potential impact and next steps
By delivering greater weight reduction and metabolic benefits while maintaining a favorable safety profile, the authors say this higher dose could help more people reach their health goals and reduce the burden of obesity-related complications worldwide. However, they highlight that further research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits and risks.
Reference:
“Once-weekly semaglutide 7·2 mg in adults with obesity (STEP UP): a randomised, controlled, phase 3b trial”
by Sean Wharton, Paula Freitas, Jøran Hjelmesæth, Maria Kabisch, Kristian Kandler, Ildiko Lingvay, Maria Quiroga, Julio Rosenstock and W Timothy Garvey, 14 September 2025, The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(25)00226-8
Billy Bob Thornton is nearly unrecognizable in his current TV commercials.....................
Where Wegovy, we go all!
Ping!...................
Gee, what about eating well, and getting outside and walking at the very least?
Put down the screens and DO something.
I’m 8lbs down and heading toward 2nd belt notch in just under 2 weeks...
...eating hamburgers & pizza.
Just sayin’.
When I was a kid in the 60’s, we had two fat kids in our class, just two, both from fat families.
I live within walking distance of three schools, Elementary, Middle and High School.
50% of the kids I see are a obese.........
There is a magazine named Eating Well. Great recipes
My diabetes doctor said that there’s a new drug on the market that’s similar to Ozempic but is much better for weight loss. Can’t recall its name.
If you ever find out, I would love to know.
BRAVE AI:
Eli Lilly’s oral GLP-1 drug orforglipron is not yet on the market but is a leading candidate to become a major alternative to injectable drugs like Ozempic, with phase 3 trial results showing significant weight loss and metabolic improvements.
The company plans to seek approval for orforglipron as an obesity treatment as early as 2026, potentially offering a convenient daily pill option.
Orforglipron demonstrated an average weight loss of 27.3 pounds in adults without diabetes after 72 weeks of treatment, with nearly 60% losing at least 10% of their body weight.
The drug showed “clinically meaningful improvements” in cardiovascular risk factors such as non-HDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and triglycerides, and reduced inflammation markers by 47.7%.
It is a small-molecule drug, which allows for oral administration without the food or timing restrictions seen with other pills like Rybelsus, and its safety profile is consistent with existing GLP-1 medications, primarily causing mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects.
While some experts note that its weight loss results are not as impressive as injectable GLP-1s like Ozempic, the convenience of a daily pill could improve patient adherence.
Eli Lilly also plans to apply for approval of orforglipron for type 2 diabetes treatment in 2026.
When I was a kid there was no Playstation. There were three TV channels. And on days off we were told to go play outside and don't come back until supper. That's why I was never fat as a kid...and it's why my dermatologist takes a skin biopsy off of me every time I see him (skin cancers).
Just remembered the name...it’s Mounjaro
Thank you.
I’ll try to keep it in mind at the next doctors appointment.
We didnt have high fructose corn syrup.
Waiting for the inevitable class actions in a few years.
Wife has had great results in four months on strict Adkins (no to low carbs). Lost over 20%. She now weighs what she diid when we married.
“Safety remains favorable but needs further study.”
Money quote.
Monjaro.
I, a 65 year old diabetic (it runs in my family), have been on Monjaro for several years now, since shortly after its use was approved to help manage diabetes. It caused me to lose about 20% of my body weight (from about 255 lbs to about 200 lbs) completely effortlessly over the course of 6-9 months.
It’s very easy to take. Once a week, you just press the injection pen against your stomach, click the button on top, it self injects over the course of a few seconds, and usually, you don’t even feel it.
The only side effects I have experienced are nausea and vomiting. But I fairly quickly figured out that those were a result of the drug shrinking the size of my stomach. This occurs about 24-30 hours after I take my weekly dose.
If you have eaten too much food when the effect kicks in, the food is going to come back up when your stomach shrinks to the point where it can’t hold it all. But once I realized this was the mechanism, I started taking it every Friday evening (so the effect kicks in during the wee hours Sunday morning), and just made it a point to not eat a great deal that Saturday evening, which completely eliminated that side effect.
Is there a risk associated with taking this drug? Undoubtedly. But in my case at least, the benefits of the weight loss, which are obvious and manifest, seem to me to outweigh the risk.
It’s certainly helped keep my diabetes under good control. I can sometimes go days now without needing to take any insulin.
Don't throw that belt away. I could use something to tie down my barn.
The SEND MORE Money quote.....................
Overview of Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and assist with weight loss in individuals with obesity. It works by helping to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart-related issues.
Concerns About Organ Damage
Recent studies have raised concerns about the potential for semaglutide to cause damage to vital organs. While it is effective for managing diabetes and aiding weight loss, there are reports indicating that it may lead to complications affecting organ health.
Specific Risks
Kidney Health:
Semaglutide is associated with risks related to kidney function. It may worsen kidney disease in some patients, particularly those with pre-existing conditions.
Heart and Blood Vessel Issues:
Although semaglutide can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes, it may also pose risks for individuals with existing heart or blood vessel diseases.
Monitoring and Precautions
Patients using semaglutide should be closely monitored for any signs of organ dysfunction. Regular check-ups and blood tests are essential to ensure that kidney and heart functions remain stable while on this medication.
It is crucial to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider, who can provide personalized advice and monitoring plans.
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, can lead to bone mass loss, especially when weight is lost rapidly without proper diet and exercise.
Incorporating regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet can help mitigate this risk.
Drugs.com motleyrice.com
Effects of Semaglutide on Bone Mass
Bone Density Loss
Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, can lead to bone density loss, particularly when weight is lost rapidly without proper diet and exercise. This medication is often used for weight management and diabetes treatment, but its side effects include potential impacts on bone health.
Mechanisms of Impact
Bone Metabolism:
Semaglutide affects bone metabolism by interacting with osteoblasts (cells that build bone) and osteoclasts (cells that break down bone). This interaction can disrupt the balance between bone formation and resorption.
Hormonal Changes:
Rapid weight loss may trigger hormonal changes that can accelerate bone loss.
Research Findings
Recent studies indicate that individuals using semaglutide without incorporating regular exercise may experience significant bone density loss, particularly in the hips and spine. In contrast, those who combine exercise with semaglutide therapy are more likely to maintain their bone health.
Recommendations for Bone Health
To mitigate the risk of bone density loss while using semaglutide, consider the following:
Regular Exercise:
Engage in resistance and weight-bearing exercises to help maintain bone density.
Nutritional Support:
Ensure adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and protein to support bone health.
Monitoring:
Discuss periodic bone density testing with your healthcare provider, especially if you are at risk for osteoporosis.
In summary, while semaglutide can aid in weight loss and diabetes management, it is essential to be aware of its potential effects on bone mass and take proactive steps to protect bone health.
Drugs.com
Healthline
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