Efficacy and safety of semaglutide on weight loss in obese or overweight patients without diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Gao X, Hua X, Wang X, Xu W, Zhang Y, Shi C, Gu M

Frontiers in pharmacology14 Sept 2022Cited by 54 (Europe PMC)

PMID36188627PMCIDPMC9515581DOI10.3389/fphar.2022.935823PepBankPUB-36188627

Summary

Objectives: This study aims to explore the weight loss effect and safety of semaglutide as a conventional anti-obesity drug systematically in obese or overweight patients without diabetes. Methods: The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022. Data extraction and quality assessment of studies meeting the inclusion criteria were performed, and statistical analysis was conducted by Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 14. Results: Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, semaglutide induced a significant body weight loss (MD: -10.09%; 95% CI: -11.84 to -8.33; p ˂ 0.00001), elicited a larger reduction in body mass index (MD: -3.71 kg/m²; 95% CI: -4.33 to -3.09; p ˂ 0.00001) and waist circumference (MD: -8.28 cm; 95% CI: -9.51 to -7.04; p ˂ 0.00001), achieved weight loss of more than 5, 10, 15, and 20% with a higher proportion of participants. Semaglutide exhibited a positive effect on blood pressure, C-reactive protein, and lipid profiles, expressed more adverse effects than placebo, mainly gastrointestinal reactions. The results were stable and reliable with dose-dependence. Conclusion: Semaglutide indicated a significant weight loss with an acceptable safety for obese or overweight patients without diabetes.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study13

13 results from studies that gave the peptide. 13 results from people.

01HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide reduced body weight by a mean difference of 10.09% versus placebo.
In plain wordsAcross trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide led to more weight loss than placebo.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
DecreaseBody weight loss (mean difference)
Study
n = 4,567
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Measurements
Mean difference body weight
−10.09%
semaglutide vs placebo
Source sentences
Summary
Compared with placebo, semaglutide induced a significant body weight loss (MD: -10.09%; 95% CI: -11.84 to -8.33; p ˂ 0.00001)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022.
Summary · context
Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3618862701
02HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide reduced body mass index by a mean difference of 3.71 kg/m2 versus placebo.
In plain wordsAcross trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide lowered body mass index more than placebo.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
DecreaseBody mass index reduction
Study
n = 4,567
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Measurements
Mean difference BMI
−3.71 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
semaglutide vs placebo
Source sentences
Summary
elicited a larger reduction in body mass index (MD: -3.71 kg/m²; 95% CI: -4.33 to -3.09; p ˂ 0.00001)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022.
Summary · context
Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3618862702
03HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide reduced waist circumference by a mean difference of 8.28 cm versus placebo.
In plain wordsAcross trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide reduced waist size more than placebo.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
DecreaseWaist circumference reduction
Study
n = 4,567
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Measurements
Mean difference waist circumference
−8.28 cm
semaglutide vs placebo
Source sentences
Summary
waist circumference (MD: -8.28 cm; 95% CI: -9.51 to -7.04; p ˂ 0.00001)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022.
Summary · context
Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3618862703
04HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, a higher proportion of participants on semaglutide than on placebo achieved weight loss of more than 5%.
In plain wordsAcross trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, more people on semaglutide than on placebo lost more than 5% of body weight.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
IncreaseProportion with weight loss of more than 5%
Study
n = 4,567
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
achieved weight loss of more than 5, 10, 15, and 20% with a higher proportion of participants.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022.
Summary · context
Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3618862704
05HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, a higher proportion of participants on semaglutide than on placebo achieved weight loss of more than 10%.
In plain wordsAcross trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, more people on semaglutide than on placebo lost more than 10% of body weight.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
IncreaseProportion with weight loss of more than 10%
Study
n = 4,567
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
achieved weight loss of more than 5, 10, 15, and 20% with a higher proportion of participants.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022.
Summary · context
Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3618862705
06HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, a higher proportion of participants on semaglutide than on placebo achieved weight loss of more than 15%.
In plain wordsAcross trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, more people on semaglutide than on placebo lost more than 15% of body weight.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
IncreaseProportion with weight loss of more than 15%
Study
n = 4,567
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
achieved weight loss of more than 5, 10, 15, and 20% with a higher proportion of participants.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022.
Summary · context
Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3618862706
07HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, a higher proportion of participants on semaglutide than on placebo achieved weight loss of more than 20%.
In plain wordsAcross trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, more people on semaglutide than on placebo lost more than 20% of body weight.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
IncreaseProportion with weight loss of more than 20%
Study
n = 4,567
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
achieved weight loss of more than 5, 10, 15, and 20% with a higher proportion of participants.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022.
Summary · context
Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3618862707
08HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide had a positive effect on blood pressure.
In plain wordsAcross trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide had a positive effect on blood pressure.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedBlood pressure
Study
n = 4,567
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Blood pressure · Cardiovascular
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
Semaglutide exhibited a positive effect on blood pressure
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022.
Summary · context
Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3618862708
09HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide had a positive effect on C-reactive protein.
In plain wordsAcross trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide had a positive effect on a blood marker of inflammation.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedC-reactive protein
Study
n = 4,567
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Inflammation markers · Immune and inflammation
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
Semaglutide exhibited a positive effect on blood pressure, C-reactive protein
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022.
Summary · context
Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3618862709
10HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide had a positive effect on lipid profiles.
In plain wordsAcross trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide had a positive effect on blood fats.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedLipid profiles
Study
n = 4,567
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Lipids · Cardiovascular
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
Semaglutide exhibited a positive effect on blood pressure, C-reactive protein, and lipid profiles
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022.
Summary · context
Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3618862710
11HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide caused more adverse effects than placebo.
In plain wordsAcross trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide caused more side effects than placebo.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
IncreaseAdverse effects overall
Study
n = 4,567
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Adverse events · Whole body
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
expressed more adverse effects than placebo, mainly gastrointestinal reactions.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022.
Summary · context
Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3618862711
12HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, the extra adverse effects with semaglutide versus placebo were mainly gastrointestinal reactions.
In plain wordsAcross trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, semaglutide caused more stomach and gut side effects than placebo.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
IncreaseGastrointestinal adverse effects
Study
n = 4,567
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
expressed more adverse effects than placebo, mainly gastrointestinal reactions.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022.
Summary · context
Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3618862712
13HumanSystematic reviewOther
In a meta-analysis of trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, the results were stable and showed dose-dependence.
In plain wordsAcross trials in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, the semaglutide results were stable and depended on the dose.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
Not applicableDose-dependence of effects
Study
n = 4,567
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
The results were stable and reliable with dose-dependence.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022.
Summary · context
Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3618862713

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
11 Oct 2026, 00:50 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

Publication types

Keywords

PepBank is a research reference. Talk to a doctor before you use any peptide.