Drug Design, Development and Therapy (Dec 2022)
Clinical Insight on Semaglutide for Chronic Weight Management in Adults: Patient Selection and Special Considerations
Abstract
Ariana M Chao,1,2 Jena Shaw Tronieri,2 Anastassia Amaro,3 Thomas A Wadden2 1Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA; 2Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; 3Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USACorrespondence: Ariana M Chao, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA, Tel +1-215-746-7183, Fax +1 215-898-2878, Email [email protected]: Losses of 5– 10% or more of initial body weight are associated with improvements in obesity-related comorbidities. However, attaining and sustaining this level of weight loss is challenging. The novel anti-obesity medication semaglutide 2.4 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity helps patients achieve average losses of 9.6– 17.4% of initial body weight at week 68, as well as improvements in cardiometabolic and psychosocial indices. Despite these average benefits, prescribers should carefully assess the suitability of patients for this medication. In this paper, we discuss considerations for the selection of individuals who are candidates for semaglutide and special considerations related to the use of this medication. These include its efficacy and safety, as well as its contraindications, potential adverse effects, management of comorbidities and drug interactions, insurance coverage and cost, and patient preferences.Keywords: GLP-1, obesity, pharmacotherapy, semaglutide, weight loss
