A recent study spearheaded by Prof. Luca Busetto from the University of Padova, in collaboration with researchers from Novo Nordisk, has revealed significant findings regarding the use of semaglutide in older adults suffering from obesity.
Exploring Semaglutide's Impact on Older Adults
Older adults with obesity are often seen as medically vulnerable due to the prevalence of multiple health conditions and increased frailty. This demographic has limited research available regarding the effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including semaglutide. To address this gap, the researchers analyzed data from various clinical trials, specifically focusing on participants who were overweight or obese but did not have diabetes, as this condition can skew weight loss results.
The study involved participants aged 65 and older with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 kg/m² or a BMI of 27 kg/m² with obesity-related complications. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either semaglutide at a dosage of 2.4 mg or a placebo, alongside lifestyle interventions. Some participants also received intensive behavioral therapy.
Outcomes were assessed over a period of 68 weeks, focusing on changes in body weight, waist circumference, BMI categories, and various cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Noteworthy Weight Loss and Health Gains
Out of a total of 4,523 participants, 358 were aged 65 or older. Among them, 248 received semaglutide while 110 were given a placebo. The average age of participants was 69, with an initial body weight of 99.0 kg and an average BMI of 36.6 kg/m².
By the end of the study, those taking semaglutide experienced an impressive average weight loss of 15.4%, compared to just 5.1% in the placebo group. Waist circumference also saw a significant reduction, with a decrease of 14.3 cm in the semaglutide group versus 6.0 cm in the placebo group.
Furthermore, a remarkable 66.5% of participants on semaglutide achieved a weight loss of at least 10%, while only 15.5% of those on placebo reached this milestone. The figures for greater weight loss were similarly striking, with 46.8% of semaglutide users losing 15% or more of their body weight.
Improvements in BMI and Cardiometabolic Health
Significant advancements in waist-to-height ratio and BMI categories were observed among those taking semaglutide. Notably, 27.0% of participants achieved a healthy weight (BMI <27 kg/m²), compared to just 5.5% in the placebo group.
Additionally, improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors were evident, including reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Safety and Side Effects
While adverse events were reported in both groups, the overall rates were comparable. However, serious adverse events were more frequent among semaglutide participants. Common side effects included constipation and dizziness, consistent with previous findings.
Dr. Busetto emphasized the relevance of these findings, stating that semaglutide effectively reduces body weight and enhances cardiometabolic health in older adults. This research underscores the potential of semaglutide to improve the quality of life for many in this demographic.
