Semaglutide helps with weight loss by reducing calorie intake. A new study found it maintained lower calorie intake for over 1 year.

A new study found that people taking semaglutide, known by the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, maintained a significantly lower calorie intake after 60 weeks on the medication. Participants took a 2.4-milligram dose of semaglutide or a placebo once a week, along with lifestyle counseling. Those taking semaglutide consumed 24% to 30% fewer calories than those on a placebo.

Study Findings

The 60-week trial enrolled 120 adults with overweight or obesity. Participants taking semaglutide lost an average of 15.1% of their initial body weight after 60 weeks, compared with 3.4% among those taking a placebo. The study also examined participants’ feelings of hunger, fullness, and food preoccupation, finding that during the first 20 weeks, people using semaglutide reported less hunger and greater appetite control. However, by weeks 40 and 60, these differences were no longer statistically significant.

Expert Insights

Experts say semaglutide should be viewed as one part of a broader long-term weight management strategy. Mir Ali, MD, said the most successful outcomes happen when patients use the medication as a tool and not a stand-alone solution. Jonathan Jennings, MD, added that strategy planning with a nutritionist and a healthcare professional is the most effective way to make modifications needed to reduce the risk of rebound weight gain after stopping the medication.