A recent analysis challenges the perceived efficacy of popular obesity medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, revealing that these drugs may not deliver the dramatic fat loss some have anticipated. Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic reviewed the medical records of 4,000 individuals prescribed semaglutide—branded as Ozempic and Wegovy—or liraglutide, sold as Saxenda and Victoza. They found that, on average, semaglutide users experienced a 5.1 percent reduction in body weight after one year, compared to a 2.2 percent loss for liraglutide users.
These findings may dampen expectations for many Americans who have sought significant weight reduction through these medications. For instance, a person starting at 300 pounds might only shed 15 pounds, still leaving them overweight. The study, which analyzed data from January 2015 to July 2023, also highlighted that patients using semaglutide for obesity lost more weight than those taking the drug for type 2 diabetes. Specifically, those using semaglutide for obesity saw a 12.9 percent reduction, compared to 5.9 percent for diabetes treatment, while liraglutide users lost 5.6 percent versus 3.1 percent, respectively.
The researchers noted that while the overall average weight loss was 3.7 percent, those taking the medication for obesity had more substantial results. The study underscored the real-world limitations of these medications and the importance of managing expectations. Despite the hype surrounding these drugs, which have seen soaring popularity and led to shortages, the study suggests that while beneficial, they are not a panacea for weight loss.
Dr. Shauna Levy, an obesity medicine specialist, emphasized that weight loss drugs are not a “magic bullet” and should be considered as part of a broader treatment strategy. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, aimed to evaluate whether substantial long-term weight loss is achievable with these medications and found that approximately 15 million Americans who have used them might not reach their desired weight reduction goals.
