Semaglutide a useful weight-loss treatment option for men, women

In the treatment of obesity, semaglutide works for both men and women, according to the results of a network meta-analysis.

For the study, researchers assessed the available drugs for treating obesity to determine the most effective treatment options. Multiple online databases were searched for relevant studies. The loop-specific and design and treatment interaction approaches were used in the analysis, with the effects of treatment summarized based on a change score analysis.

The initial literature search yielded 9,519 references, of which 96 randomized controlled trials met the eligibility criteria and were included in the network meta-analysis. Of the studies, 68 included both men and women participants, 23 included women only, and five included men only. There were four treatment networks in the trials of both men and women, four in the trials of women only, and one in the trials of men only.

Four treatments in the network emerged as best ranking in the studies that included both men and women. These treatments were as follows: 1) semaglutide 2.4 mg (p-score 0.99); 2) hydroxycitric acid 4,667 mg three times daily, supervised walking, and 2,000-kcal/day diet (p-score 0.92); 3) phentermine hydrochloride and behavioural therapy (p-score 0.92); and 4) liraglutide plus advice to diet and exercise (p-score 1.00).

In studies that included only women, the best-ranked treatments were beloranib (p-score 0.98) and sibutramine, metformin, and hypocaloric diet (p-score 0.90). On the other hand, no significant differences among treatments were observed in studies that included only men.