Wegovy proven effective in East Asians with lower BMI, 1st study confirms

Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (semaglutide)

The efficacy of the obesity treatment Wegovy (semaglutide) has been confirmed for the first time in Asians with lower body mass index (BMI) compared to Westerners.

This marks the first confirmation of Wegovy's effectiveness in a study that set the obesity criterion at BMI ≥25 kg/m² -- the standard used in Asian obesity medical practice -- and selected treatment patients accordingly. Previous obesity clinical studies used Western standards of BMI 27 or 30+.

Professor Lim Soo (Courtesy of SNUBH)

Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) announced on Tuesday that a Korea-Thailand international joint research team, led by Professor Lim Soo of the hospital's Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, divided 150 non-diabetic obese patients into a Wegovy group and a placebo group. After 44 weeks of treatment combined with lifestyle modifications, the study compared changes in weight, waist circumference, and adverse event rates.

As a result, the study found that the Wegovy group achieved an average weight reduction of 16 percent and a reduction in waist circumference of 11.9 cm.

Specifically, the results showed that by week 44 of the clinical trial, the Wegovy group achieved an average weight reduction of 16.0 percent, significantly outperforming the placebo group (3.1 percent reduction). The waist circumference decreased by 11.9 cm, clearly confirming its effect on reducing abdominal obesity. Furthermore, the proportion achieving at least 15 percent weight loss was 4.2 percent in the placebo group, whereas it was 53.0 percent in the treatment group, approximately 12 times higher.

In the safety assessment, adverse events occurred in 89.1 percent of the semaglutide group, most commonly gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. However, adverse reactions were also observed in 77.6 percent of the placebo group, indicating no significant difference between the two groups.

The adverse reactions were mostly predictable gastrointestinal symptoms, falling within the range previously reported for existing GLP-1 receptor agonists, the research team noted.

“This study is the first randomized controlled clinical trial conducted with subjects meeting the East Asian obesity criterion of a BMI of 25 or higher,” Professor Lim said. “Unlike Western populations where severe obesity is common, it confirmed that the once-weekly 2.4mg semaglutide regimen is also an effective and safe treatment option for Koreans and East Asians, who have a higher proportion of obese patients with relatively lower BMIs.”

As the study applied the obesity criteria used in actual clinical practice, it will serve as important evidence for establishing clinical guidelines and insurance policies, Professor Lim added.