Semaglutide: Friend or Foe?

Dr Ayesha Javaid
10/03/2025

Take home messages

  • Semaglutide shows significant promise in managing obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, offering substantial improvements in weight loss, glycaemic control and cardiovascular outcomes.
  • Long-term studies are essential to fully assess its safety, efficacy, and broader applicability in diverse patient populations.
  • Careful prescribing is essential to prevent its misuse, maximise benefits and reduce risks.

Obesity remains one of the most pervasive and stigmatized health conditions of the 21st century. It is a complex, multifactorial disease influenced by genetics, environment, and behaviour. Despite this, individuals living with obesity often face profound social stigma. This stigma, coupled with well-documented health concerns such as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and certain cancers, adds to the challenges faced by patients and healthcare providers. For decades, medical science has sought a breakthrough solution for effective obesity management.