A recent study published in The Lancet suggests that administering high doses of fat jabs could lead to significant weight loss for some patients, with a quarter of their body weight reduced. The study focused on the drug semaglutide, known as Wegovy, which is currently available in a 2.4mg dose. The research compared this dose with a higher 7.2mg dose of semaglutide.

Results showed that the 7.2mg dose resulted in an average weight loss of nearly 19%, surpassing the 16% weight loss seen with the 2.4mg dose. Notably, almost half of the participants on the higher dose shed 20% or more of their body weight, with a third achieving at least a 25% weight loss.

The trial indicated that the high dose of semaglutide was generally safe, with manageable side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and tingling sensations reported. There was no increase in severe adverse events at the higher dosage level.

Dr. Simon Cork from Anglia Ruskin University highlighted the potential benefits of the higher dose for patients with higher body mass who require substantial weight loss. He noted that while more side effects like nausea and vomiting were observed with the higher dose, they were expected and manageable.

Less common but serious side effects of semaglutide include acute gallstone disease, pancreatitis, and severe allergic reactions, which researchers monitored for potential increased occurrence at the higher dosage.

The trials involved 1,900 participants with a BMI of at least 30 from various medical facilities worldwide. The future availability of the higher dose of semaglutide remains uncertain as the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, navigates the competitive landscape in the weight loss drug market.

The study’s results, detailed in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal, shed light on the efficacy and safety of high-dose fat jabs for weight loss.