Abstract

Background: Obesity, a metabolic disorder, is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide [15]. Behavioral interventions alone often fail to achieve sustained weight loss [17, 18]. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight loss in overweight adolescents and adults without diabetes.
Methodology: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and randomized controlled trial (RCT) registries, with no time-frame limitation. A total of 593 research papers were retrieved; 12 met the inclusion criteria for systematic review, and 9 were included in the meta-analysis. RevMan version 5.3. was used, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.
Results: Once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg resulted in significant 10.8% reduction in body weight (95% CI −13.03 to −8.57), a 6.95 cm decrease in waist circumference (95% CI -7.18, -6.72), 3.61 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure (95% CI -4.00, -3.21), a 0.29% decrease in HbA1c (95% CI -0.31, -0.22) and a 36.21% reduction in CRP levels (95% CI -36.35, -36.06), compared to placebo. Gastrointestinal adverse events and treatment discontinuation were more frequent with semaglutide, while hypoglycemia or fatal events showed no significant differences.
Conclusion: Semaglutide 2.4 mg is an effective pharmacologic option for weight reduction in adolescents and adults without diabetes, with significant metabolic benefits. Careful monitoring of gastrointestinal adverse effects remains essential.

Key words: Semaglutide, overweight, adolescent, systemic review, trial, meta-analysis.