The study included visits and advice about daily habits
The STEP 1 trial compared semaglutide with a dummy injection over 68 weeks. Weight loss averaged 14.9% in the semaglutide group, compared with 2.4% in the dummy-injection group.
- Adults in this study did not have diabetes. They had obesity, meaning a high amount of body fat, or excess weight with a related health problem. They also received advice on eating and physical activity during regular study visits.
- The dummy injection contained no active medicine. Researchers call it a placebo and use it to compare results with the medicine.
- The drug's maker paid for the study. The average result does not promise the same weight change for everyone.
- Ask what help with eating and activity would be included in your care.
Ask about life after a prescription
The STEP 1 follow-up study found that participants regained about two-thirds of their earlier weight loss during the year after treatment ended.
- Ask how the clinician would judge whether the medicine is helping.
- Ask what continuing care would involve, and what a later change of plan might look like.
- Ask which findings apply to the exact product being discussed.