New research on the weight-loss version of semaglutide published: Most weight loss is due to fat reduction, with no impact on muscle function

Novo Nordisk announced multiple research results at the 2025 European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting. Among them, the STEP UP trial showed that subjects receiving higher doses of semaglutide achieved an average weight reduction of 21% compared to the placebo group, with one-third of subjects experiencing a weight loss of 25% or more. In the STEP UP trial, the weight loss achieved with semaglutide 7.2 mg was primarily due to a reduction in body fat. Subgroup analysis results from the STEP UP trial indicated that there were no significant differences in changes in lean body mass and muscle mass between subjects treated with semaglutide 7.2 mg and the placebo group, and muscle function was also maintained