BACKGROUND: A significant number of patients encounter weight gain (WG) or inadequate weight loss (IWL) following bariatric surgery for obesity. Recent studies have explored the role of semaglutide in addressing weight management challenges in patients who have inadequate weight loss or weight gain after bariatric surgery. Despite such studies, a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of semaglutide in this specific clinical context remains absent. Therefore, this study was undertaken to address this knowledge gap.
METHODS: Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case-control, cohort and observational studies involving use of semaglutide in the intervention arm post-bariatric surgery. Outcome was weight loss post-bariatric surgery.
RESULTS: A total of six studies (300 participants) demonstrated significant weight reduction following semaglutide administration after bariatric surgery (WMD: - 15.730, 95% CI: - 22.140, - 9.320, p < 0.001). This effect remained robust in sensitivity analysis.
CONCLUSION: The current data encourages the use of semaglutide for managing WG or IWL post-bariatric surgery.