OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the weight loss efficacy of semaglutide initiated 6 months after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).
METHODS: This retrospective study included patients undergoing primary LSG. Patients receiving semaglutide (1.0 mg weekly) at 6 months post LSG for 6 months were matched 1:3 with controls not receiving semaglutide, balancing demographics, preoperative BMI, waist-hip ratio, comorbidities, and total weight loss (TWL) at 6 months post surgery. Primary outcomes were absolute and percentage weight loss from 6 to 12 months post LSG.
RESULTS: Both the treatment (n = 34) and control (n = 102) groups achieved substantial TWL (23.16% ± 6.50% vs. 23.53% ± 4.87%) at 6 months post LSG. From 6 to 12 months, the treatment group experienced significantly greater absolute (14.03 ± 5.26 kg vs. 5.63 ± 6.25 kg; p < 0.0001) and percentage (12.61% ± 4.11% vs. 4.84% ± 5.18%; p < 0.0001) weight loss than controls. At 12 months, TWL was also higher in the treatment group (35.77% ± 8.35% vs. 28.37% ± 7.41%; p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS: Semaglutide initiated 6 months post LSG significantly enhances short-term postoperative weight loss, even among patients who have already achieved substantial initial weight loss. These findings suggest its potential as an effective adjunct therapy for optimizing weight management in early postoperative care.