Novo Nordisk’s STEP UP Results Highlight Wegovy®’s Role In Reducing Obesity-Linked Risks; Trial Shows Gains Beyond Weight Loss

Novo Nordisk recently announced new data from its STEP UP phase 3b trial, demonstrating that Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4 mg and investigational 7.2 mg doses) not only supports an average 21% body weight reduction but also helps individuals with obesity reach treatment targets linked to a lower risk of obesity-related complications. These findings highlight Wegovy’s potential beyond weight loss, addressing a broader spectrum of metabolic health benefits.

“These new results demonstrate that most people on Wegovy® who achieve certain BMI and waist targets also benefit when it comes to lowering their cardiovascular risk factors,” said Emil Kongshøj Larsen, executive vice president and head of International Operations at Novo Nordisk. ”This shows the efficacy of Wegovy® in not only helping people lose excess weight but also preventing obesity-related complications and improving overall health. The risk of developing serious complications such as cardiovascular, kidney and liver diseases increases for people living with overweight or obesity. The STEP UP trial has also shown that a higher dose of Wegovy® delivers an average weight loss of 21%, with 1 in 3 people achieving weight loss of 25% or more and will offer a significant new option to help people with obesity achieve their weight and health goals.” 

Currently, obesity treatment lacks standard clinical targets beyond simple weight loss metrics. Novo Nordisk’s analysis underscores the importance of setting defined treatment goals—such as reducing risks of cardiovascular, kidney, and liver diseases,  when managing obesity. The STEP UP trial demonstrated that a notable percentage of participants using Wegovy achieved key measures, including a BMI below 27 and a waist-to-height ratio of less than 0.53, compared with none in the placebo group.

“The use of BMI and waist-to-height ratio targets has been shown to be associated with a lower risk of obesity-related complications,” said Carel le Roux, University College Dublin, Ireland. “This new STEP UP analysis reinforces the health benefits we have come to expect of semaglutide, such as cardiovascular protection, demonstrating its power in helping people with the disease of obesity achieve meaningful weight loss and health gains.”

Participants who met these targets also demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular health markers, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. Over half of them achieved healthy levels across all four measured risk factors, indicating a notably reduced risk of heart disease. These results reinforce the role of Wegovy® in managing obesity as a chronic condition, not just a weight issue. Novo Nordisk’s higher 7.2 mg Wegovy dose is currently under review by regulatory bodies in Europe, the UK, and other regions, with decisions expected by year-end. A US FDA submission is forthcoming.