Novo Nordisk’s High-Dose Wegovy Shows 21% Weight Loss In Obesity Without Diabetes

Novo Nordisk announced encouraging results from its Phase 3b STEP UP trial, presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions in Chicago. The study evaluated the higher 7.2 mg dose of Wegovy® (semaglutide) in people with obesity but without diabetes. Over 72 weeks, participants receiving semaglutide 7.2 mg achieved a significant average weight loss of 21%, with one in three losing at least 25% of their body weight, substantially outperforming the placebo group.

“The STEP UP trial demonstrated that we can increase the dose of semaglutide and achieve greater weight loss than previously seen, and in line with semaglutide’s established safety profile. This may offer another option to people who do not attain their weight goals. We are already aware that semaglutide can have health benefits for people with heart disease, liver disease, knee osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. These findings help to give patients with obesity more options for improvements in their weight and overall health,” said Sean Wharton, lead study author and medical director of the Wharton Medical Clinic, Canada.

Even when accounting for real-world treatment adherence, semaglutide 7.2 mg still delivered robust weight-loss outcomes. The average weight loss was 18.7% compared to 3.9% with placebo, and over 90% of those on the higher dose lost at least 5% of their body weight. These results reinforce semaglutide’s strong efficacy profile, particularly in patients who may benefit from intensified therapy.

Ludovic Helfgott, executive vice president of Product & Portfolio Strategy at Novo Nordisk, stated, “With these results, semaglutide reaffirms its significant weight loss for people with obesity. The STEP UP trial delivers a substantial weight loss of over 20%, in addition to health benefits previously demonstrated with semaglutide. As pioneers in obesity, we continue to develop new innovative treatments to fit the needs and preferences of people living with obesity. This includes maximising the value of semaglutide for individuals, healthcare systems and society, and developing a new oral formulation of Wegovy® that, pending FDA approval, can become the first GLP-1 pill to offer double-digit weight loss.”

Safety data remained consistent with previous semaglutide trials. Most adverse events were gastrointestinal and generally mild to moderate, occurring primarily during the dose escalation phase. Discontinuation due to side effects was low (3.3% for 7.2 mg). Novo Nordisk plans to file for a label update for the higher dose of Wegovy® in the EU in the second half of 2025, with regulatory submissions to follow in additional markets where the drug is already approved.