Background

After MBS, many patients experience weight maintenance issues. While GLP-1 agonists are better studied in the primary treatment of obesity, their role in the MBS adjuvant setting is less understood. The July 2022 ASMBS guidelines on AOM use in MBS note no current studies have investigated semaglutide use in post-MBS patients. Similar in MoA to the better studied GLP-1 agonist liraglutide, semaglutide has been used as an anti-hyperglycemic in DM, but it was not an FDA approved AOM until June 2021. We believed semaglutide would be a favorable AOM in post-MBS patients experiencing weight regain.

Methods

Charts were reviewed to identify post-MBS administration of semaglutide in the setting of weight regain from July 2021 through Jan 2022 at a single institution. 28 patients were identified; 4 males and 24 females, mean age of 48.9 years and average BMI of 39.4. Fifteen patients completed six-month follow-up.

Results

Results: Weight loss at six months was 20.7 lbs (95% CI 16.4-25.1 lbs). Average weight loss of males was 24 lbs compared to 20 lbs in females. Sub group analysis of older participants noted higher weight loss compared to the younger groups. Discussion: Post-MBS patients weight regain had favorable 6-month outcomes with semaglutide. Further research is warranted to better understand sex and age related differences in response to semaglutide administration suggested by our cohort.

Conclusions

Semaglutide is a promising adjuvant treatment for obesity in the setting of weight regain in post-MBS patients. Larger investigations are warranted to better identify patients who benefit most.