Skip to main content
Springer logoLink to Springer
. 2025 Aug 6;42(10):5010–5022. doi: 10.1007/s12325-025-03325-1

Real-World Weight Loss Among Patients Initiating Semaglutide 2.4 mg and Enrolled in WeGoTogether, a Digital Self-Support Application

Joshua C Toliver 1,, Victoria Divino 1, Carmen D Ng 1, Julia Wang 1
PMCID: PMC12474656  PMID: 40768192

Abstract

Introduction

Semaglutide injection 2.4 mg (Wegovy®; hereafter referred to as semaglutide) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in June 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with overweight or obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the real-world long-term effectiveness of semaglutide in combination with the WeGoTogether patient support program with a follow-up period of up to 24 months.

Methods

This retrospective, noninterventional cohort study included adults with overweight or obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) who initiated semaglutide and enrolled in WeGoTogether during the study period (6/2021–4/2025). Semaglutide is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Patients had ≥ 2 post-index weights, with ≥ 1 weight at 6, 12, 18, and/or 24 months (± 30 days) of follow-up. Self-reported, de-identified data from WeGoTogether were analyzed descriptively. Patient demographics were characterized, and changes in weight and BMI were compared from index to each follow-up time point.

Results

Overall, 8177 patients met the eligibility criteria, including 7604 (93.0%) patients with a BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2. At baseline, the mean age was 49.5 years, mean weight was 234.1 lb, and mean BMI was 38.4 kg/m2; 83.6% of patients were female. Among patients with reported weight at the time points of interest, the mean (standard deviation) percent weight loss was − 13.4% (6.4) at 6 months (n = 6964), − 17.6% (10.2) at 12 months (n = 2050), − 20.3% (11.4) at 18 months (n = 491), and − 20.4% (11.3) at 24 months (n = 325). The proportions of patients achieving ≥ 20% weight loss were 13.1%, 43.3%, 52.5%, and 50.5% at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. Similar results were observed for the subgroup with BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated substantial weight loss with semaglutide treatment, including over long-term 18- and 24-month follow-up periods, as reported in the WeGoTogether program. These data suggest patients can achieve clinically meaningful long-term (24 months) weight loss in real-world settings when treated with semaglutide and participating in the WeGoTogether patient support program.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-025-03325-1.

Keywords: Digital application, Obesity, Overweight, Patient support, Real-world evidence, Semaglutide, Weight loss, Weight tracking

Plain Language Summary

Obesity is a common condition among adults and can increase the risk of developing serious health complications. In the USA, the drug semaglutide (known as Wegovy®) is approved for long-term weight management in patients with overweight or obesity. The WeGoTogether patient support program is a free digital application that provides resources to help patients start and maintain semaglutide treatment. This study examined real-world weight loss data for patients taking semaglutide who were enrolled in WeGoTogether. Patients with overweight or obesity (body mass index [BMI] score of 25.0 kg/m2 or higher) who received semaglutide treatment and reported weight measurements in the WeGoTogether program were included. Change in body weight was measured over time up to 24 months after starting semaglutide. A total of 8177 patients with overweight or obesity were included in this study. The average weight loss was 13.4% at 6 months, 17.6% at 12 months, 20.3% at 18 months, and 20.4% at 24 months. The number of patients who lost 20% or more of their initial body weight increased over time, from 13.1% at 6 months to 50.5% at 24 months. This study demonstrated that patients with overweight or obesity who were treated with semaglutide and enrolled in the WeGoTogether program had meaningful long-term (24 months) weight loss. The study’s large size and long duration suggest that this combination is effective for long-term weight loss in a real-world setting.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-025-03325-1.

Key Summary Points

This retrospective cohort study evaluated the real-world effectiveness of semaglutide 2.4 mg among adults with overweight or obesity who initiated semaglutide and enrolled in the WeGoTogether digital patient support program with a follow-up period of 24 months
Patients treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg who enrolled in the WeGoTogether program achieved substantial self-reported long-term weight loss, with mean percent weight loss of − 20.3% at 18 months and − 20.4% at 24 months.
Approximately half of patients achieved ≥ 20% weight loss at 18 and 24 months (52.5% and 50.5%, respectively).
The study findings suggest the WeGoTogether digital patient support program can play a crucial role in enhancing weight loss outcomes by integrating patient support tools with semaglutide 2.4 mg treatment.
The study underscores the capability of semaglutide 2.4 mg combined with patient support to achieve substantial weight loss over long-term periods (18 and 24 months).

Introduction

Obesity is a common, chronic condition that represents a significant public health concern in the USA and worldwide, with a prevalence that has risen dramatically in the USA over the past few decades, affecting an estimated 41.9% of the adult population from 2017 to 2020 [1]. Obesity is a major risk factor for several medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, and some cancers, and the presence of obesity-related comorbidities leads to substantially increased health care costs and greater mortality risk [24]. Several obesity management options are available, including caloric restriction, behavioral modification, bariatric surgery, and medication. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved six drugs for long-term, chronic weight management [5].

Semaglutide injection 2.4 mg (Wegovy®; hereafter referred to as semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a once-weekly injectable glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved by the FDA in June 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with ≥ 1 weight-related comorbidity [6, 7]. The STEP series of phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials demonstrated the efficacy and safety of semaglutide 2.4 mg. Among 1961 patients without T2DM in the STEP 1 trial, the mean reduction in body weight from baseline was − 14.9% and − 2.4% at 68 weeks of follow-up in patients treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg and placebo, respectively (P < 0.001) [8]. The STEP 3 trial, which included semaglutide 2.4 mg as an adjunct to intensive behavior therapy and a low-calorie diet, further confirmed these findings in patients without T2DM, with patients experiencing a mean body weight reduction of − 16.0% with semaglutide 2.4 mg compared with − 5.7% with placebo at 68 weeks of follow-up [9]. In the STEP 2 trial, which included patients with T2DM, semaglutide 2.4 mg resulted in a mean weight reduction of − 9.6% compared with − 3.4% with placebo at 68 weeks of follow-up [10]. Moreover, the STEP 4 and 5 trials demonstrated that continued treatment with semaglutide 2.4 mg led to maintained weight loss over 68-week and 104-week follow-up periods, with mean weight reductions of − 17.4% and − 15.2%, respectively, compared with − 5.0% and − 2.6% with placebo, underscoring its important role for long-term weight management [11, 12]. Overall, the STEP trials demonstrated that semaglutide 2.4 mg is generally well tolerated, with the most common adverse events being mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues, thereby supporting its safety profile for chronic weight management [812]. Further, a review of prior network meta-analyses evaluating the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss found that, across all time points evaluated, semaglutide 2.4 mg was associated with the greatest weight loss (− 11.5 to − 12.5 kg compared with placebo) [13].

Real-world evidence on the long-term effectiveness of semaglutide 2.4 mg is currently limited owing to the relatively recent approval of this therapy; however, several real-world studies have found substantial weight loss results for patients. In a retrospective cohort study that reviewed electronic medical records, among patients with overweight or obesity who were treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg, the mean (standard deviation [SD]) percent weight loss from baseline was − 10.9% (5.8%) at 6 months [14]. Other retrospective cohort studies in patients with overweight or obesity who were treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg described mean (SD) percent weight loss of − 10.0% (6.6%) at 6 months of follow-up and − 13.4% (8.0%) and − 14.5% (SD not reported) at 1 year of follow-up [1517].

In tandem with treatment, digital patient support programs can play a positive role in the management of patients with overweight and obesity, with several potential benefits, especially given the need for easily accessible information [1820]. For instance, among patients in the UK who were treated with semaglutide (semaglutide indicated for T2DM [Ozempic®] or semaglutide 2.4 mg) or tirzepatide (a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and GLP-1 receptor co-agonist indicated for T2DM and overweight/obesity), active engagement with digital health platforms for weight loss—defined by the inclusion of coaching sessions, digital application use, and regular weight tracking tools—led to a mean weight loss of − 11.5% (95% CI − 11.5% to − 11.6%) at 5 months of follow-up versus − 8.0% (95% CI − 7.9% to − 8.0%) among patients who did not use these platforms (P < 0.001) [21].

Given the demonstrated clinical efficacy and safety of semaglutide 2.4 mg and the limited data on its real-world long-term effectiveness, our study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and real-world outcomes of patients with overweight or obesity who were treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg using patient-reported data from the WeGoTogether digital patient support program over a follow-up period of up to 24 months.

Methods

Study Design and Patients

This retrospective, noninterventional cohort study included patients in the USA with overweight or obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) who reported treatment with semaglutide 2.4 mg and participated in the WeGoTogether patient support program. Self-reported, de-identified data collected through the WeGoTogether digital application were analyzed in this study. This study was performed in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations, including the principles of the Helsinki Declaration of 1964 and its later amendments. The study protocol was reviewed by the WCG Institutional Review Board (Cary, NC, USA) and determined to be exempt from full institutional review board review. All patients enrolled in the WeGoTogether patient support program provided consent for their de-identified data to be used for research purposes.

The study period spanned from June 4, 2021 (the launch date of semaglutide 2.4 mg) through April 10, 2025 (Supplementary Fig. S1). The index date was defined as the self-reported date of first semaglutide 2.4 mg injection in the WeGoTogether program. All data analyzed from the WeGoTogether program were self-reported by patients. There was no formal recruitment as part of this study; all patients who enrolled in the WeGoTogether program and met the study eligibility criteria were included. Eligible patients were aged ≥ 18 years at the index date and reported their weight and height at index, with a calculated BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 based on weight and height. Additionally, patients were required to have ≥ 2 weight measurements at any time after the index date to ensure engagement with the program during the study period, as well as ≥ 1 weight measurement at 6, 12, 18, or 24 months (± 30 days) of follow-up for calculation of weight change at various time points.

WeGoTogether Patient Support Program

Patients included in this study were identified via the WeGoTogether patient support program, a free digital application with behavior change resources for starting and maintaining treatment with semaglutide 2.4 mg. This program complements patient care by offering tools such as tips for using the semaglutide 2.4 mg pen and weekly medication reminders, along with access to coaches for motivation and guidance on aspects such as personal goals, portion control, sleep hygiene, and physical activity. Patients self-report demographics, height, and weight at enrollment in the program, and can track their weight progress through the personalized portal.

Study Assessments and Endpoints

Patient characteristics, including age, sex, region, quarter-year of treatment initiation, weight, and height, were self-reported at the index date. Weight is reported in pounds to reflect patients’ self-reported values. BMI was calculated based on self-reported weight and height at the index date. Clinical outcomes included absolute and percent changes in weight and absolute change in BMI at different follow-up time points of interest. Percent weight loss was calculated using the following formula: percent weight loss = 100 × ([weight at index date − weight at end of respective follow-up period]/weight at index date), among patients with ≥ 1 available weight at the respective follow-up time point of interest. A similar approach was taken for BMI, calculated based on weight at the relevant time points and index height.

Clinical outcomes were evaluated at each follow-up time point (6, 12, 18, and 24 months) among patients who had an available weight within a ± 30-day window of the specified follow-up time point. In case a participant had > 1 weight reported during the ± 30-day window for a given follow-up time point, the closest weight to the time point of interest was utilized. The proportion of patients achieving clinically relevant weight loss targets of ≥ 5%, ≥ 10%, ≥ 15%, and ≥ 20% from the index date to the respective follow-up time point was also assessed. Change in BMI class was also evaluated.

Data Sources and Management

All patients who enrolled in the WeGoTogether program and met the study eligibility criteria were included in the study. Data were de-identified and did not contain any personal identifiable information. All patients enrolled in the WeGoTogether program provided consent for their de-identified data to be used for research purposes.

Statistical Analysis

Descriptive statistics, including counts and percentages for categorical variables and means, SDs, quartiles, and minimum/maximum values for continuous variables, were used to characterize the demographic and clinical characteristics and the clinical outcomes. Counts and percentages were used for weight and BMI outcomes at each follow-up time point of interest among patients with an available weight measurement at the respective time point. Changes in weight and BMI between the index date and each follow-up time point of interest were analyzed descriptively and compared using the paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Change in BMI class between the index date and each follow-up time point of interest was assessed descriptively and compared using Fisher’s exact test. Subgroup analyses were conducted in patients with obesity based on BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2. The number of patients with missing data for each variable was summarized and reported, and no imputation of missing values was done. Analyses were conducted in R Studio (version 4.4.2).

Results

Patient Baseline Characteristics

A total of 8177 patients met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study; of these, 7604 (93.0%) patients were included in the subgroup with an index BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2 (Supplementary Table S1). Full details on baseline demographics and clinical characteristics are summarized for the overall group of respondents with BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 and the subgroup with BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2 in Table 1 and for the respondents included in the analyses at each follow-up time point in Supplementary Tables S2 and S3. Briefly, among the eligible sample, at baseline, the mean (SD) age was 49.5 (9.9) years, weight was 234.1 (48.1) lb, and BMI was 38.4 (7.0) kg/m2. Most (83.6%) patients were female, with 11.0% reporting as male and 5.3% declining to specify their gender; 34.6% of patients were located in the South.

Table 1.

Patient baseline characteristics

Characteristic Patients with BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2
(N = 8177)
Subgroup with BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2
(n = 7604)
Age, mean (SD), years 49.5 (9.9) 49.3 (10.0)
Age group, n (%)
 18–34 years 635 (7.8) 613 (8.1)
 35–44 years 1911 (23.4) 1811 (23.8)
 45–54 years 2912 (35.6) 2715 (35.7)
 55–64 years 2294 (28.1) 2076 (27.3)
 ≥ 65 years 425 (5.2) 389 (5.1)
Gender, n (%)
 Female 6839 (83.6) 6352 (83.5)
 Male 903 (11.0) 853 (11.2)
 Declined to specify 435 (5.3) 399 (5.2)
US region, n (%)
 South 2828 (34.6) 2623 (34.5)
 Midwest 1785 (21.8) 1678 (22.1)
 Northeast 1562 (19.1) 1459 (19.2)
 West 807 (9.9) 743 (9.8)
 Other 4 (< 0.1) 3 (< 0.1)
 Missing data 1191 (14.6) 1098 (14.4)
Index quarter-year, n (%)
 Q2-2021 54 (0.7) 49 (0.6)
 Q3-2021 648 (7.9) 582 (7.7)
 Q4-2021 254 (3.1) 243 (3.2)
 Q1-2022 306 (3.7) 289 (3.8)
 Q2-2022 108 (1.3) 102 (1.3)
 Q3-2022 59 (0.7) 51 (0.7)
 Q4-2022 96 (1.2) 87 (1.1)
 Q1-2023 2295 (28.1) 2147 (28.2)
 Q2-2023 1185 (14.5) 1110 (14.6)
 Q3-2023 552 (6.8) 506 (6.7)
 Q4-2023 229 (2.8) 213 (2.8)
 Q1-2024 463 (5.7) 432 (5.7)
 Q2-2024 1054 (12.9) 982 (12.9)
 Q3-2024 854 (10.4) 792 (10.4)
 Q4-2024 20 (0.2) 19 (0.2)
 Q1-2025 0 0
Weight, mean (SD), lb 234.1 (48.1) 238.5 (46.8)
BMI, mean (SD), kg/m2 38.4 (7.0) 39.1 (6.7)
BMI category, n (%)a
 Overweight 573 (7.0) 0
 Class 1 obesity 2335 (28.6) 2335 (30.7)
 Class 2 obesity 2468 (30.2) 2468 (32.5)
 Class 3 obesity 2801 (34.3) 2801 (36.8)

BMI body mass index, Q quarter-year, SD standard deviation

aBMI categories were defined as overweight (BMI 25 to < 30 kg/m2), class 1 obesity (BMI 30 to < 35 kg/m2), class 2 obesity (BMI 35 to < 40 kg/m2), and class 3 obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)

Weight and BMI outcomes

Among all patients (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2), the mean (SD) percent weight loss from the index date was − 13.4% (6.4%) at 6 months (n = 6964), − 17.6% (10.2%) at 12 months (n = 2050), − 20.3% (11.4%) at 18 months (n = 491), and − 20.4% (11.3%) at 24 months (n = 325; Fig. 1, Supplementary Table S4). Among the subgroup of patients with BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2, the mean (SD) percent weight loss from the index date was − 13.4% (6.1%) at 6 months (n = 6515), − 18.0% (10.1%) at 12 months (n = 1915), − 21.2% (11.0%) at 18 months (n = 454), and − 21.2% (11.2%) at 24 months (n = 296; Fig. 1, Supplementary Table S5). All tests for both cohorts yielded statistically significant results with P < 0.001.

Fig. 1.

Fig. 1

Percent changes in weight over time. BMI body mass index

Among all patients (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2), the mean (SD) absolute change in BMI from the index date was − 5.1 (2.5) kg/m2 at 6 months, − 6.9 (4.2) kg/m2 at 12 months, and − 8.0 (5.0) kg/m2 at both 18 and 24 months (Fig. 2, Supplementary Table S4). Among the subgroup of patients with BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2, the mean (SD) absolute change in BMI from the index date was − 5.2 (2.4) kg/m2 at 6 months, − 7.1 (4.2) kg/m2 at 12 months, − 8.5 (4.8) kg/m2 at 18 months, and − 8.4 (4.9) kg/m2 at 24 months (Fig. 2, Supplementary Table S5). All tests for both cohorts yielded statistically significant results with P < 0.001.

Fig. 2.

Fig. 2

Absolute changes in BMI over time. BMI body mass index

Weight Loss Thresholds

By the 6-month follow-up time point, most patients in both the overall cohort (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) and the subgroup with BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2 had achieved ≥ 10% weight loss (73.0% for both cohorts). Approximately two-thirds of patients achieved ≥ 15% weight loss by 12 months (63.9% and 65.2%, respectively), and more than half achieved ≥ 20% weight loss by 18 months (52.5% and 55.7%; Fig. 3).

Fig. 3.

Fig. 3

Achievement of weight loss thresholds over time among (i) all patients (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) and (ii) subgroup of patients with BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2. BMI body mass index

Change in BMI Class

In the overall cohort (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2), there were substantial differences in BMI class from index date to the end of the 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month time points (Fig. 4). Among patients with BMI at the 18-month follow-up time point (n = 491), proportions with class 2 and class 3 obesity were 30.3% and 35.2% at index, respectively, which declined to 12.8% and 9.8% at 18 months. Among patients with BMI at the 24-month follow-up time point (n = 325), proportions with class 2 and class 3 obesity were 28.0% and 34.5% at index, respectively, which declined to 8.9% and 8.0% at 24 months. One-quarter (24.0%) achieved normal BMI at 24 months. Among the subgroups of patients with BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2 at 18 months (n = 454) and 24 months (n = 296), 50.2% and 51.7% fell below the obesity range at 18 and 24 months, respectively. All tests yielded statistically significant results with P < 0.001.

Fig. 4.

Fig. 4

BMI class distribution at index and follow-up among (i) all patients (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) and (ii) subgroup of patients with BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2. BMI categories were defined as underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI 18.5 to < 25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25 to < 30 kg/m2), class 1 obesity (BMI 30 to < 35 kg/m2), class 2 obesity (BMI 35 to < 40 kg/m2), and class 3 obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). BMI body mass index

Discussion

This study demonstrated substantial weight loss over a 24-month period among patients self-reporting treatment with semaglutide 2.4 mg in combination with participation in the WeGoTogether digital patient support program. Among all patients with a BMI of ≥ 25.0 kg/m2, the mean percent weight loss from the index date was − 13.4% at 6 months, − 17.6% at 12 months, and more than − 20% at 18 and 24 months. Consistent results were observed among patients with BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2

The real-world data from this study support the efficacy of semaglutide 2.4 mg as previously reported in clinical trials, indicating patients can achieve substantial and long-term weight loss with semaglutide 2.4 mg. Across the STEP clinical trials, patients had a mean age of 46.2–55.3 years, were mostly female (74.1–81.0%), and had a mean BMI of 35.7–38.5 kg/m2 [22]. Patients in the current study were similarly mostly female but had slightly higher mean age and BMI values compared with patients in the STEP program population. Notably, patients who participated in the WeGoTogether patient support program demonstrated descriptively greater weight loss compared with the STEP 1 clinical trial population, who achieved mean weight loss from baseline of − 14.9% at 68 weeks (approximately 16 months) compared with − 17.6% at 12 months in our study [8]. Weight loss was also descriptively greater in our study compared to the STEP 3 clinical trial population, for which semaglutide 2.4 mg was used as an adjunct to intensive behavioral therapy and initial low-calorie diet, with mean weight loss from baseline of − 16.0% at 68 weeks compared with − 17.6% at 12 months in our study [9]. This study also found descriptively greater weight loss compared with two prior retrospective cohort studies, which reported real-world mean weight loss of − 13.4% and − 14.5% at 1 year of follow-up in patients with overweight or obesity who were treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg [15, 16]. Overall, our study reinforces the benefits of treatment with semaglutide 2.4 mg previously reported in prior studies, supports its real-world effectiveness in achieving clinically meaningful, long-term weight loss, and suggests its real-world effectiveness can be even further enhanced when used in combination with a patient support program.

Pharmacological treatment of overweight and obesity is intended to be part of a more comprehensive management strategy that also includes aspects such as caloric restriction, exercise, and other behavioral modifications. The WeGoTogether digital patient support program likely played an important role in patients’ achievement of long-term (24 months) weight loss by providing a way for patients to track their progress over time, receive weekly medication reminders, and also gain access to coaches for motivation and guidance on aspects such as personal goals, portion control, sleep hygiene, and physical activity. Successful use of the WeGoTogether platform in our study reflects broader trends in the use of digital support platforms in tandem with medication to support successful weight loss in real-world settings [23].

Strengths of this study include a large sample size of initially eligible patients (n = 8177) and long-term follow-up for a subset of patients (over 18 and 24 months), which provides longitudinal and long-term data on patients using the WeGoTogether support program who were treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg in a real-world setting. Additionally, incorporation of the WeGoTogether patient support program into our study permitted evaluation of a more holistic approach to weight loss management, beyond evaluation of treatment effectiveness.

This study also had several limitations, including a retrospective design, lack of a control group (as the WeGoTogether program was available only to patients who initiated semaglutide 2.4 mg), and reliance on data self-reported by patients, which may be prone to bias from the individual reporting the data. Limited patient characteristics and data were collected as part of the WeGoTogether program, preventing further characterization of patients or subgroup analyses (e.g., patients with vs without diabetes). While patients self-reported their first injection start day (termed the index date in this study), there was no way to ensure patients initiated semaglutide on that date. Similarly, although the analysis at each follow-up time point included only those patients with self-reported weight within the permitted 30-day window for that time point, there was no way to ensure the patients remained on semaglutide 2.4 mg treatment up to the date of that self-reported weight and without any substantial gaps in treatment; however, it could be assumed that the majority of patients who continue to be engaged with the WeGoTogether platform also remain on treatment. Participants self-determined their level of engagement with the program. Despite these limitations, the findings provide valuable insights into the real-world effectiveness of semaglutide 2.4 mg combined with a digital patient support program for weight management over 24 months.

Conclusion

Overall, patients with overweight or obesity who were enrolled in the WeGoTogether digital patient support program and treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg demonstrated a clinically meaningful and substantial weight loss trajectory over the 24-month study period, supporting the long-term effectiveness of semaglutide in a real-world setting. Our findings highlight the substantial and long-term weight-loss impact of semaglutide 2.4 mg treatment combined with the WeGoTogether digital patient support program. Further research is necessary to address the limitations of this study and assess outcomes with semaglutide 2.4 mg treatment beyond 24 months in order to better understand the real-world, long-term effectiveness of semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight management.

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Acknowledgements

We thank the patients who participated in this study through their enrollment and engagement in the WeGoTogether digital patient support program.

Medical Writing/Editorial Assistance

Editorial and medical writing support were provided by Jessica A. Weaver, PhD, CMPP™, of Lumanity Communications Inc., and were funded by Novo Nordisk Inc.

Author Contributions

Joshua C. Toliver, Victoria Divino, Carmen D. Ng, and Julia Wang contributed to the conceptualization, methodology, data interpretation, and writing – review and editing. Joshua C. Toliver and Carmen D. Ng also conducted the formal analysis.

Funding

This study was sponsored by Novo Nordisk Inc. Novo Nordisk Inc. also funded the Rapid Service Fee and Open Access Fee.

Data Availability

The datasets utilized and analyzed during the current study are not publicly accessible due to confidentiality constraints. Consequently, in accordance with participant consent and confidentiality agreements, access to these data is restricted.

Declarations

Conflict of Interest

Joshua C. Toliver, Victoria Divino, Carmen D. Ng, and Julia Wang are employees and shareholders of Novo Nordisk Inc.

Ethical Approval

This study was performed in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations, including the principles of the Helsinki Declaration of 1964 and its later amendments. This study used only secondary, de-identified data and did not involve the collection, use, or transmittal of individually identifiable data. WCG Institutional Review Board (Cary, NC, USA) granted a waiver exemption for this study from full institutional review board review. All patients enrolled in the WeGoTogether patient support program provided consent for their de-identified data to be used for research purposes.

Footnotes

Prior Presentation: This work was presented in part as a poster at the Endocrine Society (ENDO) Annual Meeting held July 12–15, 2025 in San Francisco, CA, USA.

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

References

  • 1.Stierman B, Afful J, Carroll MD, et al. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–March 2020 prepandemic data files–development of files and prevalence estimates for selected health outcomes. National Health Statistics Reports; 2021. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed]
  • 2.Apovian CM. Obesity: definition, comorbidities, causes, and burden. Am J Manag Care. 2016;22:s176–85. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 3.Cawley J, Biener A, Meyerhoefer C, et al. Direct medical costs of obesity in the United States and the most populous states. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2021;27:354–66. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 4.Hurt RT, Frazier TH, McClave SA, Kaplan LM. Obesity epidemic: overview, pathophysiology, and the intensive care unit conundrum. J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2011;35:4S-13S. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 5.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Prescription medications to treat overweight & obesity. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/prescription-medications-treat-overweight-obesity. Accessed May 30, 2025.
  • 6.US Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves new drug treatment for chronic weight management, first since 2014. June 4, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014?os=vpkn75tqhopmk&ref=app. Accessed April 25, 2025.
  • 7.WEGOVY® (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use [package insert]. Plainsboro, NJ: Novo Nordisk Inc.; 2024.
  • 8.Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989–1002. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 9.Wadden TA, Bailey TS, Billings LK, et al. Effect of subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo as an adjunct to intensive behavioral therapy on body weight in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 3 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021;325:1403–13. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 10.Davies M, Faerch L, Jeppesen OK, et al. Semaglutide 2.4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2021;397:971–84. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 11.Garvey WT, Batterham RL, Bhatta M, et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med. 2022;28:2083–91. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 12.Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, et al. Effect of continued weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo on weight loss maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 4 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021;325:1414–25. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 13.Nunns M, Febrey S, Buckland J, et al. The quantity, quality and findings of network meta-analyses evaluating the effectiveness of GLP-1 RAs for weight loss: a scoping review. Health Technol Assess. 2025:1–73. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed]
  • 14.Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, et al. Weight loss outcomes associated with semaglutide treatment for patients with overweight or obesity. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5:e2231982. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 15.Ghusn W, Fansa S, Anazco D, et al. Weight loss and cardiovascular disease risk outcomes of semaglutide: a one-year multicentered study. Int J Obes (Lond). 2024;48:662–7. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 16.Ruseva A, Dabbous F, Ding N, et al. Semaglutide 2.4 mg long-term clinical outcomes in patients with obesity or overweight: a real-world retrospective cohort study in the United States (SCOPE 12 months). Postgrad Med. 2025;137:251–60. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 17.Ruseva A, Michalak W, Zhao Z, Fabricatore A, Hartaigh BO, Umashanker D. Semaglutide 2.4 mg clinical outcomes in patients with obesity or overweight in a real-world setting: a 6-month retrospective study in the United States (SCOPE). Obes Sci Pract. 2024;10:e737. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed]
  • 18.Pasarica M, Dhurandhar NV, Stensel DJ. Obesity management with next-generation drugs. Int J Obes (Lond). 2025;49:367–8. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 19.Færch K, Gomes MM, Bramming M, Sørensen MR, Strathe A. Predicting weight loss using self-reported, digitally collected, real-world data after initiation of semaglutide treatment. Obes Facts. 2025;18:426–7. [Google Scholar]
  • 20.Heitmann BL, Kaas A, Kelkar M, et al. Association between engagement with the WegovyCare digital self-support app and weight loss in a real-world setting. Obes Facts. 2025;18:72–3.39413746 [Google Scholar]
  • 21.Johnson H, Huang D, Liu V, Ammouri MA, Jacobs C, El-Osta A. Impact of digital engagement on weight loss outcomes in obesity management among individuals using GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist therapy: retrospective cohort service evaluation study. J Med Internet Res. 2025;27:e69466. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 22.Kushner RF, Calanna S, Davies M, et al. Semaglutide 2.4 mg for the treatment of obesity: key elements of the STEP trials 1 to 5. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2020;28:1050–61. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 23.Chew HSJ, Koh WL, Ng J, Tan KK. Sustainability of weight loss through smartphone apps: systematic review and meta-analysis on anthropometric, metabolic, and dietary outcomes. J Med Internet Res. 2022;24:e40141. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

Supplementary Materials

Data Availability Statement

The datasets utilized and analyzed during the current study are not publicly accessible due to confidentiality constraints. Consequently, in accordance with participant consent and confidentiality agreements, access to these data is restricted.


Articles from Advances in Therapy are provided here courtesy of Springer

RESOURCES