Real-World Effectiveness of Semaglutide in Adults with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in a Malaysian District Hospital
https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.041.S1
- Author:
Shaleela Mohd Esha
1
;
Hazwani Aziz
1
;
Elliyyin Katiman
1
Author Information
1. Hospital Tengku Ampuan Norashikin, Kajang
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Adult;
semaglutide;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2;
Hospitals, District;
Obesity
- From:
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies
2026;41(S1):59-60
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Semaglutide has shown clinically meaningful effects on
weight and glycemic control in randomized trials, but realworld evidence from Malaysian public healthcare settings
remains limited. Local data are particularly relevant because
access to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists may be
influenced by cost and availability. We evaluated the realworld effectiveness of once-weekly semaglutide in adults
with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) managed
in routine clinical practice at a Malaysian district hospital.
Methodology:We conducted a retrospective observational study of
adults with obesity and T2DM treated with once-weekly
semaglutide at a single district hospital. Demographic,
anthropometric, metabolic, and cardiovascular parameters
were collected at baseline and follow-up. The primary
outcomes were percentage weight change and the
proportions of patients achieving at least 5% and at least
10% weight loss. Secondary outcomes included changes in
body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c),
blood pressure, lipid parameters, and insulin requirements.
Paired analyses were performed to compare pre-treatment
and post-treatment values.
Results:Eight patients were included (mean age 45 years; 63%
women; 88% Malay). All had T2DM and hypertension, while
most had dyslipidemia. Mean baseline weight was 116.0 ±
22.7 kg, and mean BMI was 43.5 ± 9.0 kg/m². After a mean
treatment duration of 23 months, mean weight decreased to
102.9 ± 23.8 kg, representing a mean reduction of 13.1 kg or
11.5%. Six patients (75%) achieved at least 5% weight loss,
and four (50%) achieved at least 10% weight loss. Mean BMI
decreased to 38.4 ± 8.4 kg/m². Mean HbA1c improved from
8.9 ± 1.9% to 6.3 ± 0.9%. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure
declined from 153 ± 22 to 134 ± 17 mmHg and from 91 ± 17 to
82 ± 10 mmHg, respectively. Total cholesterol, low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides also improved.
Among insulin-treated patients, all discontinued insulin
during follow-up. No treatment discontinuations due to
adverse effects were recorded.
Conclusion:In this small real-world cohort, semaglutide was associated
with meaningful weight loss, improved glycemic control,
favorable cardiometabolic changes, and successful insulin
deintensification. These findings support its use in routine
obesity-diabetes care, although larger prospective studies
are needed.
- Full text:202608031600111129EP_A074.pdf
