Use of Semaglutide for Successful Weight Loss and Maintenance in a Non-Obese Population: An Observational, Retrospective Chart Review

This retrospective chart review aimed to assess the efficacy of compounded semaglutide, the active ingredient of an FDA-approved weight loss drug for patients with obesity, for weight loss in otherwise healthy, regular, and overweight people (BMI < 29.9). Additionally, a novel method to declare the ideal or target weight, which bridges the difference in body composition, bone structure a sex is proposed. Achieving a target weight is also proposed to measure the success of the elective weight loss (EWL™) program. Methods:An internal, retrospective chart review was conducted to assess the efficacy and success of an Elective Weight Loss (EWL™) program. Weight was collected on 326 patients (male n=23, female n=303), with a mean age of 42.2 years, for 12 to 120 weeks. Weekly doses, dose adjustments, when semaglutide was stopped, when the target weight was attained, and weight maintenance were collected. No diet was prescribed. Results: The results showed that 96% of the patients lost weight. Five patients gained weight, and seven lost no weight. In non-obese patients (n = 233), the mean start BMI was 25.44 ± 2.6 (20-28), and the end mean BMI was 22.99 ± 2.55, p-value <0.001. Obese patients (n = 93) mean BMI was 34.98 ± 4.6, a mean end BMI of 30.72 ± 4.98, p-value <0.001. Conclusions: It was concluded that compounded semaglutide was found to be a safe and highly effective off-label option for elective weight loss in normal and overweight individuals. It promotes weight loss at lower doses and shows potential benefits comparable to moderate calorie restriction in improving cardiometabolic health and supporting anti-aging in non-obese people.