A research team from Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C have discovered a new anti-diabetic drug named semaglutide, which assists in weight loss. The chemical structure of semaglutide is similar to the hormone named glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) which regulates insulin secretion and a persons’ appetite and would thus help obese patients shed their extra weight.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration officially approved the weekly injection of semaglutide under the brand name of Ozempic. This therapy along with healthy diet and exercise would improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. The side effects of semaglutide was found to be mild or moderate nausea.

This new study was conducted for one year among patients who had a minimum body mass index of 30. The potency of semaglutide was compared with a placebo and liraglutide. It was noted that with a higher dose of semaglutide, there occurred significant weight loss with minimal side effects.

The lead author Patrick M. O'Neil from the Medical University of South Carolina said, "This randomized study of weight loss induced with semaglutide in people with obesity but without diabetes has shown the highest weight reductions yet seen for any pharmaceutical intervention."