Obesity App May Enable Weight Loss With Less Semaglutide
Obesity App May Enable Weight Loss With Less Semaglutide
Source: Medscape. May 15, 2025
Presented at: European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2025
1. Study Overview:
The Embla digital obesity clinic showed an average 16.7% weight loss after 64 weeks using only ~1 mg/week of semaglutide—less than half the standard 2.4 mg/week dose used in trials.
2. Intervention Approach:
Embla combines personalized semaglutide dosing with intensive behavioral therapy via app-based coaching, diet and exercise plans, and psychological support (CBT, ACT), delivered by a multidisciplinary team.
3. Key Results:
• Average semaglutide dose: 1.02 mg/week
• Weight loss: Women 17.6%, Men 13.4%
• 98% lost ≥5% weight; 82% lost ≥10%
• Consistent results across BMI categories and semaglutide doses (as low as 0.25 mg/week)
• Higher engagement and weight loss observed in women
4. Real-World Context:
Unlike RCTs, this real-world cohort maintained high weight loss with fewer dropouts than typical digital interventions.
5. Expert Commentary:
Dr. Jason Halford emphasized the crucial role of behavioral support, suggesting that combining medication with behavioral change tools promotes sustainable results even after stopping the drug.
6. Safety & Cost:
Adverse events were monitored actively, with flexible dose adjustments based on tolerance.
Embla subscription cost: €150/month initially.
7. Funding & Disclosures:
• Study funded by Embla
• Lead author Dr. Henrik Gudbergsen is CMO at Embla and holds stock
• External experts disclosed consulting roles with various pharma companies
Conclusion:
Digital platforms integrating behavioral support can enhance the effectiveness of semaglutide in weight loss while reducing required medication doses—offering a promising and scalable real-world solution.
