Peptide Applications

Obesity has become a globally prevalent chronic disease, affecting approximately 650 million adults worldwide. It is closely associated with various complications, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. A weight reduction of 5% or more can improve these associated health risks. While lifestyle intervention forms the cornerstone of obesity treatment, its weight loss effects are often limited and prone to rebound. Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) have therefore emerged as an important adjunctive treatment. Semaglutide, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, was approved by the US FDA in 2021 for chronic weight management. With its significant weight loss efficacy and cardiovascular protective properties, it represents a major breakthrough in obesity treatment. This article provides a systematic review of the mechanism of action, weight loss and cardiometabolic efficacy, and safety profile of semaglutide 2.4 mg/week for obesity treatment. By analyzing key clinical trials (the STEP program), it evaluates its clinical application value and future directions, offering a comprehensive reference for the pharmacotherapy of this chronic disease.

Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is widely used for its significant efficacy in treating type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss, and is even prescribed off-label for weight management in non-diabetic individuals. However, with its surging usage (e.g., in the US, the number of users increased from 569 in 2019 to 22,891 in 2022), aesthetic-related side effects such as "Ozempic face" have garnered increasing attention. This article focuses on the facial and dermatological aesthetic issues induced by semaglutide, their underlying causes, and corresponding management and repair strategies, providing a reference for clinical consultation and users.