Peer-Reviewed Publication
Diabetes Obes Metab2026September 20, 2026Journal Article
Effect of Semaglutide on Thigh Skeletal Muscle Volume, Fat Infiltration and Physical Function in People With Obesity: Secondary Analysis of STEP UP.
Jøran Hjelmesæth1,2, Suhas Bhat3, W Timothy Garvey4, Kristoffer Jensen Kolnes5, Jennifer Linge6,7, Ildiko Lingvay8, Niklas Kahr Rasmussen5, Julio Rosenstock9, Sean Wharton10
1Department of Endocrinology, Obesity and Nutrition, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
2Department of Endocrinology, Morbid Obesity and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
3Novo Nordisk Global Business Services, Bangalore, India.
4University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
5Novo Nordisk A/S, Søborg, Denmark.
6AMRA Medical AB, Linköping, Sweden.
7Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
8Department of Internal Medicine/Endocrinology and Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
9University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
10University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
AIMS: To assess the effect of semaglutide on body composition and physical function.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The phase 3b STEP UP trial randomised adults with body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 to once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 7.2 mg, semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo for 72 weeks. This prespecified secondary analysis assessed changes in MRI body composition and physical function.
RESULTS: Of 1407 par…
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