Semaglutide Treatment, Appetite, and Eating Behavior: Long-term Effects
NCT05548647 · Completed
Last updated 2026-05-28This clinical trial is testing how long-term use of semaglutide affects appetite and eating habits in adults with obesity.
What this study is testing ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05548647 ↗
Description as written by the study sponsor.
This study will evaluate the effect of semaglutide on eating behavior, appetite (hunger/fullness), and food liking in the long-term, as compared to placebo. All participants will receive lifestyle modification (diet and exercise) counseling, and will be prescribed the FDA-approved weight loss medication, semaglutide, or placebo (an inactive saline solution) for 72 weeks.
Treatments tested
- Behavioral Treatment also known as Lifestyle modification, Behavioral weight loss, Lifestyle intervention Behavioral
All participants, regardless of medication assignment, will receive the same 60-week behavioral weight loss program. Brief (15-minute), individual lifestyle counseling sessions will be delivered by a psychologist, behavioral health counselor, or registered dietitian (or other trained health care provider) at weeks 0 (i.e., baseline/randomization), 2, 4 and every fourth week from week 4 to week 60 (17 sessions) of Study 1. Subjects will be instructed to consume a self-selected diet of 1200-1500 kcal/day (for those who weigh \< 250 lb) or 1500-1800 kcal/day (for those who weigh ≥250 lb). They will be instructed to engage in low-to-moderate intensity physical activity (e.g., walking), gradually building to a goal of ≥150 minutes per week (spread across 5 days) by week 40. They will be instructed to use calorie counting and self-monitoring to meet their goals.
- Placebo also known as Placebo for medication Drug
An inactive saline solution administered via subcutaneous injection
- Semaglutide 2.4 MG/0.75 ML Subcutaneous Solution [WEGOVY] also known as Wegovy Drug
Semaglutide 2.4 mg is a once weekly subcutaneous glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that has been FDA approved for weight loss
| Main thing measured | Ad libitum energy intake (kcal) during a buffet lunch meal (4 hrs after standardized breakfast) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania |
| Conditions studied | Obesity |
| GLP-1 drugs | semaglutide |
Full protocol, eligibility, and contacts on ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05548647 ↗