Page 26 - GHES-3-3

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability

REVIEW ARTICLE
A comprehensive review of semaglutide in

treating Type 2 diabetes and obesity

Isidoros Mentis * , Evangelia Tzeravini 2 , and Nikolaos Tentolouris 2
1
1 Research Unit and Diabetes Center, 2 Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University
nd
Hospital, Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
2 Diabetes Center, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and
Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity are closely interlinked metabolic disorders
contributing significantly to global health challenges and economic burdens. Effective
treatment strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing
healthcare costs. This review was conducted by selecting published articles that
evaluate therapeutic options for individuals with T2D and obesity. A bibliographic
search was performed, with a focus on the effectiveness and financial viability of
semaglutide compared to other antidiabetic treatments. Obesity is a major risk factor
for T2D. Global healthcare costs for T2D management are expected to reach $1.05
Academic editor: trillion by 2045, with obesity-related complications further escalating the economic
Mihajlo Jakovljevic M.D. Ph.D. MAE burdens. The financial impacts of obesity-related comorbidities have been extensively
*Corresponding author: documented. It has been demonstrated that a 5 – 10% weight loss can improve
Isidoros Mentis metabolic outcomes and reduce healthcare expenditures. Semaglutide, a glucagon-
(isidorosm@gmail.com) like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has demonstrated superior efficacy in weight
Citation: Mentis, I., Tzeravini, reduction and glycemic control compared to other treatments. This medication also
E. & Tentolouris, N. (2025). significantly reduced waist circumference and cardiovascular risks while improving
A comprehensive review of
semaglutide in treating type 2 lipid profiles. Cost-effectiveness analyses suggest that semaglutide offers long-term
diabetes and obesity. Global Health financial benefits by reducing T2D-related complications and hospitalizations. The
Econ Sustain, 3(3):18-32. evaluations by the Health Technology Assessment on semaglutide lend credence
https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.8547
for including this medication in the national healthcare policies due to its potential
Received: January 15, 2025 to improve public health outcomes and aid in ensuring financial sustainability in
Revised: February 28, 2025 healthcare systems. Semaglutide emerges as a highly effective therapeutic option
for patients with T2D and obesity, providing both clinical and economic benefits.
Accepted: March 5, 2025
In summary, prioritizing access to effective weight management treatments like
Published online: March 19, 2025 semaglutide can mitigate obesity-related complications, enhance quality of life, and
Copyright: © 2025 Author(s). generate substantial cost savings for healthcare providers worldwide.
This is an Open-Access article
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution Keywords: Type 2 diabetes; Obesity; Semaglutide; Healthcare systems; Health
License, permitting distribution, technology assessment
and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is
properly cited.
Publisher’s Note: AccScience
Publishing remains neutral with 1. Introduction
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional From a pathophysiological standpoint, Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex metabolic
affiliations. disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive β-cell dysfunction, resulting

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 18 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.8547