Weight Loss Drug Helps Adults Over 65 Shed 15% Body Weight

Older adults struggling with obesity finally have solid evidence that a popular weight loss medication works just as well for them as it does for younger people.

A major new analysis of over 350 adults aged 65 and older found that semaglutide, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy, helped participants lose an average of 15.4% of their body weight over 68 weeks. That's three times more than the placebo group, which lost just 5.1% on average.

The study tracked participants from six different clinical trials, led by Professor Luca Busetto at the University of Padova in Italy. All participants had obesity or were overweight with related health complications, but none had diabetes.

The results went beyond just the number on the scale. Nearly half of the participants taking semaglutide lost at least 15% of their body weight, and more than one in four lost 20% or more. By comparison, only 2.7% of placebo participants reached that 20% milestone.

Even more encouraging, 27% of semaglutide users reached what researchers call a "healthy weight" with a BMI under 27, compared to just 5.5% in the placebo group. Their waist measurements shrank by an average of 14 centimeters, more than double the reduction seen with placebo.

The health benefits extended far beyond weight loss. Participants saw improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control. These changes could significantly reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes down the road.

The Bright Side

For years, older adults with obesity faced limited treatment options. Doctors worried about prescribing weight loss medications to people over 65 because of concerns about frailty, multiple health conditions, and potential side effects.

This research shows those concerns may have been overly cautious. While side effects like constipation and dizziness were more common with semaglutide, rates of serious complications like fractures and dangerously low blood sugar remained similar between groups. Most participants were between 65 and 74 years old, though some were 75 and older.

The findings matter because obesity affects millions of older adults and contributes to reduced quality of life, mobility problems, and chronic disease. Having an effective treatment option opens new doors for healthier aging.

The study participants also received lifestyle counseling, and some got intensive behavioral therapy, showing that the medication works best as part of a comprehensive approach to weight management. This combination approach gave older adults the support they needed to make lasting changes.

Healthier aging just got a powerful new tool, and millions of older adults may benefit from this evidence that weight loss medications work safely across all age groups.