The multifaceted effects of semaglutide: exploring its broad therapeutic applications

Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and reducing cardiovascular risk. Its off-label use in weight management and other conditions has grown, prompting a review of its benefits and risks. This review evaluates evidence on semaglutide’s effects, highlighting its therapeutic potential beyond approved indications. Studies from 2021–2024 were reviewed via PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Semaglutide showed promise in managing PCOS-related obesity, insulin resistance, and demonstrated renoprotective effects in diabetics and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Additionally, it improves liver enzyme levels, steatosis, and stiffness, aiding in managing Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in non-fibrotic patients. The FDA has approved it for reducing major adverse cardiovascular events, heart failure symptoms, and physical limitations in diabetic and non-diabetics. Preclinical studies suggest benefits in cognitive disorders associated with insulin resistance, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and vascular dementia in animals. Although rare cases of thyroid cancer have been reported, no causal relationship has been established, emphasizing the need of caution in high-risk populations. GLP-1 therapy has also exerted protective effects against the risk of various types of cancer. However, ongoing human studies are essential to validate these findings and clarify semaglutide’s association with cancer.