Study shows Novo Nordisk low-dose semaglutide cuts weight by 2.2%

On August 31, 2026, Reuters reported on a new study finding that patients who remain on the lowest starter doses of GLP-1 weight-loss treatments still lose weight and experience less nausea. Novo Nordisk's low-dose semaglutide produced an average body weight loss of 2.2% over one year, compared with 13.7% achieved at higher manufacturer-recommended doses in earlier trials.

The study showed that Eli Lilly's low-dose tirzepatide delivered 5.5% average weight loss, compared with 20.2% at its recommended higher doses. While tirzepatide produced more than double the weight reduction of semaglutide at entry doses, it also showed higher rates of certain adverse events, including kidney injury, constipation, and muscle cramps.

Evidence that starter doses remain effective could help patients stay on therapy when facing challenges with drug costs, supply, or tolerability. However, lower doses could limit revenue per patient for Novo Nordisk if users avoid stepping up to full maintenance doses. Analysts project the broader obesity-drug market will exceed $100 billion annually by 2030.

Novo Nordisk is focusing on its oral Wegovy pill and next-generation pipeline to sustain growth as competition intensifies. In head-to-head testing, Novo Nordisk's CagriSema produced less weight loss than Lilly's Zepbound. In the second quarter, hedge fund ownership of Novo Nordisk rose to 59 funds holding $2.00 billion, up from 55 funds holding $1.79 billion.