Weight Loss & MetabolicPeer Reviewed

Bridging the Gap to Waitlist Activation: Semaglutide's Weight Loss Efficacy and Safety in Patients With Obesity on Dialysis Seeking Kidney Transplantation.

Authors (9)
Francis G WadeDivision of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, SSM Health/Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Krista L LentineSSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital Transplant Center, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
David TurkSchool of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Kyleigh KirbachDivision of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, SSM Health/Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Clinical transplantation
Unknown
Published
Oct 13, 2025
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Abstract

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has demonstrated efficacy for weight loss and glycemic control in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, but data are limited for patients with end-stage kidney disease on dialysis. We examined the weight loss efficacy and safety of semaglutide when prescribed to patients on dialysis to improve transplant candidacy and activation status. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 36 patients on dialysis who were prescribed semaglutide through a metabolic clinic between September 2021 and December 2023. Outcomes included weight loss efficacy, safety, and change in waitlist status at 1 year. Patients achieved a mean total body weight loss of 7.8% (SD 6.1). Of patients who were ineligible for transplant due to elevated body mass index, 48.2% achieved waitlist activation after successful weight loss. Treatment-limiting gastrointestinal side effects occurred in 16.7% of patients. Patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD, 30.8%) versus hemodialysis (8.7%) discontinued therapy more frequently. In a single-center cohort, patients who received semaglutide experienced significantly greater weight loss and increased rates of waitlist activation compared with a lifestyle-only intervention. Semaglutide was generally well-tolerated. Prospective studies should examine whether patients on PD experience severe GI side effects more frequently on semaglutide.

Keywords

diabetes mellitusglucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonistkidney transplantationobesitypatient selectionrenal dialysissemaglutide

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