Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes: The STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial

Comparing different GLP-1 receptor agonists helps clinicians select the most effective treatment for their patients. The STEP 8 trial by Rubino, Greenway, Khalid, and colleagues, published in JAMA, directly compared weekly subcutaneous semaglutide with daily liraglutide for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes.

The randomized clinical trial enrolled adults with overweight or obesity and compared the two GLP-1 therapies head-to-head, measuring weight loss, body composition changes, and tolerability. The direct comparison design provided the highest quality evidence for treatment selection.

The trial demonstrated weekly semaglutide's superiority over daily liraglutide for weight loss, with semaglutide producing greater reductions in body weight. Additionally, the once-weekly dosing schedule offered a significant convenience advantage over daily injections.

For patients and clinicians choosing between GLP-1 therapies, this trial provides clear guidance. Weekly semaglutide not only delivers superior weight loss compared to daily liraglutide but also offers the practical benefit of less frequent dosing, making it an easier therapy for patients to maintain long-term.