Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) presented new data from its STEP UP clinical trial at the European Congress on Obesity showing that a higher 7.2 mg dose of Wegovy helped participants lose an average of 21% of their total body weight over 72 weeks.

The trial tested the higher semaglutide dose against the standard 2.4 mg dose and placebo in more than 1,400 adults with obesity but without type 2 diabetes. Participants on the 2.4 mg dose lost about 17.5% of their body weight within 72 weeks, while those on placebo lost 2.4%.

A sub-analysis identified "early responders" as people who lost 15% or more of their body weight within the first 24 weeks of treatment. About 27% of people taking the 7.2 mg dose had an early response, compared with 21% on the 2.4 mg dose and 3% on placebo. The early responder group lost 27.7% of their body weight at week 72.

A separate analysis of 55 participants using MRI body scans showed that 84% of weight lost with semaglutide was due to fat mass reduction. Abdominal visceral fat decreased by over 30% with semaglutide treatment. Muscle mass was reduced by only 10% compared to baseline, while participants maintained functional muscle strength as measured by a 30-second sit-to-stand test.

The company stated that the 21% weight loss with the 7.2 mg dose was achieved with a safety and tolerability profile consistent with the 2.4 mg dose. The average participant in the trial weighed 113 kg before starting treatment, making the 21% weight loss equivalent to about 23 kg.

The body composition analysis results have been submitted for publication to a scientific journal, according to the company's press release.