A triple-sized weekly dose of Ozempic (semaglutide) may help people with obesity lose significantly more weight without added safety risks, according to new research published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.

The clinical trials, led by Dr. Sean Wharton of the Wharton Medical Clinic for Weight and Diabetes Management in Ontario, Canada, tested a 7.2 mg weekly dose of semaglutide — three times the currently approved 2.4 mg dose. Results showed the higher dose led to greater weight loss in adults both with and without type 2 diabetes.

In adults without diabetes, participants on the 7.2 mg dose lost an average of nearly 19% of their body weight, compared with 16% in those on the standard 2.4 mg dose and 4% in the placebo group. Almost half of those taking the higher dose lost 20% or more of their body weight, while one-third lost at least 25%.

For adults with type 2 diabetes, the pattern was similar: 13% average weight loss on the 7.2 mg dose compared with 10% on the standard dose and 4% on placebo. Participants also saw improvements in waist size, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.

Importantly, the higher dose appeared to be safe and generally well tolerated. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea, which were described as manageable and temporary. Researchers found no increase in serious adverse events or severe hypoglycemia.

“The greater magnitudes of bodyweight reduction seen in this trial, as well as the improvements in cardiovascular risk factors and glucose control, can have beneficial effects on health goals in clinical practice,” the study authors noted.

While the findings are promising, the researchers stressed the need for longer-term studies to fully assess the benefits and risks of taking higher doses of semaglutide on a regular basis.

The trials were sponsored by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy.