Semaglutide Showing Promise in Treating Fatty Liver Disease

A recent nationwide study finds that semaglutide improved liver enzyme levels in those suffering from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and other forms of the disease (NASH, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). The study found that those taking semaglutide medication over a ten-year period reduced their risk of later developing cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer by 50 percent.

Popular weight-loss drugs containing semaglutide like Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus not only help those with type 2 diabetes and obesity lose weight, but researchers are now linking these medications to a reduction in fatty buildup in the liver. These drugs help reduce the fat in the liver and help to prevent fat from building-up by inhibiting glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar levels and prohibits weight loss. Furthermore, they also help to improve liver function due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses semaglutide has on the liver. These responses work to help the liver maintain its function of detoxifying impurities by neutralizing free radicals produced in the liver and preventing stress which leads to cell damage and contributes to the development of liver diseases.

It’s estimated that 30 percent of adults in the U.S. suffer from NAFLD. Current treatment options include lifestyle changes and medications to help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can help reduce the amount of fat stored in the liver. While regular exercise, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol use, and eating a balanced diet free of processed and sugary foods can help you lose weight, these recent findings show that adding a semaglutide medication can further improve blood sugar, aid in weight loss, and prevent more serious life-threatening liver diseases. Talk to your doctor about whether you may benefit from adding a semaglutide medication to your treatment of obesity and NAFLD and what risks are associated with these drugs.