Cagrilintide and semaglutide are two weekly injectable medications, given together, that copy two fullness hormones to curb appetite in adults with excess weight or type 2 diabetes. The pair causes more weight loss than either drug alone and lowers blood sugar and blood pressure. Stomach and bowel side effects are frequent, and most lost weight returns after stopping. Use in lean, healthy people for longevity remains unproven. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Body weight and waist-to-height ratio | Waist-to-height ratio below 0.53; body mass index below 27 kg/m² | Main efficacy marker |
| HbA1c | Below 5.7% | Blood sugar control |
| Fasting glucose | Below 5.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) | Blood sugar control |
| Blood pressure | Below 130/80 mm Hg | Expected to change; safety check for low pressure if on blood pressure drugs |
| Triglycerides | Below 1.7 mmol/L (150 mg/dL) | Lipid response to weight loss |
| Kidney function (creatinine with eGFR, estimated kidney filtering capacity) | Creatinine about 0.6–1.2 mg/dL; track change from own baseline | Safety check: dehydration-related kidney injury |
| Resting heart rate | 60–100 beats per minute; track change from own baseline | Safety check: the label advises regular heart rate monitoring |
| Lean mass by DXA (body composition scan) | No established target; track against own baseline | Safety check: lean tissue loss |
Cadence: Baseline before starting; weight, blood pressure and heart rate every 4 weeks during escalation, then every 3 months; blood tests at 3 months, then every 6–12 months; repeat body composition scan after 6–12 months