Obesity evidence: the SCALE program

The first GLP-1 drug approved for weight loss

At the higher 3.0 mg dose, liraglutide became Saxenda, the first GLP-1 drug the FDA approved for chronic weight management. The evidence came from the SCALE program: large randomized trials in people with obesity, with and without diabetes, plus studies of prevention, maintenance, and sleep apnea.

This unit walks the SCALE results honestly. The weight loss is real and clinically useful, roughly 6 to 8% of body weight, but noticeably smaller than semaglutide or tirzepatide. Holding both facts, genuine benefit and modest magnitude, is the whole skill here.