A recent study from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine indicates that Semaglutide, a medication found in popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, could significantly aid dialysis patients in qualifying for kidney transplants. This research highlights the potential of breakthrough weight-loss medications to address one of the primary barriers—obesity—facing individuals with end-stage kidney disease.
Study Findings and Implications
Published in Clinical Transplantation, this study is among the largest to investigate the effects of Semaglutide on patients undergoing dialysis. These individuals are often excluded from transplant waitlists due to high body mass index (BMI), which can increase surgical risks and negatively impact post-transplant outcomes. Lead author Francis G. Wade, M.D., an assistant professor of internal medicine at SLU and an obesity medicine specialist at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, stated, “Obesity is such a major obstacle in the transplant world. Patients can be otherwise perfect candidates, but if their BMI is too high, they’re often not even considered. These results show that new medical therapies can help bridge that gap.”
The study found that Semaglutide is effective in facilitating weight loss among dialysis patients, potentially enabling them to meet eligibility criteria for kidney transplants. Co-author Krista Lentine, M.D., Ph.D., associate division director of nephrology at SLU and medical director of living donation at SSM Health, remarked, “These results are very encouraging. Semaglutide provides a promising, non-surgical option to support weight reduction and help more patients become eligible for transplant.”
Patient Care and Treatment Outcomes
The research revealed that Semaglutide was generally well-tolerated among participants, with gastrointestinal symptoms being the most frequently reported side effects. Approximately 16.7% of patients discontinued treatment due to these side effects, and those on peritoneal dialysis experienced gastrointestinal issues slightly more often than their counterparts on hemodialysis. The study emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive care approach, which includes nutrition counseling, exercise guidance, and regular follow-ups, in addition to medication.
Wade noted the transformative potential of these medications, stating, “As we enter a new era of highly effective weight loss medications, I think we’re going to see a real transformation in transplant medicine. We’re giving patients options they simply didn’t have before.” The findings underscore the importance of integrating innovative treatments into existing healthcare frameworks, especially for populations that have historically been overlooked.
The research is expected to inspire further studies that could lead to expanded access to kidney transplants for patients with obesity-related barriers. With the rising interest in GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, this study provides a hopeful outlook for patients grappling with the challenges of end-stage kidney disease.
For more detailed insights, refer to the study: Francis G. Wade et al, Bridging the Gap to Waitlist Activation: Semaglutide’s Weight Loss Efficacy and Safety in Patients With Obesity on Dialysis Seeking Kidney Transplantation, published in Clinical Transplantation in 2025 (DOI: 10.1111/ctr.70344).