Embla GLP-1 study shows same weight loss possible using less 66% less Wegovy

At Embla, we’ve always believed that obesity care should be personalized, sustainable, and grounded in real-life outcomes — not just clinical trial protocols.

Now, we have the data to back that up.

A new real-world study from Embla, presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2025, shows that our members lost an average of 16.7% of their body weight after 64 weeks — using less than half the standard dose of semaglutide (Wegovy) typically used in clinical trials.

This study, soon to be published in The Lancet Digital Health, was covered widely, including in ECO News, which highlighted how our approach challenges the GLP-1 status quo:

“Patients of an online obesity clinic achieved the same weight loss as those in clinical trials of semaglutide — but with much lower doses of the drug.”

A new standard: dose less, support more

Most semaglutide trials follow a fixed dosing schedule that escalates to 2.4 mg per week. In our program, we used a treat-to-target approach:

• Patients start on a low dose
• We only increase if progress stalls
• Many remain at the lowest effective dose for the full program

The average dose was just 1 mg/week, and only 28.8% of patients exceeded this — compared to ~90% of participants in clinical trials who reached the full 2.4 mg dose.

We combined this low-dose strategy with:

• 1:1 coaching from doctors, nurses, and psychologists
• Guidance on nutrition, movement, and mental health
• Digital tools rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Weekly tracking, feedback, and support via the Embla app

“By combining behavioral support with personalized medication dosing, we helped members achieve clinical trial-level results in the real world,” said Dr. Henrik Gudbergsen, Embla’s Chief Medical Officer and lead researcher on the study.

Results at a glance

Among 2,694 participants enrolled in our app-based program:

• Average weight loss after 64 weeks: 16.7% (16.8 kg / 2 st 9 lb)
• 98% of members lost ≥5% of their body weight
• 82% lost ≥10%, 51% lost ≥15%, and 23% lost ≥20%
• Women lost more than men (17.6% vs 13.4%)
• Engagement mattered: more app use = greater weight loss
• Results were consistent regardless of age, starting BMI, or dose level

And importantly: lower doses were just as effective as higher ones.

Why it matters

GLP-1 medications have shown strong results in trials — but that’s only part of the story. In the real world, what matters is:

• Can people stick with it?
• Can they afford it?
• Can they feel supported beyond the prescription?

This study shows that with Embla’s personalized, digital-first program:

• People can reach their goals with less medication
• Side effects are milder and less frequent
• Support drives behavior change that lasts
• The program works across ages, body types, and doses

Our “treat-to-target” model in action

Rather than escalating to the maximum dose by default, our clinicians worked with each member to find the lowest effective dose. As long as someone was losing ≥0.5% of body weight per week and felt well, they stayed on that dose.

We continued treatment until members reached their target weight or a BMI of 25.

This not only helped stretch medication supply — it reduced side effects and improved long-term success.

“Our results show that it’s possible to achieve trial-level outcomes without trial-level dosing — and without trial-level conditions,” said Dr. Gudbergsen.
“Real life is messier than a lab. That’s why personalized care matters.”

What’s next?

We’re proud to share this milestone — not just because of the numbers, but because of what they mean:
Better care, for more people, at lower cost and with fewer side effects.

If you’re a health plan, employer, or partner looking for a smarter way to support members on GLP-1 medication — we’d love to talk.

→ Partner with Embla
→ Read the ECO News article
→ Learn more about our program

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