This secondary analysis looked at data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 154 adults. These participants had schizophrenia spectrum disorder, prediabetes, and overweight or obesity. They received either once-weekly semaglutide or a placebo for 30 weeks. The researchers measured physical and mental quality of life using SF-36v2 scores and schizophrenia symptoms using the PANSS-6 scale.
The main finding was that semaglutide improved physical quality of life scores at weeks 15 and 30. This improvement exceeded the minimally important difference. The study also estimated that about half of this physical benefit at week 30 was linked to weight loss. However, this indirect effect was positive but not statistically significant.
No effects were found for mental quality of life or schizophrenia symptoms. The study did not report serious adverse events or discontinuations. The authors note that longer-term studies are needed to see if mental quality of life or symptom effects emerge beyond 30 weeks. Readers should understand that while physical benefits were observed, mental health improvements were not established in this trial.