The takeaway
People receiving semaglutide had fewer hospital admissions in this analysis of SELECT. The finding goes beyond the scale, but applies to a specific group with cardiovascular disease.
Who took part?
The original trial randomized 17,604 adults aged 45 or older, with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease, but without diabetes. They received weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo. Median follow-up was about 3.5 years.
Admissions per 100 patient-years, including repeat stays; not percent of people
Original visual based on the study.
| Group or measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly | 18.3 |
| Placebo | 20.4 |
What changed?
There were 18.3 versus 20.4 hospital admissions per 100 patient-years with semaglutide versus placebo.
That measures admissions across time, including repeat stays—not the percentage of people hospitalized. Total time spent in hospital was also lower.
What does it mean?
This was an exploratory analysis of an existing trial, without adjustment for multiple statistical comparisons. Hospital reports were not independently adjudicated, and the study ran during the pandemic.
Fewer admissions does not mean no side effects. The main SELECT summary covers treatment trade-offs. Results cannot automatically be extended to younger adults without cardiovascular disease or to every GLP medicine.
Novo Nordisk funded SELECT.