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Semaglutide 2.4 mg is cost-effective for obesity disease management in Japan under retreatment scenarios

Semaglutide 2.4 mg plus diet and exercise reduced the incidence of obesity-related complications including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular events, obstructive sleep apnea, and gout. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was ¥5,300,580/QALY for patients without type 2 diabetes and ¥7,077,984/QALY for patients with type 2 diabetes, with retreatment improving QALY gains.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Cost-Effectiveness of Semaglutide 2.4 mg for Obesity Disease Management in Japan: A Lifetime Economic Modeling Study Incorporating Retreatment Scenarios.

observational

Kamada Y, Wada S, Matsuda H, Dai Y · Journal of health economics and outcomes research (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: lifetime
Intervention: Semaglutide 2.4 mg plus diet and exercise, with retreatment scenarios (0, 1, or 2 retreatments) and a fixed 1-year off-treatment period after each regimen.
Outcome: Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in Japanese yen per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), incidence of obesity-related complications (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular events, obstructive sleep apnea, gout).
Effect Size: N/A (ICER reported: ¥5,300,580/QALY for patients without T2D; ¥7,077,984/QALY for patients with T2D)
Population: People with obesity disease in Japan meeting Optimal Use Promotion Guidelines criteria: BMI ≥35 kg/m² with at least 1 obesity-related comorbidity (hypertension, dyslipidemia, or type 2 diabetes), or BMI ≥27 kg/m² with at least 2 obesity-related health disorders.

Result:

PubMed: 42394652DOI: 10.36469/001c.162614

Mechanism Graph

Semaglutide 2.4 mg reduces body weight via GLP-1 receptor agonism
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Weight loss reduces risk factors for obesity-related complications
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Retreatment maintains weight loss and risk reduction over longer periods
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Result: Reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular events, obstructive sleep apnea, and gout, with improved cost-effectiveness

Limitations

  • ⚠Uncertainty remains around retreatment efficacy and long-term discontinuation
  • ⚠Modeling study with assumptions that may not reflect real-world clinical practice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICER of semaglutide 2.4 mg for obesity in Japan?▼

The ICER was ¥5,300,580/QALY for patients without type 2 diabetes and ¥7,077,984/QALY for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Does retreatment with semaglutide improve cost-effectiveness?▼

Yes, retreatment significantly improved QALY gains compared with limited or no retreatment, reflecting longer maintenance of treatment benefit.

What obesity-related complications did semaglutide reduce?▼

Semaglutide reduced the incidence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular events, obstructive sleep apnea, and gout.

What population was studied in this cost-effectiveness analysis?▼

People with obesity disease in Japan with BMI ≥35 kg/m² and at least 1 comorbidity, or BMI ≥27 kg/m² with at least 2 comorbidities.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Kamada Y, Wada S, Matsuda H, Dai Y. "Cost-Effectiveness of Semaglutide 2.4 mg for Obesity Disease Management in Japan: A Lifetime Economic Modeling Study Incorporating Retreatment Scenarios.." Journal of health economics and outcomes research, 2026. PMID: 42394652 DOI: 10.36469/001c.162614
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.