SEMAGLUTIDE IN OBESITY AND EXERCISE MEDICINE: A REVIEW OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE, PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS, AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES

Aleksandra Romaniuk; Sofiya Salash; Artur Koza; Anna Karcz; Barbara Pająk; Hubert Bołdys-Żegocki; Jakub Majewski; Maria Kaniecka; Małgorzata Dworniczak; Oliwia Wróblewska

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5070

Authors

Aleksandra Romaniuk The Provincial Specialist Hospital in Biała Podlaska, Biała Podlaska, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7036-3985
Sofiya Salash Beskid Oncology Center - Municipal Hospital of John Paul II in Bielsko-Biała, Bielsko-Biała, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9725-8457
Artur Koza The Provincial Specialist Hospital in Biała Podlaska, Biała Podlaska, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9714-1154
Anna Karcz Beskid Oncology Center - Municipal Hospital of John Paul II in Bielsko-Biała, Bielsko-Biała, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8381-0541
Barbara Pająk Beskid Oncology Center - Municipal Hospital of John Paul II in Bielsko-Biała, Bielsko-Biała, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8148-7216
Hubert Bołdys-Żegocki Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2124-0919
Jakub Majewski Hospital Murcki Limited Liability Company, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3368-3817
Maria Kaniecka Hospital Murcki Limited Liability Company, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6755-4154
Małgorzata Dworniczak Hospital Murcki Limited Liability Company, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8005-5774
Oliwia Wróblewska University Clinical Center of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8848-3832

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5070

Keywords:

Semaglutide, Obesity, Weight Management, Physical Activity, Sports Medicine

Abstract

Background. Obesity is a growing global public health issue. Semaglutide (Ozempic), a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), represents a breakthrough in obesity pharmacotherapy, with documented benefits in weight reduction, metabolic control, and cardiovascular risk reduction.

Aim. To review key clinical evidence on semaglutide in obesity treatment, explain its mechanism of action, and discuss practical aspects of implementing semaglutide therapy in Poland, including accessibility and long-term use, with particular emphasis on integration with physical activity and rehabilitation.

Material and methods. The article is based on a narrative synthesis of existing sources, including key clinical trials, meta-analyses, international recommendations, and Polish regulatory and reimbursement documents concerning semaglutide use in obesity.

Conclusions. Semaglutide is an effective and innovative pharmacological option in obesity management, with additional potential benefits for physical activity tolerance and weight-related rehabilitation in both recreationally active and sedentary individuals. Optimal long-term outcomes require combining semaglutide therapy with comprehensive lifestyle interventions, particularly structured exercise programs, while addressing challenges of accessibility and long-term treatment in Poland.

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