If you’ve been keeping an eye on the latest health trends, you’ve probably heard of Wegovy—the weight loss medication that’s been making headlines for its ability to help people shed significant kilos.
But now, scientists have discovered that this drug may offer more than just a slimmer waistline.
According to a new international study, the active ingredient in Wegovy, semaglutide, could also help treat a serious liver condition known as MASH—and that’s big news for millions of people.
MASH stands for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. It’s a type of fatty liver disease that occurs when fat builds up in the liver, causing inflammation and, over time, scarring (also known as fibrosis). If left untreated, MASH can lead to permanent liver damage, liver failure, or even liver cancer. It’s a progressive condition that often flies under the radar, as it can develop silently over the years without obvious symptoms.
MASH is part of a broader category of liver disease called MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), which affects roughly 24% of adults in the U.S. alone. While Australian data is still emerging, experts believe the numbers are similar here—and rising.
Why? Because MASH is closely linked to obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels. And with obesity and diabetes on the rise in Australia, MASH is becoming an increasingly common—and dangerous—health issue.
The new study, published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, involved researchers from the U.S., U.K., Denmark, France, Italy and Germany. Over 72 weeks, participants with MASH were given gradually increasing doses of semaglutide—the same active ingredient used in both Wegovy (for weight loss) and Ozempic (for Type 2 diabetes).
The results were impressive. Around two-thirds of participants experienced a reduction in liver inflammation. About one-third showed improvement in liver scarring—a more advanced and concerning stage of liver damage.
One-third of participants improved in both inflammation and scarring. Participants also lost an average of 8.5% of their body weight. And here’s the kicker: these benefits were seen in people with and without diabetes.
Until recently, treatment options for MASH were limited. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only approved the first drug specifically for MASH—resmetirom—in 2024. While resmetirom showed some promise, the improvements in liver inflammation and scarring were more modest compared to what was seen with Wegovy.
That’s why this new research is so exciting. It suggests that semaglutide could be a powerful tool not just for weight loss but also for tackling the root causes of fatty liver disease by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing body fat, and regulating blood sugar levels. All of these changes help ease the burden on the liver and reduce the fat buildup that leads to inflammation and scarring.
As we age, our risk of developing metabolic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease increases. Many over-50s may already be living with these conditions—or be at risk—without even knowing it. That’s why it’s so important to stay informed and proactive about your health.
Dr Robert Brown Jr, a liver specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, says that even modest weight loss, as little as 5-10% of your body weight, can lead to significant improvements in liver health.
While lifestyle changes like eating well, staying active, and cutting back on alcohol are still the first line of defence, medications like semaglutide could offer a valuable new option for those who need extra help.
This new research is a hopeful sign that we’re getting closer to effective treatments for MASH and other forms of fatty liver disease. While semaglutide isn’t a magic bullet, it could be a game-changer for people struggling with obesity, diabetes, and liver health.
As always, speak to your GP before starting any new medication or treatment. If you’re concerned about your liver health, don’t wait—early detection and lifestyle changes can make a world of difference.
What are your thoughts on these new findings? Do you think treatments like Wegovy could help those affected by liver conditions? Please feel free to share in the comments below.
Also read: Is your liver in danger? These subtle signs could mean trouble
