Semaglutide as a potential tool in pre-lung transplant weight loss optimization

Patients with end-stage lung disease go through an extensive screening process prior to transplant. Obesity and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are unfavorable risk factors that lead to poor outcomes. We present the case of a 69-year-old man with stage IV chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on chronic oxygen, T2DM on insulin, and class II obesity (reference range, body mass index [BMI], 35.0-39.9) who underwent pre-lung transplant evaluation. He had a BMI of 38.05, surpassing the institutional transplant eligibility criteria of BMI <32. The patient was initiated on semaglutide for weight loss. After 6 months, the patient's BMI decreased to 30.5, losing 25 kg and qualifying him for transplant. However, given substantial improvements in respiratory status, the pre-lung transplant committee deferred waitlisting. After 16 months of treatment, the patient lost a total of 35.17 kg, his forced vital capacity improved from 44% to 82%, and he was weaned off oxygen. Chronic hypoxia and corticosteroids make weight management challenging for COPD patients. This case demonstrates the use of semaglutide for rapid weight loss and improved respiratory function in patients with end-stage lung disease, emphasizing its emerging potential in pre-lung transplant optimization.