Big News: Wegovy® Now Approved to Treat Fatty Liver Disease (MASH)
We’re excited to share some important news from the FDA that may impact many of our patients. On August 15, 2025, the FDA approved a new use for Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4 mg injection)—already well known for weight management and heart protection. Wegovy is now the first and only medication approved to treat adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with moderate to advanced liver scarring (fibrosis), but not yet cirrhosis.
What is MASH?
MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) is a serious type of fatty liver disease.
- It happens when fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation and scarring.
- Often there are no obvious symptoms early on, which means many people don’t know they have it.
- If untreated, MASH can progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer, or even the need for a liver transplant.
In the U.S., about 1 in 20 adults have MASH—and among people with overweight or obesity, 1 in 3 may be affected.
How Does Wegovy Help?
The FDA’s approval was based on results from the large ESSENCE trial, which followed patients with MASH and moderate-to-advanced liver fibrosis:
- 63% of people on Wegovy had improvement in liver inflammation and no worsening of scarring (vs 34% on placebo).
- 37% saw improvement in liver scarring with no worsening of inflammation (vs 22% on placebo).
- Overall, patients on Wegovy were about twice as likely to have healthier liver tissue compared to those who didn’t take it.
This means Wegovy is not only helping with weight loss and heart protection—it is now proven to help protect the liver as well.
What This Means for Patients
If you have obesity, overweight, or conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol, you may be at risk for MASH without even knowing it. The addition of this new indication means:
- Wegovy can now be used as a treatment option if you have MASH with liver scarring (but not cirrhosis).
- Along with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity, it may help reduce liver damage and improve long-term health.
Key Takeaway
This approval is a major step forward for people living with fatty liver disease. Wegovy is now FDA-approved for:
- Weight management (in adults and children age 12+ with obesity, or adults with overweight and weight-related conditions)
- Reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with obesity/overweight and heart disease
- Treating MASH with liver scarring (without cirrhosis)
If you are concerned about fatty liver disease or want to learn more about whether Wegovy is right for you, schedule an appointment with our clinic. We can discuss your risks, check your liver health, and create a personalized treatment plan.
