Another Semaglutide “Benefit”? Not Quite.

We’ve been keeping a close eye on semaglutide for some time now.

First hailed as a “weight loss wonder,” then praised for possible brain benefits (yes, we were among the first to spotlight that potential)… and later exposed for its harsh side effects and questionable long-term impact.

Now, the popular diabetes and weight loss drug is back in the headlines—this time, for its supposed kidney benefits.

But before you get too excited, let’s take a closer look at the study… and who’s behind it.

A new observational study out of Spain found that oral semaglutide may reduce signs of kidney stress in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Specifically, researchers noted a 40% reduction in the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR)—a marker for kidney damage—after one year of semaglutide use.

That sounds promising, especially considering how diabetes and kidney problems often go hand in hand.

But here’s what the headlines aren’t telling you…

The study was retrospective, meaning researchers simply looked back at patient data rather than running a tightly controlled trial. There was no control group—so we have no real way to compare outcomes to patients not taking the drug.

The authors themselves admit there was variability in measurements, missing adherence data, and a short follow-up period (just one year). Not exactly the gold standard for medical evidence.

And perhaps most telling: The study was funded by Novo Nordisk, the drug company that makes semaglutide. Several authors even reported receiving money from pharmaceutical companies—including the one behind the study. That’s a glaring red flag.

Now, to be fair, the reduction in kidney damage markers is real. And for some diabetics with limited options, oral semaglutide may be worth discussing with a trusted provider.

But let’s not forget—this isn’t a cure. The drug didn’t improve kidney function—it just seemed to slow down a symptom of decline. And it did so without changing the rate of kidney function loss.

We’ve seen this playbook before: Big Pharma touts a new “benefit,” and suddenly a drug originally designed for one condition is being marketed for five others. All while patients foot the bill—and sometimes suffer the consequences.

Bottom line? Don’t let splashy headlines and industry hype override caution. Talk to your doctor, ask tough questions, and always consider natural support for kidney health—like staying hydrated, eating a whole-food diet, keeping blood sugar in check, and reducing toxic exposures.

Semaglutide might help some. But until we see more rigorous, long-term, and diverse research, it’s wise to press pause on declaring this a kidney “breakthrough.”

Maybe it helps—but we deserve better evidence before jumping in with both feet.

To getting the facts straight,

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

P.S. New protein discovery could rival Ozempic?

Sources:

Choudhury, E. J. (2025, July 17). Oral Semaglutide Offers Kidney Benefits in T2D. Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/oral-semaglutide-offers-kidney-benefits-t2d-2025a1000inc