SWIFT - A randomised, controlled, parellel group, open-label trial evaluating the impact of treatment with the GLP-1 analogue semaglutide on weight loss in people living with HIV and obesity.

The prevalence of obesity is rising worldwide, both in low- and high-income countries, including in people living with HIV (PLWH). Semaglutide is a drug whose effectiveness in achieving weight loss in PLWH and obesity is still unexplored. The aim of this study is to figure out the effectiveness and safety of semaglutide, in achieving greater weight loss compared to diet and exercise alone, in a group of PLWH and obesity. Additionally, this study aims to explore the effect of semaglutide on the immune function, markers of immune activation (that help our immune system respond to infections), viral reservoir (a safe hiding spot in the body for viruses to stay inactive or dormant), markers of glucose (blood sugar) and lipid (fatty compound) metabolism and gut microbiome (microorganisms that live in your digestive tract). The treatment stage of the trial will last for 28 weeks, with follow up until 40 weeks.