A new study suggests that anti-obesity injections such as Wegovy could reduce the risk of heart disease in overweight individuals, even if they do not lose significant weight. The findings, published in Nature Medicine, indicate that the benefits of semaglutide-based drugs may extend beyond fat reduction.
Researchers analysed data from the SELECT trial, involving over 17,600 participants aged 45 and above from 41 countries. The trial, conducted by Novo Nordisk, examined whether semaglutide injections could lower cardiovascular risks in obese people without diabetes. Results showed a 20% reduction in heart attack or stroke risk among those taking the drug, compared to a placebo.
Professor John Deanfield from University College London led the analysis, focusing on major cardiovascular events. After 20 weeks, 62% of those on semaglutide lost more than 5% of their body weight, versus 10% in the placebo group. However, the reduction in heart attack, stroke, or heart failure risk was similar regardless of weight loss amount, including those who gained weight.
Professor Deanfield noted that around half of his cardiovascular patients could benefit from semaglutide. He suggested the drug may lower cardiovascular risk through mechanisms beyond weight loss, such as improving blood sugar, blood pressure, or inflammation, or direct effects on the heart and blood vessels.
Another study from the SELECT trial, presented at the European Congress on Obesity, found that semaglutide led to an average 10.2% weight loss and 7.7cm waist reduction over four years. After two years, 52% of treated participants moved down a BMI category, compared to 16% on placebo.
