Does Wegovy Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease?

Wegovy, a popular weight loss medication, has been making headlines for its impressive results in helping people shed pounds. But beyond weight loss, there’s growing evidence suggesting that Wegovy might also play a significant role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). 

Let’s explore the research.

The Link Between Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease

Before we dive into Wegovy, it’s important to understand the connection between obesity and CVD. Excess weight can lead to:

• High blood pressure: This can strain your heart and arteries.
• High cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries.
• Type 2 diabetes: Diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.

Understanding Wegovy

Wegovy, a brand name for semaglutide, is a medication primarily used for weight management. It belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These drugs work by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Wegovy can:

• Reduce appetite: This can lead to weight loss and a decrease in overall body fat.
• Improve blood sugar control: This can benefit individuals with diabetes or at risk of developing it.
• Promote heart health: Some studies suggest that Wegovy may positively impact cardiovascular health.

Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Risk : Clinical Studies

Semaglutide, available as Ozempic and Wegovy, has demonstrated significant benefits in managing type 2 diabetes and reducing heart disease risk.

• Diabetes: In the SUSTAIN trials, weekly Ozempic injections effectively lowered blood sugar levels compared to placebos and other diabetes medications. Importantly, these trials also showed a 26% reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attacks, strokes, and heart-related death) compared to a placebo.
• Obesity and Heart Disease: The SELECT trial, focusing on Wegovy, found that this form of semaglutide reduced the risk of major heart events by 20% in obese or overweight individuals with heart conditions but no diabetes. This included a 28% reduction in heart attacks, a 7% decrease in non-fatal strokes, and a 15% drop in heart-related deaths. Additionally, Wegovy users experienced a 19% lower overall mortality rate.

Overall, semaglutide has shown promise in improving cardiovascular health, not only for individuals with diabetes but also for those with obesity and heart conditions.

How Does Wegovy (Semaglutide) Help?

• Weight loss: By helping people lose weight, Wegovy can address a key risk factor for CVD.
• Improved blood sugar control: For those with type 2 diabetes, Wegovy can help manage blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of complications associated with diabetes.
• Reduced blood pressure: In some cases, Wegovy may help lower blood pressure, another important factor in CVD risk. 

Key Takeaways

• Wegovy may lower cardiovascular risk: The SELECT trial provides strong evidence that Wegovy can reduce the risk of major heart events in individuals with obesity or overweight and existing cardiovascular disease.
• Weight loss plays a role: The weight loss achieved with Wegovy likely contributes to its beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.
• Consult a healthcare professional: If you’re considering Wegovy or have concerns about your cardiovascular health, it’s crucial to consult with a doctor to discuss your individual needs and risks.

References

Lincoff, A. M. et al. (2023) “Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in obesity without diabetes,” The New England journal of medicine, 389(24), pp. 2221–2232. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2307563.

Nordisk, N. (2016) Semaglutide reduced major cardiovascular events by 26% in adults with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk, PR Newswire. Available at: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/semaglutide-reduced-major-cardiovascular-events-by-26-

in-adults-with-type-2-diabetes-at-high-cardiovascular-risk-593658161.html 

Rackham, A. (2023) “Weight loss drug semaglutide approved for NHS use,” BBC, 8 March. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-64874243

Wise, J. (2023) “Semaglutide reduces risk of major cardiovascular events by 20%, finds study,” BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 383, p. 2668. doi: 10.1136/bmj.p2668.

Wu, W. et al. (2023) “The effect of semaglutide on blood pressure in patients with type-2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” Endocrine, 83(3), pp. 571–584. doi: 10.1007/s12020-023-03636-9.

Yaribeygi, H. et al. (2024) “Anti-inflammatory benefits of semaglutide: State of the art,” Journal of clinical & translational endocrinology, 36(100340), p. 100340. doi: 10.1016/j.jcte.2024.100340.