Recent research has shed light on the potential benefits of semaglutide, the key ingredient in medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, for heart health. The findings from the Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes (SELECT) trial have revealed promising results, suggesting a significant reduction in the risk of stroke or cardiac events even among individuals who do not experience weight loss while taking the medication.
The SELECT trial, involving approximately 17,600 overweight or obese adults with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, represents the largest and longest study of semaglutide use in non-diabetic individuals. Funded by Novo Nordisk, the trial showed that weekly injections of semaglutide over a period of three years could lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or fatal cardiovascular events by nearly 20 percent on average.
A new study led by cardiologist John Deanfield from University College London has further demonstrated that the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide extend beyond weight loss. Regardless of the participant’s initial weight or the amount of weight lost during treatment, the risk of adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes decreased significantly between 2018 and 2023.
Researchers, including biomedical scientist Donna Ryan, have highlighted the potential public health impact of sustained weight loss achieved through semaglutide treatment. With an average weight loss of 10 percent over four years in individuals of diverse backgrounds, the results suggest a broader range of health benefits beyond cardiovascular improvements.
While semaglutide is known for its appetite-suppressing and weight-loss-inducing properties, researchers speculate that there may be additional, unknown mechanisms at play in improving cardiovascular health. Deanfield and Ryan’s analysis, presented at the European Congress on Obesity, raises questions about the full extent of semaglutide’s effects on the body.
Despite the promising findings, researchers caution against widespread use of semaglutide until more is known about its long-term effects and mechanisms of action. The potential weight regain following cessation of semaglutide injections and the need for further investigation into cardiovascular risks post-treatment suggest a need for continued research in this area.
Semaglutide’s unexpected impact on heart health represents a significant development in the understanding of obesity and cardiovascular disease. As scientists continue to explore the complexities of this medication, the potential benefits it offers for public health remain a topic of ongoing debate and investigation.
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