7-7-2024
The diabetes drug semaglutide (known by the brand name Wegovy, among others) has grabbed headlines for its ability to trigger near-effortless weight loss.
But research points to benefits beyond the bathroom scale: this weight loss drug may also be good for the heart.
This is an important study because it’s the first time a weight loss drug has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, including the risk of death
diabetes
weight loss
obesity
semaglutide
Ozempic
Wegovy
Rybelsus
The weight loss drug Wegovy is good for people with obesity who also have the most common form of heart failure. In heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, the heart doesn't fill with blood properly when it's at rest between heartbeats.
Wegovy reduces heart failure symptoms, results in weight loss, and improves the ability to exercise in people with obesity with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), says the study funded by the company that makes Wegovy.
Semaglutide, a medication sold under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, has shown to be effective at helping patients lose weight. Now, studies indicate it may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease remains the top cause of death in the United States, and diet has now eclipsed tobacco as the top contributor to premature death
Independent of dietary risk, obesity is also a top contributor to risk for cardiovascular disease
Poor diet combined with obesity is common and has become a major focus for public health efforts.
Gradual, healthy and sustained weight loss is good for the heart. For example, lowering body weight in someone with elevated blood pressure and cholesterol can help reduce these risk factors, as well as help prevent abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure and heart attacks.