May 16, 2024

Semaglutide Shows Long-term Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Benefits, Studies Find

Recent research highlights the significant advantages of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic in promoting lasting weight loss and improving cardiovascular health. Two studies, one published in Nature Medicine and another from University College London, shed light on the transformative effects of semaglutide-based medications for individuals struggling with obesity and related issues.

The Nature Medicine study, led by Dr. Donna Ryan of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, involved 17,000 overweight or obese adults without diabetes. Over a four-year period, participants experienced an average weight loss of 10% of body weight and a reduction in waistline measurements exceeding 7 centimeters. Notably, over half of the participants shifted down at least one BMI category, with 12% achieving a healthy BMI.

Companion research from University College London suggests that GLP-1 drugs benefit cardiovascular health irrespective of weight loss or initial weight. Positive outcomes were observed across diverse demographics, indicating broad efficacy.

The findings underscore semaglutide's potential to address obesity-related illnesses and reduce the public health burden. Professor John Deanfield emphasized additional cardiovascular benefits beyond fat reduction, potentially including positive impacts on blood sugar, blood pressure, and inflammation.

Despite potential side effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms, semaglutide recipients experienced fewer negative effects compared to the placebo group. The studies, presented at the May 2024 European Congress on Obesity, draw from ongoing research like the Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes (SELECT) trial, which has shown promising results in reducing cardiovascular risk.

While acknowledging the need for further research to assess long-term sustainability, experts advocate for exploring combined interventions with semaglutide, including heart-healthy diets and exercise.