A pioneering study found that an anti-obesity injection containing Semaglutide dramatically lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes, independent of how much weight is reduced while taking the medication.
Semaglutide is a prescription medication used to treat obesity and is marketed under the trade names Rybelsus, Ozempic, and Wegovy.
Results showed that those on Semaglutide had a 20% decreased chance of dying from cardiovascular disease, having a heart attack, or having a stroke.
More than helpful
The study discovered that Semaglutide improved cardiovascular health for all of the patients, no matter their initial weight or weight loss progress.
This implies that people who have only slightly reduced their weight or are mildly obese may experience better cardiovascular outcomes from the jab.
According to the study, Semaglutide also directly improves blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation, heart muscle, and blood vessels in addition to aiding in weight loss.
About 17,604 adults from 41 nations who were 45 years of age or older, previously suffered a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack. and had a body mass index of more than 27 participated in the study. The subjects were given a weekly dose of 2.5 mg of Semaglutide or a placebo for an average of 40 months.
The study’s importance
The study's lead author, Prof. John Deanfield, who also directs the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research, stated that the results demonstrated the need for regular prescription of the drug to treat cardiovascular conditions.
“This fantastic drug really is a gamechanger. This [study] suggests that there are potentially alternative mechanisms for that improved cardiovascular outcome with Semaglutide beyond weight loss,” he said.
The hormone GLP-1, which causes people to feel fuller and less hungry, is mimicked by Semaglutide.
