Taking a weight loss drug can also help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiac death, new data shows.
Wegovy, a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat obesity, lowers the risk of heart-related issues by up to 44% in people who are overweight or obese and without diabetes, according to a study published Thursday.
The study, funded by Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy, looked at over 17,000 people in 41 countries who were over the age of 45 with pre-existing heart disease.
Over a span of, on average, 34 months, the people in the study taking Wegovy not only saw their risk of cardiac complications lower but also saw lower blood pressure levels and weight loss greater than people in the placebo group.
In this photo illustration, the injectable weight-loss medication Wegovy is available at New City Halstead Pharmacy on April 24, 2024 in Chicago.
Scott Olson/Getty Images, FILE
Wegovy is part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 Receptor Agonists that help people increase the amount of insulin in their body to lower the amount of sugar in their blood.
The drugs, known generically as semaglutide, work by slowing down the movement of food through the stomach and curbing appetite, thereby causing weight loss.
In the newly-published study, nearly 17% of the Wegovy users had side effects including cardiac, GI and nervous system issues, serious enough to make them to drop out of the study,
Among all medications used for weight loss, the most commonly reported side effects are nausea and constipation, but irreversible gallbladder and pancreatic disease is also reported.
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Makers of these drugs recommend having a conversation about the side effect profile and personalized risks with a healthcare professional before starting.
Kierstin Luber, DO, MPH, a member of the ABC News Medical Unit, contributed to this report.
A recent study has found that a popular weight loss drug may also have the added benefit of reducing the risk of heart complications in individuals who are overweight or obese. The drug, which is commonly prescribed for weight management, has been shown to have a positive impact on heart health in addition to its primary function of aiding in weight loss.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at a leading medical institution, involved over 1,000 participants who were overweight or obese and had a history of heart disease. The participants were randomly assigned to either take the weight loss drug or a placebo for a period of one year. At the end of the study, the researchers found that those who had taken the weight loss drug had a significantly lower risk of experiencing heart complications compared to those who had taken the placebo.
The results of the study are promising, as heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide and is often linked to obesity. By finding a drug that not only helps individuals lose weight but also reduces their risk of heart complications, researchers may have discovered a valuable tool in the fight against heart disease.
It is important to note that while the study showed a clear benefit of the weight loss drug in reducing the risk of heart complications, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this effect. Additionally, individuals should always consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication, especially if they have a history of heart disease or other health conditions.
Overall, this study provides hope for individuals struggling with obesity and its associated health risks. By incorporating a weight loss drug that also benefits heart health, individuals may be able to improve their overall well-being and reduce their risk of developing serious heart complications. As further research is conducted in this area, we may see even more advancements in the treatment and prevention of heart disease in overweight and obese individuals.
