The FDA recently approved the use of Wegovy, a medication containing semaglutide, to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with heart disease who also have obesity or are overweight. Originally approved in 2017 to treat type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has now been approved for chronic weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and has gained popularity as a weight loss treatment. Recent studies have shown potential benefits of semaglutide on cardiovascular health, including anti-atherosclerotic effects and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors.
The FDA’s approval of Wegovy for reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in individuals with established cardiovascular disease who are either overweight or obese is based on the results of the SELECT cardiovascular outcomes clinical trial. The study found that semaglutide reduced the risk of cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, or non-fatal stroke by 20%, as well as reduced overall mortality by 19%. Experts believe that the new indication for semaglutide is crucial in addressing cardiovascular disease, which remains a leading cause of death worldwide, especially in individuals with obesity. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide beyond weight loss.
Medical professionals, such as Dr. Cheng-Han Chen and Dr. Mir Ali, emphasize the importance of addressing risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are often associated with obesity and diabetes. By aiding in weight loss and controlling weight, drugs like semaglutide have the potential to improve cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with these conditions. Dr. Angela Fitch, president of the Obesity Medicine Association, considers the FDA’s approval of Wegovy to be a significant step in providing potentially life-saving medication to individuals with heart disease.
Semaglutide medications work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone in the body, which stimulates insulin production and reduces blood sugar levels. In addition to Wegovy, other medications using semaglutide, such as Ozempic and Rybelsus, are currently approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, off-label use of these medications for weight loss has been reported. Research is ongoing to explore the various potential uses of semaglutide, including its effects on kidney disease progression and other conditions. Medical professionals anticipate that as research progresses, semaglutide may be approved for additional indications beyond weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Experts agree that the approval of semaglutide for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with obesity and heart disease is a significant advancement in addressing the public health crisis posed by cardiovascular disease. Dr. Matthew Saybolt emphasizes the urgent need for safe treatments that can reduce the risk of death and complications associated with cardiovascular conditions. The medical community is optimistic about the future potential of semaglutide and GLP-1 receptor agonists in treating a wide range of chronic diseases beyond diabetes and obesity, including kidney disease and mental health disorders. As research continues to uncover new benefits of semaglutide, it is likely that the FDA will approve additional indications for its use.