It is emerging that weight loss injections such as Wegovy, and Ozempic has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Semaglutide, an active ingredient in many weight loss injections, has been studied extensively for its cardiovascular benefits.
In a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity but without diabetes, weekly subcutaneous semaglutide at a dose of 2.4 mg demonstrated superiority over placebo in reducing the incidence of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke. This significant reduction in cardiovascular risk was observed over a mean follow-up period of 39.8 months. The findings from this study, sponsored by Novo Nordisk and led by Prof. John Deanfield, highlight the potential of semaglutide as a groundbreaking treatment for weight management and protecting cardiovascular health.HTop of Form
How it reduces the risk of heart attacks
Semaglutide works to reduce the risk of heart attacks through several mechanisms:
- Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonism: Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics the action of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone in the body. GLP-1 plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite control. By activating GLP-1 receptors, semaglutide helps to improve insulin sensitivity, decrease glucagon secretion (which lowers blood sugar levels), and reduce appetite.
- Weight loss: Semaglutide’s primary use is weight management. It helps individuals lose weight by suppressing appetite and promoting satiety. Obesity is a significant risk factor for heart disease, and weight loss can improve cardiovascular health, including reduced blood pressure, improved lipid profiles, and decreased inflammation.
- Improvements in metabolic parameters: Semaglutide has been shown to improve various metabolic parameters, including blood sugar levels and lipid profiles. These improvements can benefit cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which is a foundation for heart attacks and strokes.
- Direct effects on the cardiovascular system: Beyond its impact on metabolism and weight, semaglutide may also directly affect the cardiovascular system. These effects could include reducing inflammation, improving endothelial function (the function of the cells lining blood vessels), and reducing the risk of blood clots, all of which contribute to a lower risk of heart attacks.
Overall, the comprehensive actions of semaglutide contribute to its ability to reduce the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events in individuals who are overweight or obese and have preexisting cardiovascular disease.
Where’s the clinical evidence?
The clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of semaglutide in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes comes from a landmark study known as the Select trial. Here are the key details of the trial and its findings:
Study Title: The SELECT Trial (Semaglutide Effects on Cardiovascular Outcomes in People with Overweight or Obesity)
Study Design: The Select trial was a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, event-driven superiority trial. It enrolled patients aged 45 years or older who had preexisting cardiovascular disease and a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater but no history of diabetes. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide at a dose of 2.4 mg or placebo.
Primary Endpoint: The primary cardiovascular endpoint was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction (heart attack), or nonfatal stroke in a time-to-first-event analysis.
Duration and Follow-Up: The mean duration of exposure to semaglutide or placebo was 34.2 months, and the mean duration of follow-up was 39.8 months.
Results: 17,604 patients were enrolled in the trial, with 8803 assigned to receive semaglutide and 8801 to receive placebo. The study found that the incidence of the primary cardiovascular endpoint was significantly lower in the semaglutide group compared to the placebo group. Specifically, a primary cardiovascular endpoint event occurred in 569 of the 8803 patients (6.5%) in the semaglutide group and in 701 of the 8801 patients (8.0%) in the placebo group, resulting in a hazard ratio of 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.72 to 0.90; P<0.001).
Safety: Safety was also assessed in the trial. Adverse events leading to permanent discontinuation of the trial product occurred in 1461 patients (16.6%) in the semaglutide group and 718 patients (8.2%) in the placebo group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The Select trial concluded that in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease and overweight or obese but without diabetes, weekly subcutaneous semaglutide at a dose of 2.4 mg was superior to placebo in reducing the incidence of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke at a mean follow-up of 39.8 months.
Source: The findings of the Select trial were published in a peer-reviewed medical journal and can be accessed through sources like PubMed or the journal’s website.
Where can you buy these weight loss treatments
Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus, is a prescription medication. It cannot be purchased over the counter and requires a prescription from The Family Chemist.
Individuals should consult The Family Chemist’s clinician before buying semaglutide or other weight loss treatment. The clinician can evaluate the individual’s medical history, assess their weight management goals, and determine if semaglutide or another weight loss treatment is appropriate for them. Once prescribed, individuals can buy semaglutide from The Family Chemist.
