The drug semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Since then, GLP-1 drugs have exploded in popularity as weight loss treatments.

In recent years, researchers have investigated how semaglutide affects cardiovascular health.a 2021 surveyFor example, semaglutide and Antiatherosclerotic effect.

a 2023 survey Semaglutide reportedly improves cardiometabolic risk factors and may reduce the use of hypertension and high cholesterol medications in obese, nondiabetic adults.

Dr. Chen-Han Chen, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, explained: Today’s medical news How diabetes and weight loss drugs can benefit cardiovascular health.

Dr. Chen said this type of drug may affect cardiovascular disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol by aiding weight loss and weight management.

“Treatment of this aspect of metabolic syndrome also improves other risk factors for heart disease, which in turn improves cardiovascular disease outcomes. Simply put, everything is connected and people A lot of the reasons for heart disease are all due to blood sugar control (and) weight control.”

— Dr. Chen-Han Chen, Cardiologist

The new FDA approval is result Results of the SELECT cardiovascular outcomes clinical trial.

The study found that Wegovy “statistically significantly reduced” the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, and non-fatal stroke, in overweight or obese adults. It was shown. Established cardiovascular disease.

The trial also found that the use of semaglutide reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 15% and the risk of death from any cause by 19% compared to those who took a placebo.

“We know that obesity itself increases cardiovascular risk. And by losing weight, patients can reduce that risk,” says Memorial Care at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif. said Dr. Mir Ali, bariatric surgeon and medical director of the Surgical Weight Loss Center. MNT.

“What’s interesting about this study is that the effects of these weight loss drugs seem to involve more than just helping patients lose weight. And unfortunately, this study didn’t address that, but the field is Further research is needed.”

— Dr. Mir Ali, Bariatric Surgeon

Experts agree that a new FDA indication for semaglutide is needed.

“Cardiovascular disease remains a serious problem. number one killer Despite all the efforts we have made in the past few decades, the world’s population is decreasing, so we will continue to find more ways to reduce people’s morbidity and mortality from this disease. That’s very important,” Dr. Chen said.

“Many cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure and advanced vascular disease, pose a risk of death that exceeds the risk seen with many cancers,” says the Medical Director of the Structural Heart Disease Program at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. said Director Dr. Matthew Seibold.Said MNT.

“Cardiovascular diseases, particularly those associated with obesity, are a public health emergency, requiring safe treatments that reduce the likelihood of death and complications. There is much more to come,” Dr. Seibold added.

Dr. Angela Fitch, president of the Obesity Medicine Society and chief medical officer of Knownwell, said the FDA’s approval of Wegovy is exciting news for people with heart disease and the clinicians who treat them.

“This approval is an essential step in the right direction to ensure patients have access to potentially lifesaving medicines,” Dr. Fitch said.

Semaglutide drug is GLP-1 hormone It is naturally released into the body through the gastrointestinal system during meals. This hormone tells the body to produce more insulin, lowering blood sugar levels.

“Semaglutide is a drug prescribed by your doctor that is taken as a self-injection injection that increases the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas while simultaneously decreasing the amount of glucagon produced by the liver,” explains Dr. Fitch. did.

“These drugs act on the brain and hypothalamus to directly reduce appetite and cravings.”

Currently, there are several drugs on the market that use semaglutide as the main ingredient.

Currently, Wegovy is the only semaglutide drug approved by the FDA for both weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction.

Ozempic and Libersus are currently approved only to treat type 2 diabetes.However, some people use these drugs unofficial For weight loss.

Doctors also agree that semaglutide could be used more and more over time as research continues.

For example, a recent study found that semaglutide, brand name Ozempic, may help reduce the progression of kidney disease.

Other studies are currently evaluating the use of semaglutide in the treatment of conditions such as:

“I think so because it’s a hormone and hormones have a wide range of effects throughout the body,” Dr. Ali commented. “As people focus on different areas, we may see more research into different effects.”

Dr. Seibold pointed out that anything that positively impacts a person’s weight, such as inflammation, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol, “can also positively impact nearly every organ in the human body.”

“This stamp of approval from the FDA continues to confirm what the medical community has known all along: GLP-1 exists to treat serious chronic diseases, now cardiovascular disease in addition to diabetes and obesity. The research supporting the use of GLP-1 for other diseases, such as kidney disease (and) mental health and addiction, to name a few, is very promising, and the FDA is looking to combat other issues. I definitely expect that they will continue to approve the use of GLP-1. ”

— Dr. Angela Fitch, President of the Obesity Medicine Society