Semaglutide Shows Cardiovascular Benefit in Obese Patients, Even With Limited Weight Loss
London – A new analysis suggests the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide may offer cardiovascular protection to obese individuals with existing heart disease, autonomous of notable weight reduction. The findings, published in The Lancet, indicate the drug’s benefits extend beyond simply addressing obesity, potentially offering a new avenue for managing cardiovascular risk in a vulnerable population.
The post-hoc analysis of the SELECT trial revealed a protective effect against further cardiovascular events, nonetheless of a patient’s starting weight or the amount of weight they ultimately lost. Researchers found that approximately one-third of this protective benefit could be attributed to reductions in abdominal circumference,leading them to believe other mechanisms are at play in semaglutide’s cardiovascular effects. This finding is notably significant given the global rise in obesity and cardiovascular disease, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for millions at risk.
The study, detailed in the publication (2025; DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01375-3), analyzed data from the SELECT trial.
