Wegovy, the weight loss drug semaglutide, was shown to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and heart related deaths!
In a groundbreaking revelation, Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind semaglutide, has unveiled the remarkable results of the SELECT cardiovascular outcome trials on August 8, 2023. The study showcases an astounding 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events among individuals with overweight or obesity when taking semaglutide 2.4mg, widely known by its brand name Wegovy!
What is the SELECT Trial?
The SELECT Trial is a double-blinded study that compared once weekly semaglutide 2.4mg (Wegovy) with placebo (injections that did not include any active medication) along with standard of care for prevention of major cardiovascular events over a span of 5 years.
The study included 17,604 adults 45 years old or older with overweight or obesity with established cardiovascular disease without diabetes. The participants were recruited from 41 countries.
What are MACEs?
Major cardiovascular events (MACEs) include a combination of nonfatal stroke, nonfatal heart attacks, and cardiovascular death.
The SELECT trial spotlighted a remarkable 20% decrease in the likelihood of MACEs in those administered with semaglutide 2.4mg (Wegovy), in stark contrast to their counterparts receiving the standard preventive care alongside a placebo.
Why is This Important?
The goal of weight management is improved metabolic health and this is the first time there is evidence that a medication targeted for weight loss improves cardiovascular health.
In a healthcare landscape punctuated by barriers, from societal stigma to limited insurance coverage for anti-obesity interventions, this evidence-backed correlation between weight management and cardiovascular outcomes carries profound implications. The paradigm shift underscores the essential role of weight management in addressing chronic medical conditions and highlights that weight management is not aesthetic treatment (as is often viewed at this time). This will hopefully lead to better insurance coverage and improved access to care.
What’s Next For Wegovy?
The findings of the study still need to be published in a peer-reviewed journal and scrutinized in more detail. Novo Nordisk in their announcement stated they plan to file for regulatory approvals for expansion of the indication of use of semaglutide 2.4mg (Wegovy) for cardiovascular protection.
Stay tuned for further revelations as the medical community embarks on an unprecedented journey towards harnessing the potential of newer treatments in improved health outcomes!
Author
Dr. Suneye Koohsari is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and is committed to helping patients lose weight and improve their health by empowering them with education. She practices in midtown NYC at her private practice Manhattan Medical Weight Loss.