Semaglutide: Weight loss medication could reduce heart attack risk

Initial study by University College London

Started in 2018, run by University College London and funded by Novo Nordisk, the initial study enrolled a sample size of 17,604 patients ages 45 or over who had a pre-existing cardiovascular disease and a BMI of 27 or over. The sample did not include anyone with a history of diabetes. 

Half of the sample were given once-weekly subcutaneous injections of semaglutide at a dose of 2.4mg. The other half received a placebo. The results of this study after almost 40 months suggest that the risk of adverse cardiovascular events was significantly reduced in those receiving the semaglutide injection. 

Patients taking semaglutide had as much as 20% reduced risk of heart-related health complications.

2024 updates to the study

At the European Congress on Obesity (ECO), new data from this study has been presented that suggest that not only does semaglutide have a positive impact on heart health in users but effective results of this kind occur regardless of any weight loss achieved while on the medication. 

Professor Deanfield, of University College London, spoke at ECO 2024 saying the findings were a breakthrough for medicine similar to the introduction of statins (a cholesterol-lowering medication) in the 1990s. He suggested that this widened understanding of the potential of these medications, currently licensed for weight loss and management of type-2 diabetes, has the potential to “transform many chronic diseases of ageing.”

Semaglutide for weight loss

Semaglutide is the active ingredient found in weight loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, which have been gaining traction in popular media in recent months. In the UK, semaglutide for the purposes of weight loss is licensed for the brand Wegovy, while Ozempic is only licensed for use in treating type-2 diabetes. 

Semaglutide acts by mimicking hormones that increase the production of insulin; lowering blood sugar levels and slowing down the movement of food through the stomach. By making users feel fuller for longer, their appetite is reduced which supports weight loss. 

It is recommended that Wegovy is used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regime rather than as a replacement for these healthy lifestyle tools.

Heart health in overweight patients

‌It's no new discovery that high body weight correlates with an increased risk of heart issues and other health complications. A high body weight has serious implications for cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and can lead to the development of type-2 diabetes. Cutting down body weight is one of the best ways to protect your health if you have a BMI of over 30. 

Despite the vast benefits of maintaining a healthy body weight, University College London’s study has demonstrated that semaglutide has the potential to significantly decrease risk of cardiovascular complications irrespective of whether patients lose weight on the medication. 

Pairing semaglutide with an exercise plan and a balanced diet can support a healthy lifestyle that focuses on heart health and habit-building that can reduce the risk of complications and create long-lasting routine changes.

Weight loss support from Pharmacy2U

Semaglutide is currently licensed for prescription in the UK under the brand name Wegovy. If you have a BMI of over 30 you could meet the criteria for a prescription to Wegovy or another weight loss medication such as Saxenda, Xenical or Mounjaro. 

To start an enquiry, use our consultation form and one of our licensed doctors will assess your case and offer you a bespoke plan to support your weight loss journey. This might include the prescription of a weight loss medication.