Weight-loss medication reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems by 20%.

New research in the US shows that the obesity drug Wegovy may reduce the risk of serious heart problems by 20%, paving the way for applications beyond weight loss.

The results of a large-scale clinical trial, presented at the American Heart Association on November 12th, were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Michael Lincoff, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic and the lead author of the study, said that in addition to reducing body weight, the drug may also reduce cardiovascular events.

The study involved 17,600 people from 41 countries. Patients were 41 years of age or older, had a history of cardiovascular disease, a body mass index of 27 or higher, and did not have diabetes. Volunteers were divided into two groups: half received a placebo, while the other half received weekly Wegovy injections. All were followed for over three years.

The results showed that in the Wegovy group, 6.5% of volunteers died from heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular-related causes. This number was lower at 8% in the placebo group. Those who received Wegovy lost an average of about 10% of their body weight and maintained that weight throughout the trial.

Wegovy, an obesity medication. Photo: Novo Nordisk

Dr. Martha Gulati, a cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said that Wegovy users also saw significant improvements in inflammation, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.

According to the report, volunteers experienced side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These are common reactions to obesity medications. Furthermore, the drug is quite expensive, with monthly costs ranging from approximately $1,300 if used as directed.

Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Wegovy, has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to add cardiovascular benefits to its drug label, similar to Ozempic's label.

Ozempic is a lower-dose version of Wegovy. The drug has also been shown to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes. The new study is a breakthrough, as scientists focused on volunteers who did not have diabetes.

Thuc Linh (According to NY Post )

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