A real-world study found that semaglutide (Wegovy) was linked to a 45 percent lower risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with obesity and heart disease. These events included heart attack, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, coronary revascularization, or death.

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Semaglutide is a medication that mimics a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1 and works by helping regulate appetite, slow digestion, and improve how the body handles blood sugar.

Previous clinical trials have shown that semaglutide can reduce cardiovascular risk in people with obesity and heart disease. What makes this study different is that it looked at real-world use. It examined how the medication works in routine medical care among people with more varied backgrounds, health histories, and treatment patterns.

What the Study Found

Researchers compared about 9,300 people who started semaglutide with more than 18,000 similar people who did not. Overall, researchers found that those taking semaglutide were 45 percent less likely to experience a major cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, coronary revascularization, or death, than people who were not taking the medication. Researchers noted that many of the heart benefits appeared early, before people were expected to reach their maximum weight loss.

The study also found other potential health benefits for people taking semaglutide, including:

• Lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• Lower risk of serious kidney problems
• Fewer hospitalizations overall

Important Limits To Keep in Mind

While these study results are encouraging, the researchers also pointed out some limitations:

• The study was observational, meaning it cannot prove that semaglutide directly caused the risk reduction of heart events.
• Follow-up time was relatively short, so the long-term effects are still being studied.
• The findings apply specifically to adults with obesity and heart disease who do not have diabetes.

Because of this, the results may not apply to everyone living with obesity.

What This Means for People Living With Obesity

If you’re living with obesity and heart disease, this study adds to growing evidence that treatments like semaglutide may play a role in reducing cardiovascular risk, not just supporting weight-related goals.

However, semaglutide is not right for everyone. It can have side effects, and insurance coverage varies. Decisions about obesity treatment should always be made with a healthcare provider who understands your medical history.

Join the Conversation

On MyObesityTeam, people share their experiences with obesity, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you or a loved one experienced improvements in heart health while taking a GLP-1-based medication? Let others know in the comments below.