The popular weight-loss drug semaglutide – the active ingredient in Wegovy – reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes regardless of how much weight a person loses, according to a major international study published in The Lancet.
Researchers from University College London (UCL) analysed data from more than 17,600 adults aged 45 and over who were overweight or obese across 41 countries. Participants received either weekly semaglutide injections or a placebo. Earlier findings showed the drug reduced major cardiac events by 20%, and this new analysis confirms that the benefit was independent of total weight loss.
However, the study did find that smaller waistlines – indicating reduced abdominal fat – were linked to stronger heart protection, accounting for about one-third of the observed benefit.
Lead author Prof John Deanfield said: “Abdominal fat is more dangerous for cardiovascular health than overall weight, but two-thirds of semaglutide’s heart benefits can’t be explained by weight or waist reduction alone.”
The results suggest semaglutide directly improves heart health, meaning patients don’t need to lose large amounts of weight or have very high BMIs to benefit. Researchers urged health systems to consider expanding access to the drug beyond only those with severe obesity, while continuing to monitor potential side effects.
