The weight-loss drug semaglutide has been found to cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes regardless of how much weight patients lose, according to a large international study published in The Lancet.
Researchers from University College London (UCL) analysed data from more than 17,600 people aged 45 and older who were overweight or obese. Participants received either weekly semaglutide injections or a placebo over several years. The drug reduced the risk of major heart events by 20%, even among those who lost little or no weight.
While reductions in waist circumference – a measure of belly fat – accounted for about a third of the heart benefits, two-thirds were unrelated to weight loss. This suggests semaglutide may directly improve cardiovascular health.
Lead author Prof John Deanfield said: “Abdominal fat is more dangerous than overall weight, so it’s not surprising waist reduction helps the heart. But the majority of benefits can’t be explained by weight loss alone — semaglutide appears to act directly on heart disease and ageing.”
The findings challenge current medical guidelines that restrict such drugs to people with the highest BMIs. Deanfield added that even those with moderate weight issues could see significant heart benefits, though he cautioned that potential side effects should still be carefully monitored.
