Recent research has shown that the weight loss drug Wegovy, which is based on the active molecule semaglutide, can produce significant weight loss results for at least four years of treatment. In addition to weight loss, Wegovy has been found to deliver cardiovascular benefits in overweight and obese patients, regardless of the amount of weight lost. The drug is an injectable prescription medication that was approved by the FDA in 2021 for chronic weight loss management and is based on a naturally occurring human hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.
The new findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, come from a global team of researchers who analyzed the long-term impacts of semaglutide over a four-year period. The studies were funded by the manufacturer of Wegovy and its sister drug, Novo Nordisk. Participants in the studies were overweight or obese with a history of cardiovascular disease but not diabetes and were given either semaglutide or a placebo for the study period. On average, patients on semaglutide lost 10 percent of their body weight and three inches around their waistline over the four-year period, compared to minimal weight loss in the placebo group.
According to the lead researcher, Donna Ryan, the long-term analysis of semaglutide shows that clinically relevant weight loss can be sustained for up to four years in a diverse population of adults with overweight and obesity. This significant weight loss suggests that the drug may have the potential to impact the public health burden of obesity-related illnesses. Another study published in Nature Medicine by researchers at University College London found that semaglutide treatment delivers cardiovascular benefits regardless of the participants’ starting weight or amount of weight loss. The drug’s positive impacts on blood sugar, blood pressure, inflammation, and the heart muscle and blood vessels contribute to these cardiovascular benefits.
Despite the positive effects of semaglutide, some individuals may experience side effects such as nausea and gastrointestinal problems while taking the drug. The findings from these studies provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of Wegovy and semaglutide on weight loss and cardiovascular health. These results suggest that chronic use of semaglutide may be beneficial for individuals with overweight or obesity, especially those with high cardiovascular risk. Further research and monitoring of patients using Wegovy will be important to fully understand the drug’s potential benefits and risks.
