The popular weight-loss drug semaglutide – used in treatments such as Wegovy – significantly cuts the risk of heart attacks and strokes regardless of how much weight a person loses, according to a large international study published in The Lancet.
Researchers from University College London (UCL) examined data from 17,604 adults aged 45 and over, across 41 countries, who were either overweight or obese. Half received weekly semaglutide injections, while the other half took a placebo. Results showed a 20% reduction in major cardiac events – including heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart disease – among those taking the drug.
The benefits appeared independent of total weight lost, suggesting semaglutide supports heart health through additional biological effects. However, a reduction in waist size, indicating less abdominal fat, explained roughly one-third of the heart benefits.
Lead researcher Prof John Deanfield said: “Abdominal fat is particularly dangerous for cardiovascular health, but two-thirds of semaglutide’s benefits remain unexplained. It seems to work directly on heart and ageing processes.”
The findings suggest semaglutide’s use could extend beyond those with high body mass indexes (BMIs). Deanfield added that even people with a BMI of 27 – near the UK average – saw improved cardiovascular outcomes.
He cautioned, however, that broader use must be balanced with awareness of potential side effects, noting: “Restricting this drug only to the most obese patients doesn’t make sense if our goal is to reduce heart disease risk.”
