Wegovy has heart health benefits even if weight loss is minimal

image via New Scientist

October 22, 2025, 11:30 PM

• •Wegovy, containing semaglutide, reduces cardiovascular risks independently of weight loss.
• •The SELECT trial involved 17,604 participants and showed a 20% reduction in major cardiac events.
• •Waist circumference reduction was linked to lower cardiovascular risk.
• •Semaglutide's mechanisms may involve improved blood vessel lining, blood pressure, and anti-inflammatory effects.

A recent study demonstrates that Wegovy, a GLP-1 drug, reduces cardiovascular risks independently of weight loss, challenging the notion that its benefits are solely tied to weight reduction. The SELECT trial, involving over 17,000 participants, revealed that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, significantly lowered the risk of heart attacks and strokes, regardless of initial BMI or weight lost. Researchers found that a smaller waist circumference correlated with lower cardiovascular risk, indicating the drug's impact on fat tissue. This study highlights Wegovy's potential as a disease-modifying drug with benefits beyond weight loss, opening new avenues for understanding its effects on heart health.

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