A recent study suggests that weight loss injections may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, regardless of the amount of weight lost. Researchers found that targeting belly fat is crucial for improving heart health, as opposed to focusing solely on overall weight loss, which could include muscle mass loss.
The study, published in Lancet, involved 17,604 individuals using the drug semaglutide for obesity or diabetes. Half received weekly semaglutide injections, while the other half received a placebo. Results showed a 20% reduced risk of major adverse cardiac events with semaglutide, irrespective of the amount of weight lost.
Lead researcher Professor John Deanfield emphasized the importance of abdominal fat in cardiovascular health, stating that the drug’s benefits extend beyond weight loss. The study found that even individuals with lower BMI scores experienced similar heart benefits, suggesting that the drug’s effects on heart disease are not solely weight-dependent.
Researchers noted that reducing waist circumference mediated a significant portion of the observed cardiovascular benefits. This discovery has implications for the clinical use of semaglutide, indicating that cardiovascular benefits can be achieved without significant weight loss.
The study’s findings have prompted discussions about expanding the use of medications like semaglutide to a broader population for improved heart health. Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan from the British Heart Foundation highlighted the need for further research to uncover additional mechanisms behind the cardiovascular benefits of such medications.
As the NHS plans to provide weight loss injections to 240,000 individuals in England, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle alongside medication use for long-term heart health benefits.