Cardiometabolic benefits and risks of Semaglutide usage in overweight and obese adults without diabetes
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 29th, 2024
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Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), is commonly employed in diabetes management owing to its capacity to stimulate insulin production. Prior research has indicated that the use of GLP-1 diminishes the likelihood of cardiovascular events in diabetic patients. A recently published study in the New England Journal of Medicine seeks to evaluate whether the protective effects observed with Semaglutide in diabetes patients extend to overweight and obese individuals without diabetes.
The study included 17,604 adults aged 45 and above, with a BMI exceeding 27, who had a history of myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke. The average systolic blood pressure among participants was around 131 mmHg, and their mean cholesterol level was 153 mg/dL. Through random assignment, participants were administered weekly subcutaneous injections of either a placebo or 2.4 mg of Semaglutide. To mitigate potential adverse reactions, the dosage was gradually increased from 0.24 mg to 0.5, 1.0, and 1.7 mg every 4 weeks. After a 40-month period, the study concluded that the incidence of cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, was 20% lower in those treated with Semaglutide. The risk of death from cardiovascular events decreased by 15%, and the prevalence of heart failure was 18% lower. Over the course of the study, Semaglutide use led to an average weight reduction of 8.51% and a decrease in cholesterol levels by 2.77%. However, it is essential to note that Semaglutide usage was associated with severe adverse effects, prompting 16.6% of participants to withdraw from the study.
The study included 17,604 adults aged 45 and above, with a BMI exceeding 27, who had a history of myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke. The average systolic blood pressure among participants was around 131 mmHg, and their mean cholesterol level was 153 mg/dL. Through random assignment, participants were administered weekly subcutaneous injections of either a placebo or 2.4 mg of Semaglutide. To mitigate potential adverse reactions, the dosage was gradually increased from 0.24 mg to 0.5, 1.0, and 1.7 mg every 4 weeks. After a 40-month period, the study concluded that the incidence of cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, was 20% lower in those treated with Semaglutide. The risk of death from cardiovascular events decreased by 15%, and the prevalence of heart failure was 18% lower. Over the course of the study, Semaglutide use led to an average weight reduction of 8.51% and a decrease in cholesterol levels by 2.77%. However, it is essential to note that Semaglutide usage was associated with severe adverse effects, prompting 16.6% of participants to withdraw from the study.