Semaglutide Reduces Cardiovascular Risk Independently of Major Weight Loss

New findings from the SELECT trial indicate that semaglutide significantly lowers the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in adults with overweight or obesity, even without substantial weight loss. The results suggest the drug’s cardiovascular benefits extend beyond its impact on body weight, highlighting broader cardiometabolic effects.

Cardiovascular Protection Beyond Weight Reduction

The study revealed that reductions in waist circumference were linked to lower MACE risk, accounting for roughly one-third of the treatment effect. However, the overall cardiovascular benefits were largely independent of weight loss, suggesting that semaglutide’s intrinsic cardioprotective properties are evident in individuals with established cardiovascular disease but without diabetes.

Implications for GLP-1 Therapy in Obesity Management

Originally developed for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide are increasingly recognized for their cardiovascular risk-modifying effects. These findings may influence clinicians to consider semaglutide as a cardiometabolic intervention in overweight or obese patients, reshaping treatment strategies beyond glucose management.