Wegovy and Heart Health

Wegovy is a branded form of semaglutide; a GLP-1 receptor agnostic. In recent years GLP-1 medications have been lifechanging for many people, reshaping the world of weight management to help those who have struggled in the past. Alongside this improvement on weight loss, Wegovy has shown a positive impact on heart health. But how exactly does Wegovy support heart health, and why is this important for those with obesity at risk of cardiovascular disease and who may be considering treatment?

The Link Between Obesity and Heart Health

Carrying excess weight, is often more than skin deep. It can indicate a risk of heart-related conditions such as:

• High blood pressure
• High LDL cholesterol (often called ‘bad’ cholesterol)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Atherosclerosis (blocked arteries)

All of these conditions can raise the chances of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. Effective weight management is key for heart health, reducing the risk of these cardiovascular events.

Recent studies have found that even slight weight loss (5-10% of total body weight), can show significant improvements in blood pressure, blood cholesterol, blood sugars, and overall heart health.

Wegovy’s Heart Benefits

Wegovy has shown fantastic results when it comes to weight loss and weight management. Not only this, but Wegovy has shown clinical reduction to the risk of cardiovascular events.

A recent clinical study found that semaglutide; the active ingredient in Wegovy, reduced the risk of a major event such as heart attack or stroke, by ~20%. This was in adults who were overweight or obese with preexisting heart disease.

The cause of this is likely due to Wegovy’s link with improvements in: blood pressure and ‘bad’ cholesterol, which both contribute to strain upon the heart, lowered inflammation within the body, particularly in the arteries, which can speed up blockage buildup (atherosclerosis), and reduced blood sugars which can cause stress on the heart (particularly in people with, or at risk of diabetes.

Other Health Benefits of Wegovy

Already we have seen that Wegovy has shown exciting results in improved heart health and lowered risk of cardiovascular disease. But added to this, Wegovy has also shown improvements in:

Metabolic Health: Supporting better control over blood glucose and insulin sensitivity. Helping the body’s energy balance and how it uses its energy resources more effectively.

Organ Benefits: Recent research has suggested that semaglutide can help with kidney health; reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease, and liver health, improving liver scarring in those with a pre-existing liver condition (MASH).

Improving PCOS Symptoms: Helping to regular insulin and therefore aiding with hormonal balance counteracting the symptoms that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause.

Discover more in our blog: How GLP-1 Medications Can Help Manage PCOS Symptoms | The Family Chemist

Reducing Addictions: Semaglutide has already helped people reduce their ‘food noise’; the constant food orientated thoughts which can dominate their day. But, recent studies have suggested that medication can be used to treat this ‘noise’ associated with other addictions too. Reducing alcohol cravings, and nicotine addition too.

Wegovy Availability and Access in the UK

Wegovy is approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for weight management and for reducing cardiovascular risk in adults who are overweight or living with obesity. It is available through NHS specialists, although only under certain areas, under strict eligibility criteria, and with long waiting lists.

Alternatively, Wegovy and other weight loss treatments are available privately through online clinic services such as with The Family Chemist. Prescribed by qualified clinicians and delivered quickly and discreetly for those who qualify following a free online questionnaire to ensure suitability and safety.

The Bottom Line

Wegovy has shown to be more than just a weight loss medication. For those with obesity or who are overweight, particularly those at risk of cardiovascular disease, Wegovy offers a clinically proven way to improve your heart health. Reducing your risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. With research still continuing, more and more health benefits such as reduced inflammation, improved organ health, and improved cardiovascular health are emerging for Wegovy and other GLP-1 treatment options.

Discover how Wegovy could help improve your health with The Family Chemist. Here for you, helping to address weight loss and how it could work for you.