Obesity Drug Emerges as a Potential Cardiovascular Game-Changer
Dr. Marcus Ranney
Longevity Physician to Overwhelmed High-Performers + CXOs | Best-Selling Author | Biohacker | Guinness Book of World Records’ Holder | Building Longevity Athletes | Adventurer + Explorer
In my previous newsletter I discussed how GLPs, in combination with a healthy lifestyle, may serve as miracle medications for those suffering with obesity. However, they come at a significant cost, both financially and in terms of health, making their long-term usage unsustainable. As a result, both doctors and patients should proceed with caution when considering whether they should be the first option of treatment for weight control.
In this newsletter I shed light on the latest breakthrough regarding GLP1 receptors drug? called Wegovy?which might? reshape the contours of cardiovascular health and weight management.?
Background
Wegovy ? (once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist indicated for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity), adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition, and paediatric patients aged 12 years and older with an initial BMI at the 95th percentile or greater for obesity.
Semaglutide is? a once-weekly injectable medicine for individuals who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. It is the first medicine licensed in the United States for persistent weight control.
Semaglutide works by imitating the actions of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates hunger and blood sugar levels. Semaglutide has been found in scientific studies to be beneficial in helping patients lose weight and keep it off. Over the course of 68 weeks, those who took semaglutide lost an average of 12 -14 % of their body weight. This was much higher weight reduction than the placebo group.
Semaglutide is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. These side effects usually go away after a few weeks of treatment.
In recent semaglutide news, the FDA authorised Wegovy, a novel extended-release version of the medicine. Wegovy is the first and only FDA-approved first novel weight reduction medicine in more than 20 years .Wegovy's approval is a big step forward in the fight against obesity.??
Novo Nordisk has unfurled the findings from the SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial, casting a spotlight on a new dawn for individuals grappling with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity. According to the company’s statement the results have been declared but it hasn’t been published by the company yet .
Unveiling the SELECT Trial
The SELECT trial started in 2018 aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of subcutaneous once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg as an addition to conventional therapy in avoiding major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) over a five-year period. This experiment included 17,604 people aged 45 and over who were all dealing with being overweight or obesity as well as cardiovascular disease. Notably, none of these people had a history of diabetes. The findings have moved the scientific community last week, as semaglutide 2.4 mg shows a reduction in MACEs by 20% when compared to the placebo group.All three components of the primary endpoint – cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke – contributed to reduction in cardiovascular risk.
Safety and Promise
Semaglutide 2.4 mg? showcased a safe and well-tolerated profile throughout the trial. These findings echo the outcomes of previous semaglutide 2.4 mg trials, affirming its potential as a cardioprotective agent.
A Paradigm Shift in Treatment
The results of the SELECT trial are a significant development in the fight against obesity. Wegovy is the first weight loss medication to be shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people with CVD. This means that Wegovy can be used to treat both obesity and CVD, which is a major unmet need in the medical community.
Martin Holst Lange, Executive Vice President for Development at Novo Nordisk, who funded the study, captured the significance of this breakthrough: "SELECT is a landmark trial and has demonstrated that semaglutide 2.4 mg has the potential to change how obesity is regarded and treated." This innovation addresses a critical gap in the medical landscape – a dearth of approved medications that can effectively manage weight while concurrently mitigating the risk of heart-related events.
If you are considering semaglutide or Wegovy for weight loss, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of these medications. Semaglutide and Wegovy are not for everyone, and they should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Is it the Magic Bullet for Obesity and Longevity ?
GLP drugs like Wegovy may be a good option for people who:
The SELECT research offers information on whether semaglutide medication can reduce cardiovascular events in this population with overweight or obesity but no diabetes. It assesses the cardiovascular effects of semaglutide in these numerous relevant subgroups of patients due to the wide range of relevant risk factors in this population.
The? results of this? trial sheds light on semaglutide being a cardioprotective agent in individuals with obesity. It is also important to understand that although the design of these studies often included a placebo arm with the purpose of maintaining blood glucose levels at a suitable range in order to avoid both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia based on local glycemic control standards, this was not always achieved.
The study was conducted on individuals with obesity and without diabetes, the effects of this drug on individuals with both obesity and diabetes is yet to be established.
The trial? results of semaglutide therapy have been? substantially associated with a decrease in the incidence of each of three cardiovascular disease outcomes; however, the magnitude of these reductions, as well as the length of treatment and follow-up, were not revealed.We don't know how much of the 20% reduction in cardiovascular events may be attributed to semaglutide's weight loss benefits, as opposed to its other direct effects on blood vessels or the heart, and additional research is still needed to figure this out.
It is important to understand that GLP drugs are not for everyone. As discussed in my previous newsletter? it should not be used by people with a history of pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, or medullary thyroid cancer. It should also not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
GLP -1 RA should be avoided by people with severe gastrointestinal illnesses such as gastroparesis and inflammatory bowel disease because of the impact of slower stomach emptying and probable worsening of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Though this is a major breakthrough in the world of weight loss drugs one should understand that Wegovy or any other obesity drug is not a magic bullet for weight loss. it will not do all the work for you. You still need to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Drugs like Wegovy is a brand-name medication, and it is not currently available as a generic. This means that it can be very expensive, even with insurance coverage. The out-of-pocket cost of Wegovy can vary depending on your insurance plan, but it can be as high as $1,300 per month. The safety and effectiveness of? these drugs in conjunction with other weight reduction treatments, such as prescription pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medications, and herbal therapies, have not been demonstrated.
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Lifestyle interventions, such as eating a healthy diet (have a look at My Recipes Journal to incorporate healthy recipes into your diet daily) and exercising regularly, are the foundation of any weight loss program. They are important for both the short-term and long-term success of weight loss.
You can try using Light Dumbbells regularly (available at Mito store) to strengthen your muscles and incorporate movement into your life.
However, for some people, lifestyle interventions may not be enough to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. In these cases, obesity drugs can be a helpful addition to a comprehensive weight loss plan.
Obesity drugs work by targeting different mechanisms in the body that contribute to weight gain. For example, some obesity drugs work by suppressing appetite, while others work by increasing energy expenditure.
When used in conjunction with lifestyle interventions, obesity drugs can help people lose more weight and keep it off than with lifestyle interventions alone. It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of GLP drugs with your doctor before deciding if it is right for you.
This new advancement in cardiovascular health and weight management,? has the potential to transform lives, forging new paths for improved quality of life and longevity.This development prompts us to rethink the future of healthcare. It's a reminder that innovation, be it in the form of obesity drugs, lifestyle interventions, or a synergy of both, is pushing the boundaries of what's possible. As we celebrate this leap in cardiovascular health and weight management, let's envision a world where science and lifestyle interventions collaborate to sculpt healthier lives.
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This newsletter is part of our ongoing series.
To? learn more about GLP drugs and weight loss , click on the link below to check out the previous newsletters dedicated to this topic.
Miracle or Debacle: The New Wonder Drug? Everything You Should Be Considering Before Starting a GLP-1 Receptor Drug For Weight Loss
Let's talk about healthcare in 2030 | Dr Marcus Ranney | TEDxSurat
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Source?
Business Owner at TKT home made mosla products
1 年Thanks for sharing
Founder & CEO - Welldercare Agetech private limited
1 年Very insightful article Marcus, wonder if a similar variation of this receptors is made in India .. Ultimately, a good exercise regime and being mindful of what goes in to our system is the best weight loss hack.