Semaglutide Study

One of the largest studies on the effect of a new class of weight-loss drugs on mortality found regular use of semaglutides reduces the risk of death from all causes by almost 20% for patients who are overweight or obese. The results are the latest to suggest the drugs may have wide-ranging health benefits beyond their traditional use in treating diabetes.

Semaglutides like Wegovy and Ozempic (functionally the same drug, w/video) act by mimicking a naturally produced hormone known as GLP-1. The molecule is produced in the gut and prompts the body to produce insulin while dampening cravings for food. 

The study administered the drug once a week to patients aged 45 and older. Compared to a placebo group, the recipients showed a 15% drop in cardiovascular death and a 23% drop in COVID-19-related death (see abstract). 

Roughly 40% of US adults are considered clinically obese, a major risk factor for heart disease.