Study Reveals Semaglutide's Potential in Enhancing Heart Health Beyond Diabetes Treatment 

A recent study has revealed that semaglutide, a key component in weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic, may also play a crucial role in enhancing cardiovascular health in individuals who do not have diabetes.

This research involved over 17,000 participants and discovered that semaglutide, a medication that acts on the GLP-1 receptor, reduced the likelihood of cardiovascular incidents like heart attacks and strokes by 20% in individuals who are overweight, have a history of cardiovascular disease, but do not suffer from Type 2 diabetes.

Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, this study is particularly noteworthy because semaglutide was originally developed for treating Type 2 diabetes, a condition characterized by abnormal insulin response, affecting millions in the United States, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Recently, there has been a growing interest in semaglutide's effectiveness in aiding weight loss.

Funded by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy and Ozempic, this latest study highlights the broader potential of semaglutide.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has sanctioned Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes treatment in conjunction with diet and exercise when other medications are insufficient for controlling blood sugar levels.

While Ozempic is not formally endorsed for chronic weight management, it is often prescribed off-label for treating obesity.

Wegovy, which is essentially Ozempic at a higher dose, has received FDA approval for use in patients with severe obesity or those overweight with additional weight-related health issues like hypertension or high cholesterol.

Both medications function by decelerating food passage through the stomach and reducing appetite, leading to weight loss.

Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News' chief medical correspondent and a board-certified OB-GYN not involved in the study, shared insights on the potential mechanisms behind semaglutide's cardiovascular benefits.

Appearing on "Good Morning America," Dr. Ashton explained that ongoing research is uncovering new theories about semaglutide's effects. Studies in laboratory animals have indicated that semaglutide might decrease inflammation and promote plaque stability in arteries, reducing the likelihood of plaque detachment and artery blockage. It also appears to act similarly to a blood thinner by decreasing platelet aggregation in these animals.

Dr. Ashton emphasized that combining these effects with weight loss could lead to significant cardiovascular protection.

Did you know there are many things beyond your control that prevent you from losing weight? They include a sluggish metabolism, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and even resistance to insulin. Many people are unaware that they're living with one or more of these conditions. They've simply felt the effects when they struggle to slim down. Medical weight loss helps you take back control by correcting the ailments that force your body to hang onto unwanted fat. Under direct physician supervision, you’ll receive the right medications and vitamins to help your body break down its own fat cells. These can include powerful appetite suppressants like phentermine as well as injection treatments like HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and GLP-1 therapies like Ozempic and Wegovy. You do not need to have a medical condition to benefit from medical weight loss. In fact, several of our own physicians and nurses have gone through our programs with results that have lasted to this day.

In addition to our comprehensive medication options, we formulate our own exclusive injection compounds - Tirzepatide, which is even more effective and includes vitamin B six to counteract the G.I. side effects. Patients often come in seeking our popular injection, a potent lipotropic developed by our medical team to let you safely drop up to 3.5 pounds of body fat per week.

You may be wondering whether you’ll need to make extreme lifestyle changes to go through our weight loss programs. The answer is no. Medical weight loss allows you to shed significant body fat without any overly strenuous exercise. So long as you maintain a sensible healthy diet, your body continues to burn its own fat as fuel, resulting in continued weight reduction by the day. Of course, patients that exercise will absolutely notice a much better outcome especially with regards to weight loss and maintenance of your desired results. We really do also want to emphasize a lifestyle change. Please be careful with other Weight loss clinics that tell you that you do not have to eat healthier or work out at all and can just sit back and achieve fantastic results that will last your entire lifetime. That is just not realistic.

Thanks to our proven effective programs, giving yourself the gift of a fit, healthier mind and body no longer needs to be challenging or uncomfortable. If you’d like to learn more about how our programs can work for you, you're welcome to call or email our knowledgeable team. Our friendly staff will guide you to the right resources to help you make the best decision for you. We offer free consultations, 7 days a week.

Chicago Concierge Weight Loss Clinic offers a warm, supportive environment under the guidance of our physicians, led by Dr. Sam Speron. As a board-certified Plastic Surgeon, Anti-Aging Physician and Chief Medical Officer, he sets the standard for our dedicated team of doctors. All our physicians are board-certified and highly trained in obesity medicine. Just like Dr. Speron, they genuinely care about their patients and are committed to providing an exceptional experience throughout your unique weight loss journey.

We believe in a holistic approach to weight loss, focusing on both physical and emotional well-being. Our comprehensive program incorporates, weight loss medicine, supplements, regular lab work, nutrition counseling, fitness coaching, psychological therapy, skin tightening laser treatments, massages and ongoing support to empower you to make lasting changes. We are here to help you overcome any obstacles or setbacks while helping you celebrate your victories along the way to a new you.