This popular weight loss drug has been trialed to see how effective it is in obese individuals.
Based on the results, semaglutide, which is sold under the name "Wegovy," can actually reverse heart failure complications.
This Weight Loss Drug Could Reverse Heart Failure Symptoms
According to Interesting Engineering's latest report, scientists tested Wegovy in 529 heart failure patients as they tried to find a solution for heart failure symptoms.
Before the health trial, Wegovy was only known for targeting diabetes and obesity. But, thanks to a major trial, experts discovered that it is also quite efficient in lessening heart failure symptoms.
The anti-obesity drug can also improve overall heart health by reducing blood pressure and inflammation.
CNN reported that the use of Wegovy, which is funded by drugmaker Novo Nordisk, could now be expanded.
The health trial is a big deal because Wegovy can be added as a new treatment option for health complications where treatments are limited, such as heart failure.
As of writing, statistics estimated that more than 80% of heart failure patients in the United States are also overweight.
If further trials can provide more proof that Wegovy can help heart failure, then it would greatly help Americans suffering from obesity.
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How Effective is Wegovy in Reducing Heart Failure Symptoms?
The latest trial showed that Wegovy can help heart failure patients who are experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling, as well as those having problems exerting themselves.
Involved researchers confirmed that patients who received Wegovy witnessed a 17-point improvement in HFpEF symptoms.
They also underwent a 13% body weight loss. This is higher compared to patients who only had a placebo effect; they only witnessed a 9-point improvement in HFpEF and lost around 2% of their body weight.
"This is the largest treatment benefit we've ever seen for that endpoint in this patient population with any drug," said Dr. Mikhail Kosiborod.
Dr. Kosiborod, who is also the vice president for research at Saint Luke's Mid-America Heart Institute, shared his opinion ahead of the European Society of Cardiology meeting.
