Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy Shows Major Breakthrough in Treating Heart Failure
A new medical study has found that the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy not only helps reduce body weight but also significantly improves symptoms for patients suffering from the most common type of heart failure. The trial, conducted on over 500 patients with obesity and heart failure, revealed that those taking the drug reported far better quality of life and physical function compared to those on placebo. Experts are calling the findings a potential game-changer in heart care and obesity management.
The study, funded by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, tested a 2.4-milligram weekly dose of semaglutide—the active ingredient in Wegovy—on patients diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Results showed a 17-point improvement on a clinical scale used to measure symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty with physical activity, while the placebo group showed only a 9-point gain. Additionally, participants using the drug lost an average of 13% of their body weight over the course of a year, compared to just 2.6% among those not using it.
Medical experts say this is the largest treatment benefit ever recorded for this type of heart condition, which affects millions worldwide. Dr. Mikhail Kosiborod, who led the research, noted that the drug helps patients not only through weight loss but also by reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular function. Side effects were minimal, with only a few patients discontinuing treatment due to mild gastrointestinal discomfort—already known for this class of drugs.
The success of Wegovy could transform treatment for patients struggling with both obesity and heart disease. Health professionals believe the findings could lead to expanded approvals for the drug beyond weight loss and diabetes management. As global demand for Wegovy continues to rise, doctors say the breakthrough marks a new era in understanding obesity—not just as a lifestyle issue, but as a key factor in heart health that deserves serious medical attention.