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Wegovy Significantly Reduces Cardiovascular Risk Compared to Tirzepatide, New Study Reveals
Table of Contents
- 1. Wegovy Significantly Reduces Cardiovascular Risk Compared to Tirzepatide, New Study Reveals
- 2. key Findings of the STEER Study
- 3. Understanding the Scope of the Problem
- 4. Study Design and Methodology
- 5. Building on Previous Research
- 6. Wegovy®: A Vital Treatment Option
- 7. The Rising Prevalence of Obesity and Heart Disease
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions about Wegovy® and Cardiovascular Health
- 9. what specific percentage reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was observed in the SELECT trial with Wegovy® compared to placebo?
- 10. Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy® Reduces Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke: A Breakthrough in Diabetes and Heart Health Management
- 11. Wegovy® and Cardiovascular Risk reduction: The SELECT Trial Findings
- 12. Understanding Semaglutide and its Mechanism of Action
- 13. Who Benefits Most from Wegovy® for Cardiovascular Protection?
- 14. Wegovy® vs. Other Weight Loss Medications: A Comparative Look
- 15. Potential Side Effects and contraindications
Bagswaard, denmark – August 31, 2025 – Groundbreaking data unveiled today at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2025 in Madrid, Spain, indicates that Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4 mg) offers significantly greater protection against major cardiovascular events compared to tirzepatide. The real-world STEER study examined outcomes in individuals with obesity or overweight and established cardiovascular disease (CVD) without diabetes.
key Findings of the STEER Study
Researchers found that Wegovy® demonstrated a remarkable 57% greater reduction in the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from any cause in patients consistently adhering to treatment, when compared to those treated with tirzepatide.Moreover, Wegovy® showed a 29% risk reduction for these events in all treated individuals, even accounting for interruptions in therapy, according to the study presented.
Ludovic Helfgott,executive vice president and head of Product & Portfolio Strategy at Novo Nordisk,emphasized the significance of the findings. “These results clearly demonstrate that Wegovy® substantially cuts the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death by 57% compared to tirzepatide,” he stated. “This data reinforces that semaglutide possesses unique cardiovascular benefits not shared by other GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1-based medications.”
Understanding the Scope of the Problem
Cardiovascular Disease remains the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, claiming nearly 21 million lives annually. Obesity is a major contributing factor to cardiovascular morbidity, mortality, and hospitalizations. Recent data indicates a concerning increase in cardiovascular deaths linked to obesity, with two-thirds of obesity-related fatalities tied to heart conditions.
Study Design and Methodology
The STEER study was a retrospective, observational analysis utilizing data from the US komodo Research database. It included over 10,625 individuals in each treatment group, matched to ensure comparability. The study assessed the incidence of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE), including heart attack, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, coronary revascularization, and death. The average follow-up period ranged from 3.8 to 8.6 months, depending on the analysis.
| Metric | Wegovy® Group | Tirzepatide Group |
|---|---|---|
| Total Patients | 10,625 | 10,625 |
| Average follow-Up (Consistent Treatment) | 3.8 months | 4.3 months |
| Average follow-Up (All Treated) | 8.3 months | 8.6 months |
| MACE Events (Consistent Treatment) | 15 (0.1%) | 39 (0.4%) |
| Risk Reduction (Consistent Treatment) | 57% | – |
| Risk Reduction (All Treated) | 29% | – |
Did you know? Real-world studies like STEER are critical for confirming the benefits observed in controlled clinical trials and assessing how medications perform in diverse patient populations.
Building on Previous Research
These findings complement the positive outcomes demonstrated in the landmark SELECT trial, which showed a 20% reduction in cardiovascular events with Wegovy®. Another real-world study,SCORE,further reinforced these benefits,cementing Wegovy’s role in cardiovascular protection for individuals with obesity and heart disease.
Wegovy®: A Vital Treatment Option
Wegovy® is currently approved in the EU as an adjunct to diet and exercise for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related health condition. It is indeed also approved for pediatric patients aged 12 and older with obesity.In the US, Wegovy® is indicated for reducing the risk of MACE in adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight.
The Rising Prevalence of Obesity and Heart Disease
The global obesity epidemic continues to fuel a surge in cardiovascular disease cases. According to the World Health Organization, prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled as 1975. This trend underscores the urgent need for effective prevention and treatment strategies, including medications like Wegovy®, coupled with lifestyle interventions.
Pro Tip: Maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of diet, exercise, and, when appropriate, medical intervention, is a cornerstone of cardiovascular health.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wegovy® and Cardiovascular Health
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance on weight management
what specific percentage reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was observed in the SELECT trial with Wegovy® compared to placebo?
Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy® Reduces Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke: A Breakthrough in Diabetes and Heart Health Management
Wegovy® and Cardiovascular Risk reduction: The SELECT Trial Findings
Recent data from the SELECT trial, a large-scale cardiovascular outcomes trial, has demonstrated a meaningful reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) – including heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death – in adults with obesity and established cardiovascular disease receiving Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg). This marks a pivotal moment in the treatment of both diabetes and heart disease, expanding the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists beyond glycemic control. The findings, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, show a 20% reduction in MACE with Wegovy® compared to placebo. This is particularly impactful given that obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Understanding Semaglutide and its Mechanism of Action
Wegovy® contains semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes management (marketed as Ozempic® at a lower dose), semaglutide mimics the effects of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that:
Enhances insulin secretion: Stimulates the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar levels are high.
Suppresses glucagon secretion: Reduces the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.
Slows gastric emptying: Promotes a feeling of fullness, leading to reduced food intake.
Reduces appetite: acts on the brain to decrease hunger and cravings.
thes combined effects contribute to weight loss and, as the SELECT trial demonstrates, significant cardiovascular benefits. the impact on weight management is crucial, as even modest weight loss (5-10%) can dramatically improve cardiovascular health markers.
Who Benefits Most from Wegovy® for Cardiovascular Protection?
The SELECT trial specifically enrolled individuals with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater (obesity) and established cardiovascular disease, such as a history of heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. Thus, the primary beneficiaries of Wegovy® for cardiovascular risk reduction are:
Individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²)
Patients with pre-existing heart conditions (coronary artery disease, stroke history, peripheral artery disease)
Those struggling to manage their weight through lifestyle interventions alone (diet and exercise).
Individuals with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors, even if already on other medications.
Wegovy® vs. Other Weight Loss Medications: A Comparative Look
While several weight loss medications are available, Wegovy® stands out due to its demonstrated cardiovascular benefits. Here’s a brief comparison:
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Cardiovascular Benefit (Evidence) |
|———————-|—————————————————|———————————–|
| Wegovy® (Semaglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Significant MACE reduction (SELECT trial) |
| Orlistat | Blocks fat absorption | Limited/No direct cardiovascular benefit |
| Phentermine/Topiramate | Appetite suppressant/Appetite suppressant & anticonvulsant | Limited data, potential for increased heart rate |
| Liraglutide (Saxenda) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Some cardiovascular benefit observed in diabetes trials |
It’s vital to note that individual responses to medications vary, and a healthcare professional should guide treatment decisions.
Potential Side Effects and contraindications
Like all medications, Wegovy® can cause side effects. Common side effects include:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Abdominal pain
These side effects are typically mild to moderate and often subside with continued use.However, more serious side effects are possible, though rare.
Critically important Contraindications (based on available facts as of 2025-08-31):
Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC): Wegovy® is contraindicated in individuals with a history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplas
