How Long Does The Impact of Wegovy on Weight Loss Last?
Wegovy has been making headlines for its impressive long-term weight loss results. The drug has been found to sustain weight loss for up to four years, a significant achievement in the field of obesity treatment. This was demonstrated in the SELECT trial, a major study conducted by Novo Nordisk, which showed that users maintained weight loss for at least four years across all sexes, races, body sizes, and geographic groups.
But the benefits of Wegovy extend beyond weight loss. The drug shows significant cardiovascular benefits and appears to reduce the risk of heart disease independently of weight loss. It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight.
The SELECT Trial: A Closer Look
The SELECT trial was a landmark study that tested the long-term effects of Wegovy on weight loss and cardiovascular health. The trial ran from 2018 to 2023 and involved more than 17,600 adults from 41 countries who had pre-existing cardiovascular disease and a BMI ≥27 but no history of diabetes.
The results of the SELECT trial were groundbreaking. The trial found that Wegovy enabled patients who are overweight or obese to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss for at least four years. This was observed across all sexes, races, body sizes, and geographic groups. The trial also reported fewer serious adverse events with Wegovy than with a placebo.
Perhaps most excitingly, the SELECT trial was the first to show that Wegovy, which contains a higher dose of semaglutide, also lowers the risk of heart disease even in people who don’t have diabetes. This supports the idea that Wegovy could be used as a heart failure treatment as well as an obesity medication.
SELECT TRIAL SUMMARY
- Duration: The trial ran from 2018 to 2023.
- Participants: It involved more than 17,600 adults from 41 countries who had pre-existing cardiovascular disease and a BMI ≥27 but no history of diabetes.
- Results: The trial found that Wegovy enabled patients who are overweight or obese to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss for at least four years. This was observed across all sexes, races, body sizes, and geographic groups.
- Safety: The trial reported fewer serious adverse events with Wegovy than with a placebo.
- Cardiovascular Benefits: The trial was the first to show that Wegovy, which contains a higher dose of semaglutide, also lowers the risk of heart disease even in people who don’t have diabetes.
Conclusion
The results of the SELECT trial have contributed to the growing popularity of Wegovy as a treatment for obesity and its potential use in treating heart disease. With about 25,000 people starting Wegovy every week, it’s clear that this medication is a game changer in the fight against obesity and cardiovascular disease.
