If you're battling obesity or overweight and are concerned about your heart health, Wegovy might be a game-changer. Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has shown promising results in weight management and in significantly reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events. At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we offer Wegovy because of our ongoing commitment to bringing you the most advanced treatments to improve your overall health and quality of life.
Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone in your body that helps regulate appetite and food intake, leading to substantial weight loss. But the benefits extend beyond just shedding pounds. Recent studies have demonstrated that Wegovy can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death. Let's explore the five significant ways Wegovy can help improve your heart health.
1. Reduces risk of major cardiovascular events
One of the most significant benefits of Wegovy is its ability to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. The SELECT trial, a large-scale clinical study, demonstrated that Wegovy reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events by 20% in adults with obesity and cardiovascular disease but without diabetes. This means that by using Wegovy, you could significantly lower your chances of experiencing life-threatening heart issues, offering a new lease on life for those battling both obesity and heart disease.
2. Promotes substantial weight loss
As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Wegovy mimics the action of a natural hormone that regulates appetite and food intake. It helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing your overall caloric intake and promoting weight loss. Clinical trials have shown that individuals using Wegovy can lose up to 15% of their body weight within 68 weeks, which directly contributes to better heart health. By reducing your weight, you can lower your blood pressure, decrease cholesterol levels, and reduce the strain on your heart.
3. Lowers blood pressure
High blood pressure is a common comorbidity with obesity and a significant risk factor for heart disease. Wegovy has been shown to help lower blood pressure in addition to promoting weight loss. The medication's ability to improve vascular function and reduce arterial stiffness contributes to these beneficial effects. By lowering your blood pressure, Wegovy helps to reduce the workload on your heart and the risk of damage to your cardiovascular system, leading to better long-term heart health outcomes.
4. Improves cholesterol levels
Managing cholesterol levels is essential for preventing heart disease. Wegovy has been found to positively impact lipid profiles, including lowering low-density li