The study, presented at a medical conference, revealed a 20% decline in the risk of heart attack and stroke among patients categorized as “overweight” or “obese” based on their body mass index (BMI).
Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy has demonstrated significant potential in reducing the risk of recurring heart attacks and strokes in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions
Led by Dr. Michael Lincoff of the Cleveland Clinic and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the findings extend the prior benefits observed in high-risk individuals with type 2 diabetes and elevated BMI. All participants were already undergoing standard-of-care therapy for high blood pressure and cholesterol, indicating an additional advantage beyond conventional treatment.
The study suggests that Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy represents a new class of weight-loss drugs with unprecedented health benefits. Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist, anticipates potential shifts in insurance coverage, envisioning challenges for CMS to deny a drug that reduces the likelihood of subsequent heart attacks or strokes. Currently, many insurance plans do not cover the costs of weight-loss medications.
Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, priced at over $1,300 per month, exhibits the promise of substantial weight loss up to 15% when combined with exercise and a healthy diet
The Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy highlights its impact on metabolic health, with impressive reductions in abnormal blood sugar levels compared to a placebo. The drug’s positive effects on blood pressure, inflammation, and cardiovascular health raise hopes for a transformative approach to obesity treatment.
However, concerns linger about the drug’s high cost and potential long-term effects, as experts emphasize the need for sustained medication use. Novo Nordisk is also exploring Wegovy’s applications in populations at risk for liver disease, peripheral artery disease, and arthritis, indicating the drug’s expanding role in addressing various health concerns.