The prevalence of both obesity and type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly, leading to complications such as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition with poor prognosis and life-limiting symptoms. There are currently no effective treatments for obesity-related HFpEF in people with type 2 diabetes. New research indicates that semaglutide (Wegovy), commonly used for weight loss, may reduce symptoms of heart failure in individuals with both conditions. With the rising rates of obesity worldwide, there is an urgent need for effective treatments for related health conditions, especially as the risk of heart failure is high among those with both obesity and type 2 diabetes.
HFpEF is a common form of heart failure in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, affecting up to half of those with diabetes and leading to a severely impaired quality of life and reduced life expectancy. Despite the prevalence of HFpEF, current treatments do not effectively target obesity-related HFpEF in people with type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed as Wegovy or Ozempic, has shown promise in reducing symptoms of HFpEF in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, in addition to its role in regulating blood sugar and promoting weight loss.
In a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that participants with HFpEF, obesity, and type 2 diabetes who were treated with semaglutide experienced improvements in heart failure symptoms, weight loss, and inflammation levels compared to those receiving a placebo. Semaglutide was previously approved by the FDA for long-term weight management and treatment for obesity, and studies have demonstrated its ability to reduce cardiovascular risks in individuals with obesity. The recent trial aimed to test semaglutide’s efficacy in treating HFpEF in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Participants in the trial received weekly injections of semaglutide or a placebo for 52 weeks, along with other medications commonly used for heart failure management. The primary endpoints of the study were changes in heart failure symptoms, weight loss, 6-minute walk distance, and inflammation levels. Participants in the semaglutide group showed significant improvements in heart failure symptoms, weight loss, and inflammation levels compared to the placebo group. The benefits of semaglutide in HFpEF may be attributed to its effects on decongestion, vascular function, inflammation, and insulin resistance, independent of weight loss.
Experts in the field see promise in the findings of this study, suggesting that semaglutide could be an effective treatment for heart failure associated with diabetes. Dr. Wright, a cardiologist not involved in the research, emphasized the importance of GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors as cornerstone therapies for individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity, as opposed to traditional treatments with metformin and insulin. Dr. Ali, a bariatric surgeon, welcomed the study’s findings and suggested that further research comparing semaglutide with other medications for diabetes and heart failure could provide valuable insights. While the precise mechanisms of semaglutide’s benefits in HFpEF are still speculative, the study offers hope for improved treatments for individuals with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure.
