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Wegovy® Leads in Reducing Cardiovascular Risks

Recent findings presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025 indicate that Wegovy® (semaglutide) 2.4 mg significantly lowers the risk of major cardiovascular events in individuals battling both obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Conducted as part of the STEER real-world study, this research suggests that patients using Wegovy® experienced a remarkable 57% greater reduction in risks for heart attacks, strokes, or death from any cause compared to those treated with tirzepatide.

Understanding the STEER Study

The STEER study employed real-world patient data to assess the outcomes of Wegovy® against tirzepatide in adults with overweight or obesity and documented history of cardiovascular disease. During the treatment phase, which had an average follow-up period of about 3.8 months for the Wegovy group and 4.3 months for the tirzepatide group, 15 cardiovascular events were reported among Wegovy® users (0.1%), in contrast to 39 events (0.4%) among tirzepatide users.

Furthermore, when encompassing all treated participants, regardless of gaps in their treatment, Wegovy® users showed a remarkable 29% reduction in risks for heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from any cause over an average follow-up of 8.3 months. The evidence continues to mount that the cardiovascular benefits attributed to Wegovy® are closely related to the semaglutide compound present in the medication.

Key Insights From the Research

Anna Windle, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development at Novo Nordisk, emphasized the significance of the STEER study by stating, "This study demonstrates that patients using Wegovy® had better cardiovascular outcomes compared to those on tirzepatide. This suggests that the cardiovascular advantages we observe cannot simply be applied to other drugs in the GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 classes."

The research also highlighted that Wegovy® reduced occurrences of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular-related deaths in a broader scope compared to tirzepatide users, reinforcing the drug's unique benefits.

Important Considerations

It is crucial to note that Wegovy® comes with a Boxed Warning due to the risk of possible thyroid tumors and should not be prescribed to patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue among others, underscoring the need for thorough patient assessment prior to prescribing this treatment.

The Global Call for Awareness

With nearly 21 million lives lost to cardiovascular diseases globally each year and rising obesity-related CVD mortality rates, the advancement in treatments like Wegovy® is paramount in public health discourse. As obesity directly correlates with increased cardiovascular risks and hospitalizations, it is more critical than ever to explore effective weight management solutions to mitigate these health issues.

Novo Nordisk’s commitment to responsible use and innovative treatment methods is indicative of their ongoing mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals dealing with chronic diseases like obesity and heart conditions.

The STEER study supports prior insights where clinical research has shown that semaglutide (Wegovy®) plays an essential role in addressing cardiovascular risks, paving the way for more tailored health solutions in managing obesity and its complications.

In conclusion, the STEER study findings are a reminder of the importance of ongoing research in real-world clinical settings, enabling health professionals to make informed decisions about the best treatment pathways for their patients struggling with obesity and related cardiovascular diseases. The evidence strongly supports that Wegovy® offers specific cardiovascular benefits that extend well beyond mere weight management, solidifying its place as a critical medication in combating obesity and improving heart health.