A groundbreaking study has revealed that individuals taking the so-called miracle weight-loss drug Semaglutide have a lower mortality rate and fewer adverse reactions when infected with COVID-19. Published last Friday (August 30th) on the website of the prestigious Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), these findings suggest that Semaglutide may offer broader health benefits than previously anticipated.
Source: JACC Official Website
The study found that patients who received a weekly injection of 2.4 mg of Semaglutide had fewer deaths directly related to COVID-19 compared to those on a placebo (43 vs. 65). Additionally, the Semaglutide group had a lower all-cause mortality rate from severe adverse events related to COVID-19 (46 vs. 69).
These data come from the well-known phase III trial SELECT, which began before the COVID-19 pandemic and has already shown that Semaglutide has potential in reducing the risk of severe cardiovascular diseases.
Benjamin Scirica, a co-author of the paper, has stated that in his own research, patients treated with Semaglutide saw a 29% reduction in non-cardiac event-related mortality. He added that weight does not seem to be the primary mediator in this discovery.
The JACC study also showed that Semaglutide improved symptoms related to heart failure, inflammation, and a range of other functions, and reduced mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease, potentially propelling the drug beyond its miracle weight-loss label.
In the United States, the 2.4 mg dose of Semaglutide is marketed under the brand name Wegovy (Novo Nordisk) for obesity treatment and Ozempic (Novo Nordisk) for type 2 diabetes.
Harlan Krumholz, a cardiologist at Yale School of Medicine and the editor-in-chief of JACC, told the media, I’m starting to think that weight loss is just a ‘side effect’ of this drug; they are genuinely promoting health.
Source: Novo Nordisk Official Website
Krumholz further commented, I mainly think about cardiovascular metabolic health, but Semaglutide may have other mechanisms that make us healthier. To some extent, it has already helped us fight some of the adverse effects of COVID-19.
However, he also noted that more research is needed to understand the drug’s impact on the human body. In July, a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggested an association between taking Semaglutide and an increased risk of developing non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
The Potential Beyond Weight Loss
The findings raise questions about the drug’s potential benefits beyond weight loss. Semaglutide’s impact on COVID-19 mortality and its ability to improve various health markers suggest it may have a role in broader health management. As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic, such discoveries offer hope for new treatments that can tackle multiple health issues simultaneously.
Conclusion
While the results are promising, it is crucial to approach these findings with caution. Further research and clinical trials are necessary to validate the long-term effects and safety of Semaglutide. As the medical community delves deeper into understanding this drug, it may unlock even more surprising benefits that could revolutionize the way we treat various health conditions.
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