The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a new indication for the weight loss medication, Wegovy (semaglutide). The FDA pointed out that “obesity or overweight affects approximately 70% of American adults.”
They state that these are “serious health issues that increase the risk for premature death and a variety of health problems, including heart attack and stroke.”
A high quality, multinational research study showed that Wegovy was superior to a placebo in its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
In addition to receiving either Wegovy or placebo, the research included standard medical treatment (e.g., blood pressure control), and “healthy lifestyle counseling, including diet and physical activity.”
The FDA noted that “Wegovy is also approved to reduce excess weight and maintain weight reduction long-term in certain adults with obesity or overweight and children with obesity, for use in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.”
Demonstration that Wegovy can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke increases its value as part of the treatment of obesity or overweight individuals. It should be given along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Peter M. Hartmann, MD
Family Medicine & Psychiatry
