Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) have discovered that widely used weight-loss medications can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events by 13%. The findings come from an analysis of data from more than 90,000 patients enrolled in large-scale international studies.
The study focused on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, a class of drugs that includes semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide. These medications are increasingly popular for their effectiveness in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Key Findings
Over an average follow-up of nearly three years, people who took GLP-1 receptor agonists were significantly less likely to suffer major adverse cardiovascular events—such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death—compared with those given a placebo. The risk reduction was approximately 13%.
The benefits were consistent across different patient groups, including those with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or existing heart disease. Additionally, the drugs were associated with lower rates of all-cause mortality, non-fatal heart attacks, non-fatal strokes, and hospital admissions for heart failure.
Significance of the Study
These new findings are particularly important because they focus on long-term benefits; only studies with a minimum one-year follow-up were considered. The results are independent of whether a patient has diabetes, suggesting broader applicability.
The review also found no major increase in serious safety risks, such as severe hypoglycaemia or acute pancreatitis, compared with placebo. While gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting were more common, these are already well-recognised and manageable.
Expert Commentary
Lead author Dr Simon Cork, Physiology lead at ARU's School of Medicine, stated: "This is the most comprehensive review to date of long-term cardiovascular outcome trials for GLP-1 receptor agonists. We know that one of the factors that weighs on people's minds when considering going onto these drugs is the potential long-term side effects."
"Our results show that, when taken over a prolonged period of at least one year, these medications do much more than help control blood sugar or weight. They significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death in people who are already vulnerable. We found the benefits to be consistent across different drugs, trial designs, and patient groups. This has important implications for clinical practice and health policy, particularly given that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the UK," Dr Cork added.
He concluded: "These drugs have the potential to become a key part of healthcare strategies, especially for people with type 2 diabetes or established heart disease. Using them earlier and more widely across populations could help prevent thousands of serious cardiovascular events."
