Here at Bodyline, we are absolutely delighted to see the reporting in mainstream media outlets that semaglutide, the main ingredient in Ozempic and WeGovy has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks in users.
Scientists and researchers have now concluded that the weekly injections could help millions of people with their cardiovascular health problems. The study by University College London saw improvement in the more than 17,000 over-44s that took part. Though the results have not been published in a journal yet, the exciting news made headlines as the clinical leads announced that semaglutide could have a positive impact on heart health. The health indicators that improved included blood sugar, blood pressure or inflammation, as well as direct effects on the heart muscle and vessels.
This announcement only proves what many in the industry already knew thanks to the SELECT trial funded by pharmaceutical producer Novo Nordisk, which concluded similar exciting results. This trial found a reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as a result of weekly semaglutide administration. They actually specified a decrease in the risk of events such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure by 20%.
These exciting benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonist injections are incredibly promising for public health in general. That’s why we want to explain why this research is important, and why it matters for agencies and private employers to ensure the wide availability of these drugs.
The United Kingdom’s Heart Health Problems
According to the British Heart Foundation, it is estimated that over half of the United Kingdom’s population will get a heart and circulatory disease in our lifetimes. The problem is huge and has quite an impact on our resources and economy; every single day 270 people are admitted to hospital with a heart and circulatory disease, with 7.6 million people currently living with some form of heart problem at this very moment.
It is estimated that cardiovascular disease has indirect costs of £7billion on the UK’s economy each year. This is due to loss of productivity and the national healthcare burden, from the mortality and morbidity (suffering with the disease). However, the problems are and always have been preventable.
The British Heart Foundation also published the main causes of heart disease: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and inactivity. Obesity, smoking, and inactivity are certainly preventable in 2024.
However, research by Imperial College London predicts that a fifth of the world’s population will be obese by 2025, and the UK currently ranks at the very top of Europe’s obesity league. Why? Experts largely describe the sedentary jobs, poor diet, and unhealthy lifestyle choices of the population that are contributing to weight gain in recent years. This of course, in turn, is increasing the risk of heart disease.
This rise in obesity rates has significant implications for the economy, workplaces, and the overall well-being of individuals. That’s why we believe it is crucial for employers to recognize the impact of obesity and related cardiovascular disease on their workforce and take proactive measures to address this issue. With obesity rates rising, as does the risk of deaths due to cardiovascular disease. As such, the negative impact of obesity on health cannot be ignored, making it imperative for workplaces to prioritize the health and well-being of their employees.
GLP-1 weight loss injections, are they the answer?
The exciting benefits of WeGovy and Ozempic, injections containing the active ingredient semaglutide, are clearly going beyond weight loss. Once again, the medication has been called a game-changer. But what is it and why does it work for heart health?
Well, GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in our intestines after eating a meal. The medications were initially produced by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk to aid those with type 2 diabetes as it regulated glycaemic control.
However, in clinical trials they found that through its mechanism of action, a GLP-1 agonist could help increase feelings of fullness, leading to lower calorie intake and therefore game-changing weight loss.
With semaglutide, studies saw users see significant weight loss, a 15% loss of body weight on average. This in and of itself would lower blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and decrease blood pressure, all of which impact cardiovascular health by reducing the effects of obesity.
There are now a variety of GLP-1 agonists on the market, including semaglutide seen used in WeGovy, liraglutide which is branded as Saxenda, and tirzepatide also known as Mounjaro. Tirzepatide actually holds a dual acting mechanism, as it also includes GIP incretin producing hormones which helps to produce average losses of over 20% of starting weight, way ahead of the other GLP-1 available in the UK.
The use of GLP-1 agonist weight loss medications is already making huge strides in combatting obesity and therefore reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is especially the case since the main indicators of CVD risk are body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference – both reducing when individuals use GLP-1 agonists as part of their weight loss programme.
Scientists are predicting ‘radical change’ in the future of NHS’ heart health approach, which is incredibly exciting for ten years’ time, but for now limits the benefits of these groundbreaking results to our future selves.
Here at Bodyline, we already offer game changing treatments for those looking to combat obesity within fully supported medical weight loss programmes, offering semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide to those who are eligible.
The promising results of tirzepatide
Tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro, is one of the most recently approved GLP-1 injectable medications, being confirmed as a new obesity treatment by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in November 2023.
Tirzepatide’s dual acting medication has produced groundbreaking results in promoting weight loss, surpassing the results of semaglutide and other weight loss medications. But the boosted weight loss results aren’t the only benefits of tirzepatide – clinical studies have shown tirzepatide to significantly reduce blood pressure, both diastolic and systolic, and ongoing trials will explore its impact on the reduction of MACE.
These benefits to heart health supposedly come because GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide stimulate the inner lining of blood vessels and veins to produce nitric oxide, reduce oxidative stress, and have anti-inflammatory effects.
The exciting results of weight loss injections like WeGovy and Mounjaro are changing the landscape of weight and heart health as we currently know it, and the team here at Bodyline are ready to be part of that change.
Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.
What we do at Bodyline
At Bodyline, we provide fully supported medical weight loss programmes designed to support individuals in achieving their weight loss goals. Our services can be used both remotely and in our clinics in the Northwest of England.
We’ve helped over 100,000 people see complete transformations by taking a holistic, personalised approach, considering individual needs, preferences, and medical history.
It is vital to note that we only prescribe GLP-1 and GLP-1 / GIP receptor agonists if you qualify for them according to national health guidelines, and if you are not on any contraindicated medications. We also offer tried and tested oral medications that guarantee healthy weight loss.
To find out if you are eligible for Mounjaro, WeGovy, or our other weight loss programmes proven to help, just get in touch with our helpful customer service team.
Our weight loss programmes provide comprehensive support, tailored treatment plans, and ongoing guidance to help individuals on their weight health journey. Remember, prioritising weight health is an investment in your overall well-being and quality of life.If you’re ready to take control of your weight health, contact Bodyline today at 0800 995 6036 or fill in an online contact form for a call back.
