At Heart Failure 2024, Prof. John Deanfield presented research on Semaglutide, a weight loss drug that potentially reduces the need for diuretics in HFpEF patients.

The study, involving 1,145 obese patients, indicated that Semaglutide not only promotes weight loss but also improves heart failure metrics, hinting at disease-modifying attributes.

Further analyses highlighted Semaglutide's efficacy in rapid and sustained weight loss over four years, and in reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death.

An average weight loss of 10% was maintained for 208 weeks with Semaglutide usage, and cardiovascular risk reduction was observed even in non-losing weight participants.

A separate study on over 17,000 adults showed a 20% lower risk of major cardiovascular events with Semaglutide, independent of initial weight or weight loss.

Research suggests Semaglutide could be widely prescribed in the UK for considerable cardiovascular benefits.

Another drug, Retatrutide, was found to potentially surpass Semaglutide and Ozempic in weight loss effectiveness in a trial.

Despite promising results, GLP-1 drugs like Semaglutide are linked to severe stomach problems, necessitating caution and further study.

The findings have not yet been peer-reviewed and raise discussions on insurance coverage and benefits for non-obese individuals with a history of cardiovascular events.