A recent study highlights the effectiveness of semaglutide in significantly reducing rates of cardiovascular and COVID-19-related deaths among overweight or obese patients.

Semaglutide and tirzepatide, both GLP-1 receptor agonists, are primarily used for treating type 2 diabetes and managing obesity by reducing appetite and slowing gastric emptying.

These medications are increasingly being prescribed off-label for type 1 diabetes in patients struggling with overweight or obesity.

The findings stem from a post hoc analysis of four SURMOUNT trials, which included data from 4,677 adults over a follow-up period of 72 to 88 weeks.

The study also analyzed 20,409 reports of adverse events, focusing on specific issues such as gastrointestinal disorders and diabetic retinopathy.

While the study did not exclusively target individuals with diabetes, its implications are particularly relevant given their increased vulnerability to infections.

The research emphasizes the importance of medication persistence, noting that those who adhered to treatment for a year experienced a greater average weight loss.

The results suggest that the benefits of these treatments extend beyond just weight loss and blood sugar control, although further scientific evidence is needed.

The SELECT trial, which included 17,604 participants aged 45 and older with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher, provided significant insights into the cardiovascular benefits of these medications.

Experts are calling for longer-term studies to fully understand the safety profile of tirzepatide and to conduct careful observational studies.

Researchers advocate for larger, prospective trials to better evaluate the safety and efficacy of these drugs in overweight and obese patients with type 1 diabetes.

Research indicates that different GLP-1 agonists have unique profiles, which may affect their effectiveness based on individual patient conditions.