April 6, 2024

expert reaction to study looking at semaglutide and obesity-related heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine looks at semaglutide and heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Prof James Leiper, Associate Medical Director, British Heart Foundation, said:

“This new, high-quality research uses robust data to show us that weight loss drugs like Wegovy can reduce heart failure symptoms and promote weight loss.  Semaglutides could potentially improve outcomes for patients with heart failure with ejection fraction caused by obesity who have type-2 diabetes.  The team confirmed findings from previous studies that also showed the heart positive benefits of these drugs in the short term.

“We look forward to more research that can shed a light on the potential benefits of semaglutides for people with heart failure and encourage studies to look at a more diverse range of patients over a longer period of time.  It is only with discoveries like this can we continue to make strides in treatment for those living with heart failure.”

Prof Naveed Sattar, Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine/Honorary Consultant, University of Glasgow, said:

“This new well conducted trial suggests once again we have underestimated the impact of excess weight in the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.  Preventing obesity remains critically important but newer treatments that help people living with obesity lose decent amounts of weight could help improve the lives of many living with heart failure, and many other conditions associated with obesity.  Robust randomised trials are needed to also ensure these drugs are not only beneficial but also safe and the evidence here is also mounting and reassuring.”

‘Semaglutide in Patients with Obesity-Related Heart Failure and Type 2 Diabetes’ by M.N. Kosiborod et al. was published in the NEJM at 21:15 UK time on Saturday 6 April 2024.

DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2313917

Declared interests

Prof Naveed Sattar: “I have consulted for many companies that own weight loss drugs including Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim,  Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

I have also contributed to many funded trials of low calorie diets in a range of clinical conditions.”

For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.