Semaglutide, a medication widely recognised for its role in weight management, is now showing significant promise in a broader health capacity. New research indicates that taking semaglutide can substantially lower the risk of serious cardiovascular events, irrespective of an individual’s weight loss achieved or whether they have diabetes. This groundbreaking finding, published in The Lancet, suggests that the benefits of semaglutide extend beyond its impact on body mass.
Researchers at University College London (UCL) have been at the forefront of this investigation. Their analysis revealed that semaglutide drugs, including well-known brands like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, can reduce the occurrence of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) by a notable four percent for every five kilograms of body weight lost or a five-centimetre reduction in waist circumference. MACE is defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attacks, and non-fatal strokes.
The comprehensive study, funded by Novo Nordisk, involved a substantial cohort of 17,604 participants from 41 countries. These individuals were all aged 45 years or older, were classified as overweight, and had pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) but did not have diabetes.
The scientists involved in the study highlighted that these findings point towards multiple mechanisms through which semaglutide benefits the heart. They stated that the drug’s protective effect on cardiovascular health is unlikely to be solely attributed to weight loss. Instead, the benefits may stem from a combination of factors, including:
- Supporting the health of the lining of blood vessels.
- Reducing inflammation throughout the body.
- Improving blood pressure control.
- Lowering unhealthy lipid levels.
Professor John Deanfield, a leading cardiologist at the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science and the study’s lead author, commented on the significance of these findings. He noted that abdominal fat is inherently more dangerous to cardiovascular health than overall body weight. Therefore, the observed link between a reduction in waist size and cardiovascular benefits is not entirely unexpected. However, he emphasised that even with this understanding, approximately two-thirds of the heart benefits attributed to semaglutide remain unexplained by weight reduction alone.
Professor Deanfield further elaborated, stating that these discoveries necessitate a re-evaluation of our understanding of this medication. “It is labelled as a weight-loss jab, but its benefits for the heart are not directly related to the amount of weight lost,” he explained. “In fact, it is a drug that directly affects heart disease and other diseases of ageing.” This reframing suggests that semaglutide may possess direct therapeutic actions on the cardiovascular system, independent of its weight-reducing properties.
Obesity and the Increased Risk of Infectious Diseases
Beyond its cardiovascular implications, obesity is also a significant risk factor for severe outcomes from infectious diseases. A separate study published in The Lancet journal revealed that individuals suffering from obesity are approximately 70 percent more likely to be hospitalised or die from infectious diseases, including influenza, COVID-19, and pneumonia.
This extensive research, conducted by scientists from the UK and Finland, analysed data from over 500,000 individuals. The findings were clear: those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher faced a substantially elevated risk compared to individuals with a healthy BMI, which falls between 18.5 and 24.9. The study also indicated that this risk escalates progressively with increasing body weight.
Dr Solja Nyberg from the University of Helsinki, the study’s first author, expressed concern that this problem is likely to intensify. “As obesity rates are expected to rise globally, so will the number of deaths and hospitalisations from infectious diseases linked to obesity,” she warned.
Dr Nyberg stressed the urgent need for proactive measures. “To reduce the risk of severe infections, as well as other health issues linked with obesity, there is an urgent need for policies that help people stay healthy and support weight-loss, such as access to affordable healthy food and opportunities for physical activity,” she advised. In the interim, she underscored the critical importance for individuals living with obesity to remain up-to-date with their vaccinations to mitigate these risks.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that obesity has been linked to 3.7 million deaths globally in 2024. Projections indicate that if robust action is not taken, the number of people living with obesity could double by 2030. In response to this growing crisis, the WHO recently released its inaugural guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for managing obesity, recognising it as a chronic and relapsing condition requiring comprehensive care.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, articulated the organisation’s commitment: “Obesity is a major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing by supporting countries and people worldwide to control it effectively and equitably. Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care.”
Childhood Obesity: A Silent and Growing Crisis
The issue of obesity is not confined to adults; it is also a significant and escalating concern in children. Childhood obesity is defined as a long-term health condition where a child’s weight exceeds the healthy range for their age, height, and sex. According to Mayo Clinic, medical professionals classify it as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children aged two years and older.
Recent trends have shown a particularly worrying surge in childhood obesity cases in countries like India, especially in urban areas. This rise is largely attributed to shifts in lifestyle, increased consumption of unhealthy diets, and a decrease in physical activity.
In the United States, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the period 2017–2020 revealed that approximately 19.7% of children and adolescents between the ages of two and 19 were classified as obese, equating to roughly 14.7 million young people. The prevalence varied by age group, with 12.7% of two- to five-year-olds, 20.7% of six- to 11-year-olds, and 22.2% of 12- to 19-year-olds affected.
Dr Vivek Jain, Senior Director & Unit Head of Paediatrics at Fortis Hospital, explains that the sharp increase in childhood obesity in recent years is a complex issue driven by multiple factors. He points to children spending more time engaged with screens, reduced opportunities for outdoor play, and the prevalence of online classes, all of which contribute to lower activity levels. Simultaneously, fast food, sugary beverages, and processed snacks have become staple components of children’s diets.
Modern lifestyles further exacerbate the problem by encouraging frequent dining out, reliance on pre-packaged and processed meals, and irregular eating patterns. Compounded by limited access to safe play spaces, demanding academic schedules, and a family history of obesity, the risks for children become even more pronounced.
The long-term consequences of untreated childhood obesity are stark. It often persists into adulthood, significantly increasing the likelihood of developing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and even certain types of cancer. Addressing this silent crisis requires a multi-faceted approach involving lifestyle changes, improved dietary habits, increased physical activity, and supportive public health policies.
