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Another win for patients with heart failure and overweight/obesity! How so? Using data from the SELECT trial, a new study (1) involving over 4,000 patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure and overweight/obesity (BMI 27+) has shown promising results. Compared to those without heart failure, patients with heart failure who were treated with Wegovy (semaglutide) experienced a 28% lower risk of major adverse cardiac events aka MACE (heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death) and a 21% reduced risk of the composite heart failure endpoint (cardiovascular death or hospitalization or urgent hospital visit for heart failure). Compared to treatment with placebo, it was also clear that treatment with Wegovy led to better cardiovascular outcomes (see study for full details). Why is there so much hype about Wegovy? Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that continues to make headlines with its wide-ranging therapeutic impact. In addition to significant weight loss, studies show it improves glycemic control, reduces risk for cardiovascular disease in patients with established history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (1), and provides numerous cardiovascular benefits in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fracture and obesity (2, 3), among other benefits. Why is this study important? Currently, Wegovy is FDA-approved for two indications (1) weight loss (and maintenance) and (2) to reduce the risk of MACE in adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity/overweight. Findings like those described in patients with heart failure can potentially broaden the accessibility of Wegovy. As it stands, many insurance companies (including Medicare) refuse to cover medications FDA-approved for obesity treatment. Meanwhile, they may cover the medication for other indications, such as the newly approved indication for cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Medicare’s decision to cover Wegovy for this indication(4) was a step in the right direction to improving access to care. However, there is still a lot of work to be done. Final thoughts: Last but not least, Wegovy (and other similar medications) are not miracle drugs by themselves! They are to be used in combination with comprehensive lifestyle changes including healthy nutrition, increased physical activities and behaviors to support long-term weight management. They are not appropriate for everyone, and if used should be with the support and supervision of an experienced medical clinician. 1. The Lancet article: https://lnkd.in/g9jQhYqV 2. SELECT Trial: https://lnkd.in/gQ4Q-Fqf 3. STEP-HFpEF Trial: https://lnkd.in/gd5PfBJP 4. STEP-HFpEF DM Trial: https://lnkd.in/gSE9UwgE 5. Medicare coverage of Wegovy: https://lnkd.in/g2uq8BmG